What Is the Difference Between Inspite and Despite With Rules and Examples
The difference between "in spite of" and "despite" often confuses students preparing for school tests, competitive exams, or improving their English writing. These prepositions of contrast are common in questions and daily usage. Understanding how to use "in spite of" vs "despite" correctly will strengthen both written and spoken English. This guide, curated by Vedantu English experts, breaks the confusion with rules, examples, and practice.
| Expression | Meaning | Correct Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| In spite of | Even though; regardless of | Always as "in spite of" + noun/gerund | In spite of the rain, we played cricket. |
| Despite | Even though; regardless of | "Despite" + noun/gerund (never "despite of") | Despite the rain, we played cricket. |
Difference Between Inspite and Despite
"In spite of" and "despite" both mean "although" or "regardless of," and are used to connect two contrasting ideas. "Despite" sounds slightly more formal, but in meaning, they are nearly the same. Remember: always use "in spite of" (three words), and never "despite of."
How to Use Inspite vs Despite in Sentences
Knowing the difference between "in spite of" and "despite" improves exam scores and writing skills. Both are prepositions that introduce a contrast, but follow certain grammar rules.
- "In spite of" is always three separate words and is used before a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
- "Despite" is used in the same way, but it does not take "of" after it.
- Never use "inspite" as one word. Always write "in spite of".
- Do not write "despite of"—it is incorrect.
Correct Sentence Structure
- In spite of + noun/gerund/comma + clause
Example: In spite of his illness, he went to school. - Despite + noun/gerund/comma + clause
Example: Despite being tired, she finished the assignment. - Both can be used at the start or middle of a sentence.
Inspite vs Despite Examples for Students
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| In spite of the noise, the baby slept well. | Inspite the noise, the baby slept well. | "In spite of" must be three words; "inspite" is not correct. |
| Despite the cold weather, we went outside. | Despite of the cold weather, we went outside. | "Despite of" is wrong. Use only "despite". |
| She succeeded in spite of difficulties. | In spite difficulties, she succeeded. | Add "of" after "in spite" for correct usage. |
| Despite his fear, he spoke confidently. | Despite of his fear, he spoke confidently. | No "of" with "despite". |
| In spite of working hard, he failed. | Inspite of working hard, he failed. | Always space as "in spite of". |
| Despite being late, she was allowed in. | Despite of being late, she was allowed in. | Wrong to use "of" with "despite". |
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Do not write "inspite" as one word; always use "in spite of".
- Never use "despite of"; it is incorrect English.
- Both are followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb+ing form).
-
Use "in spite of oneself" for the idiom meaning "without intending to."
Example: She smiled in spite of herself. - For formal writing, "despite" is preferred; both are fine in exams.
Special Usages and Idioms: Inspite vs Despite
Some idioms use only "in spite of" (such as "in spite of oneself") and not "despite." Also, both prepositions can be at the start or middle of a sentence. For example:
- "In spite of his shyness, he joined the group." (can also be "Despite his shyness...")
- "She finished the race in spite of herself." (correct idiom)
- "Despite the rain, the match continued."
Remember, "despite" never pairs with "of." Some fixed expressions, especially in idioms, work only with "in spite of."
Practice Worksheet: Inspite vs Despite
Try filling in the blanks with "in spite of" or "despite". Answers are below.
- _____ the traffic, we reached on time.
- _____ being ill, he attended school.
- She passed the test _____ her fears.
- _____ the delay, the train was full.
- He laughed _____ himself.
Answers: 1. In spite of, 2. Despite, 3. in spite of, 4. Despite, 5. in spite of
Summary Table: Quick Inspite vs Despite Difference
| Expression | Meaning | Usage Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| In spite of | Although; even though; shows contrast | "In spite of" + noun/gerund | In spite of pain, he worked hard. |
| Despite | Although; even though; shows contrast | "Despite" + noun/gerund (never with "of") | Despite pain, he worked hard. |
Why Learning Inspite and Despite Is Important
Mastering the difference between "in spite of" and "despite" is useful for English exams, essays, and competitive tests. This skill helps in building confident, accurate sentences and speaking fluently. For more on prepositions and grammar, explore these resources: Preposition and Prepositions of Cause, Reason, Purpose at Vedantu.
Understanding the difference between "in spite of" and "despite" will make you a stronger English user. Remember: "in spite of" is always three words, "despite" never takes "of". Use these confidently in exams, writing, and speaking—Vedantu is here to help make grammar simple!
FAQs on Difference Between Inspite And Despite in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between inspite and despite?
The main difference between inspite and despite is that “inspite” is incorrect unless written as in spite of, while “despite” is a single correct word. Both despite and in spite of mean “without being affected by.”
- Correct: Despite the rain, we went out.
- Correct: In spite of the rain, we went out.
- Incorrect: Inspite the rain, we went out.
2. Is inspite one word or two words?
The correct form is in spite of (three words), and “inspite” as one word is considered incorrect in standard English. The preposition must include of to be grammatically complete.
- Correct: In spite of his efforts, he failed.
- Incorrect: Inspite his efforts, he failed.
3. How do you use despite in a sentence?
You use despite before a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form) to show contrast. It is followed directly by a noun phrase without “of.”
- Despite the noise, she studied well.
- Despite his illness, he came to work.
- Despite working hard, he failed.
4. What is the meaning of despite and in spite of?
Despite and in spite of both mean “without being affected by something” or “even though.” They are used to show contrast between two ideas.
- Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
- In spite of the difficulty, she succeeded.
5. Can despite and in spite of be used interchangeably?
Yes, despite and in spite of can be used interchangeably because they have the same meaning and grammatical function. The only difference is structural length.
- Despite the cold, he swam.
- In spite of the cold, he swam.
6. What comes after despite in a sentence?
After despite, you must use a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form), not a full clause. It cannot be followed directly by “that.”
- Correct: Despite the rain, we played.
- Correct: Despite being tired, she worked.
- Incorrect: Despite that it was raining, we played.
7. Why is "inspite" considered incorrect?
“Inspite” is considered incorrect because standard English requires the prepositional phrase in spite of with the word “of.” Without “of,” the structure is grammatically incomplete.
- Correct: In spite of the warning, he continued.
- Incorrect: Inspite the warning, he continued.
8. What is the difference between despite and although?
The difference is that despite is a preposition followed by a noun phrase, while although is a conjunction followed by a full clause. They both express contrast but differ in structure.
- Despite the rain, we went out.
- Although it was raining, we went out.
9. Can you use despite at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, despite can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce contrast. It is commonly placed before the main clause.
- Despite the challenges, they succeeded.
- Despite his fear, he spoke confidently.
10. What are common mistakes when using despite and in spite of?
Common mistakes include using “inspite” as one word, adding “of” after despite, and following them with a full clause incorrectly. Remember these key rules:
- Do not write: Inspite the rain.
- Do not write: Despite of the rain.
- Do not write: Despite it was raining.
- Correct forms: Despite the rain / In spite of the rain.
