in spite of

Meaning

'In spite of' is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrast, meaning 'despite' or 'regardless of.' It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form), but never directly by a subject and verb clause. It is used in academic and formal contexts to show resilience, unexpected results, or counter-arguments.

Examples

• In spite of the heavy rain, the outdoor graduation ceremony proceeded as planned.

  In spite of the heavy rain, the outdoor graduation ceremony proceeded as planned.

• They completed the research on time, in spite of facing several technical difficulties.

  They completed the research on time, in spite of facing several technical difficulties.

• In spite of being tired, she stayed up late to finish her lab report.

  In spite of being tired, she stayed up late to finish her lab report.

• The hypothesis was proven correct in spite of initial skepticism from the department.

  The hypothesis was proven correct in spite of initial skepticism from the department.

• We decided to publish the findings in spite of the small sample size.

  We decided to publish the findings in spite of the small sample size.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ In spite of he was sick, he attended the lecture.

  ✓ In spite of being sick, he attended the lecture.

  'In spite of' must be followed by a noun or gerund, not a full clause (subject + verb). Alternatively, use 'Although he was sick'.

• ✗ In spite the bad weather, the field trip was a success.

  ✓ In spite of the bad weather, the field trip was a success.

  Do not omit the word 'of.' While 'despite' is used alone, 'in spite' must always be followed by 'of.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___ his lack of experience, he was offered the research assistant position.

  💡 A prepositional phrase showing contrast, starting with 'I'.

  Show answer

  In spite of

• They managed to secure funding ___ the economic downturn.

  💡 Regardless of or despite the obstacle.

  Show answer

  in spite of