Understanding the difference between “inspite” and “despite” is a common challenge for both native English speakers and language learners. The confusion often arises because these words are closely related in meaning, but they differ in spelling, structure, and usage. Moreover, many people conflate “inspite” with the correct phrase “in spite of,” leading to further uncertainty.
If you have ever wondered about the correct usage of “inspite vs despite,” you are certainly not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the etymology, definitions, and proper usage of these terms. We will also clarify why “inspite” is generally considered a misspelling, discuss how to avoid common grammatical pitfalls, and show you how to use “in spite of” and “despite” with confidence in both casual and formal writing.
By the end of this blog post, you will:
- Understand the nuanced differences between “in spite of” and “despite.”
- Know why “inspite” is not accepted as a single word in standard English.
- Feel confident in using these expressions correctly in your everyday writing and speaking.
Let us dive deeper into the meanings and usage rules for these closely related terms.
What Does “In Spite Of” Mean?
Definition
“In spite of” is a three-word phrase that introduces a contrast or a concessive idea. It is used to show that something happens or is true even though there is a strong reason for it not to happen or not to be true.
For example:
“She went for a run in spite of the rain.”
This sentence tells us that the speaker ran, even though you might expect that the rain would stop her from doing so.
Origins and Etymology
- The phrase “in spite of” has been part of English usage for centuries, deriving from the noun “spite,” which historically meant “malice” or “ill will.”
- Over time, “in spite of” evolved to mean “regardless of” or “despite,” losing its original connotation of malice in most contexts.
While the word “spite” still exists with negative connotations when used alone (e.g., “He did it out of spite”), the phrase “in spite of” does not generally carry a negative tone. Instead, it serves as a cohesive unit to introduce a concession.
What Does “Despite” Mean?
Definition
“Despite” is a preposition that also means “even though” or “in defiance of.” Like “in spite of,” it indicates that an action or state occurs regardless of a potential obstacle or reason against it.
For example:
“He finished his project on time despite the tight deadline.”
In this sentence, the tight deadline could have prevented completion, but the person managed to finish anyway.
Origins and Etymology
- “Despite” comes from Old French despit, meaning “a scorn or contempt.”
- Over centuries, it has maintained its general meaning of “notwithstanding” or “regardless of.”
While both “in spite of” and “despite” convey the same basic idea, they differ slightly in structure and usage.
Why Is “Inspite” a Common Mistake?
Many English learners mistakenly merge the words “in,” “spite,” and “of” into one word: “inspite.” However, standard English dictionaries do not recognize “inspite” as a single-word preposition. The correct usage is “in spite of” as three separate words.
Common Reasons for This Error
- Phonetic Similarity: When you say “in spite of” quickly, it can sound like one word, leading to the incorrect written form “inspite.”
- Influence of “Despite”: The word “despite” is a single-word preposition. People often assume that if “despite” is correct as one word, “inspite” might also work similarly.
- Typographical Habits: In fast typing scenarios (texts, emails, social media), people might type “inspite” for brevity or due to auto-correct functions that do not flag it.
Recognizing “inspite” as a mistake and correcting it to “in spite of” is crucial for maintaining clear, standard English usage in both formal and informal contexts.
Inspite vs Despite: Key Differences
Although “in spite of” and “despite” share a similar meaning—indicating that something happens regardless of a potential hindrance—there are nuances in how we use them.
| Feature | In Spite Of | Despite |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Phrase (preposition + noun) | Preposition |
| Word Formation | Three separate words: “in,” “spite,” “of” | Single word |
| Usage | More frequent in everyday writing and speech, though perfectly acceptable in formal writing. | Common in academic and formal texts, also fine in informal contexts. |
| Structure with Gerunds/Nouns | Follows “of,” e.g., “in spite of (noun/gerund)” | Directly followed by a noun or gerund, e.g., “despite (noun/gerund)” |
| Incorrect Variant | “inspite” is not standard English. | Generally no common misspelling. |
Grammatical Construction
- In spite of + noun/gerund:
- “She went hiking in spite of the warning.”
- “He continued singing in spite of feeling nervous.”
- Despite + noun/gerund:
- “She went hiking despite the warning.”
- “He continued singing despite feeling nervous.”
Notice how “in spite of” requires “of” before the noun or gerund, while “despite” stands on its own.
How to Use “In Spite Of” in a Sentence
Sentence Structure
When you use “in spite of,” you typically follow it with a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb ending in -ing). Pay attention to the word “of,” which makes “in spite of” a three-word phrase.
- In spite of + [Noun]“She maintained a positive attitude in spite of the challenges.”
- In spite of + [Gerund]“They kept working in spite of feeling discouraged.”
- In spite of + [Pronoun + Possessive + Gerund]“They went to the beach in spite of their having been warned about the storm.”
Although correct, this structure can sound wordy. You can simplify:
“They went to the beach in spite of the storm warning.”
Common Contexts
- Overcoming obstacles:“He enjoyed the concert in spite of the loud crowd.”
- Personal challenges:“She became successful in spite of her modest beginnings.”
- Environmental factors:“They played the match in spite of the heavy rain.”
In all these contexts, “in spite of” emphasizes that the obstacle did not prevent the action from taking place.
How to Use “Despite” in a Sentence
Sentence Structure
“Despite” is a single-word preposition. Like “in spite of,” it is followed by a noun, gerund, or noun phrase without the word “of.”
- Despite + [Noun]“They arrived early despite the traffic.”
- Despite + [Gerund]“He continued practicing despite feeling tired.”
- Despite + [Possessive + Gerund]“She landed the role despite her having auditioned late.”
As with “in spite of,” you can simplify. For instance:
“She landed the role despite the late audition.”
