In Spite vs. In Spite of

Attribute	In Spite	In Spite of
Definition	Despite	Despite
Usage	Less common	More common
Preposition	None	Of
Followed by	Noun or pronoun	Noun or gerund
Formality	Formal	Neutral

Definition

Both "in spite" and "in spite of" are phrases used to indicate that something is happening or is true even though there are reasons why it should not be. However, there is a subtle difference in how they are used.

Usage

"In spite" is typically followed by a noun or pronoun, while "in spite of" is followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb in the -ing form. For example, you could say "In spite of the rain, we went for a walk" or "In spite of his busy schedule, he found time to help out."

Structure

When using "in spite," the noun or pronoun that follows is usually the subject of the sentence. On the other hand, when using "in spite of," the noun, pronoun, or verb in the -ing form is typically followed by a clause or phrase that provides more information about the situation.

Emphasis

One key difference between "in spite" and "in spite of" is the emphasis they place on the reason for the unexpected outcome. "In spite" tends to emphasize the action or outcome itself, while "in spite of" places more emphasis on the reason or obstacle that could have prevented the action or outcome.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference between "in spite" and "in spite of":

• "In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time for the meeting."
• "In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed to the top of the mountain."
• "In spite of the challenges, she never gave up on her dream."

Common Mistakes

One common mistake that people make is using "in spite" when they should be using "in spite of." This can lead to confusion and make the sentence sound awkward or incorrect. It's important to pay attention to the structure of the sentence and choose the appropriate phrase based on whether a noun, pronoun, or verb in the -ing form follows.

Conclusion

While "in spite" and "in spite of" are similar in meaning, they have distinct differences in usage, structure, emphasis, and common mistakes. By understanding these differences, you can use these phrases effectively in your writing and communication to convey the intended meaning clearly and accurately.