Common Contexts
- Work or academic obstacles:“He turned in his assignment on time despite the tight deadline.”
- Physical or emotional challenges:“They ran the marathon despite the scorching heat.”
- Unexpected scenarios:“She found a parking spot despite the weekend rush.”
Using “despite” often lends a concise and sometimes more formal tone to the sentence.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using “Inspite” Instead of “In Spite Of”
Mistake: “She succeeded inspite the difficulties.”
Correction: “She succeeded in spite of the difficulties.”
To avoid this mistake, remember that “in spite of” has three distinct words. Practice writing sentences that include “in spite of” to form the habit correctly.
Mixing “Of” with “Despite”
Mistake: “They traveled to Paris despite of the warnings.”
Correction: “They traveled to Paris despite the warnings.”
“Despite” already acts as a preposition, so you do not need an additional “of.”
Awkward Constructions
Sometimes, using a lengthy noun phrase after “in spite of” or “despite” can make your writing cumbersome.
Example:
- “They kept moving in spite of their manager’s repeated insistence that they halt production immediately.”
You can rephrase for clarity:
- “They kept moving despite their manager’s repeated insistence that they halt production.”
Prioritize clarity and conciseness to avoid confusion.
In Spite Of vs Despite: Examples and Practice
Comparison in Parallel Sentences
Observe how “in spite of” and “despite” convey the same meaning in paired examples:
- In spite of the storm, they set sail.
- Despite the storm, they set sail.
- He continued to paint in spite of the flickering lights.
- He continued to paint despite the flickering lights.
- In spite of the time constraint, she submitted a thorough report.
- Despite the time constraint, she submitted a thorough report.
Notice that the choice between “in spite of” and “despite” does not significantly alter the meaning. It often comes down to stylistic preference or the flow of the sentence.
Practice Exercises
Try rewriting the following sentences, switching between “in spite of” and “despite.” Ensure you remove or add “of” appropriately.
- Original: “They enjoyed the picnic in spite of the windy weather.”
- Rewrite: “They enjoyed the picnic despite the windy weather.”
- Original: “He managed to pass the exam despite his limited study time.”
- Rewrite: “He managed to pass the exam in spite of his limited study time.”
- Original: “In spite of feeling nervous, she delivered a confident presentation.”
- Rewrite: “Despite feeling nervous, she delivered a confident presentation.”
- Original: “Despite the minor injuries, he finished the race.”
- Rewrite: “In spite of the minor injuries, he finished the race.”
These exercises will help you internalize how to switch naturally between these two forms in your daily communication.
Stylistic Preferences and Formality
Formal Writing
Academic papers, business reports, or scholarly articles often use “despite” for a more concise style. However, “in spite of” remains equally correct in formal contexts. Choose the option that reads smoothly within your sentence.
- Example (Formal):“The study yielded positive results despite the initial skepticism from peer reviewers.”
Creative or Narrative Writing
In narrative prose or personal essays, “in spite of” can contribute to a more conversational or storytelling tone.
- Example (Narrative):“In spite of her anxieties, she stepped onto the stage, determined to share her song with the world.”
Maintaining Consistency
If you are writing a cohesive document, decide whether to use “in spite of” or “despite” consistently to avoid appearing indecisive or confusing. That said, varying your expressions can sometimes enhance readability if done intentionally.
FAQs on In Spite Of and Despite
- Do “in spite of” and “despite” mean exactly the same thing?
Yes, they both indicate a concession or contrast, meaning something happens regardless of an obstacle. Their primary difference lies in their structure: “in spite of” is a three-word phrase, while “despite” is a single-word preposition. - Is it wrong to say “inspite”?
In standard English, “inspite” is incorrect. You should write “in spite of” as three separate words. - Can I use “despite of”?
No. “Despite of” is incorrect. You simply use “despite” followed directly by a noun, gerund, or pronoun. - Which one is more formal: “in spite of” or “despite”?
Both can be used in formal writing. However, “despite” is often perceived as more concise and can appear in academic or professional texts more frequently. - When should I use “despite the fact that” instead of “in spite of” or “despite”?
“Despite the fact that” is a more wordy construction that introduces a clause (subject + verb). It is correct but can sound cumbersome if overused. If you can express the same idea succinctly using “despite” or “in spite of,” it is generally preferable. - Is “despite” always followed by a noun or gerund?
Typically, yes. “Despite” is a preposition and should be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund phrase. For clauses, “despite the fact that” is used. - How do I avoid repetition if I need to use these terms multiple times?
You can alternate between “in spite of,” “despite,” and possibly rephrase the sentence entirely. For instance, you could use connectors like “although,” “even though,” or “still” for variation.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the use of “in spite of” and “despite” is easier than it seems. Both expressions serve the same purpose—to highlight a contrast or obstacle that does not prevent an action or outcome. The main difference is in their form: “in spite of” is written as three separate words, whereas “despite” is a single word.
By paying close attention to their spelling, structure, and the words that follow, you can avoid common pitfalls and express your ideas with clarity. Whether you are writing an essay, delivering a speech, or composing an email, understanding when and how to use these terms will elevate the precision and sophistication of your communication.
Feel free to bookmark this guide and revisit it whenever you feel unsure about using “in spite of” or “despite.” With consistent practice, you will gain confidence and avoid the most frequent mistakes, such as writing “inspite” or mixing “of” with “despite.”
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only. Grammar rules can vary based on style guides, regional usage, and evolving linguistic trends. Always consult reputable language references or style guides (such as The Chicago Manual of Style, MLA Handbook, or APA Publication Manual) for specific requirements in academic and professional contexts.
