despite + noun / verb-ing, main clauseUse despite before a noun phrase or -ing form, then give the unexpected result.
Unexpected Result
B2Use despite, in spite of, and though to show that one fact did not stop an unexpected result. Pick the connector by the form that follows it.
What you'll learn
- Use despite before a noun phrase or -ing form.
- Use in spite of before a noun phrase or -ing form.
- Use though before a full clause with subject and verb.
- Build one sentence with concession first and the result after it.
- Recognize markers that signal a surprising result.
Structure
in spite of + noun / verb-ing, main clauseIn spite of works like despite, but it has three words.
though + clause, main clauseUse though when the first part is a full clause with its own subject and verb.
Build a sentence
First part
Result
Despitestudying hard,she failed the exam
Despite studying hard, she failed the exam.
After despite, use a noun phrase or -ing form.
When to use
Surprising outcomes
Use this pattern when the second fact goes against what you expect. Despite studying hard, Maria failed the exam.
Obstacles and success
Show that an obstacle did not stop the action. In spite of the delay, the team finished on time.
Everyday contrast
Use though with a full clause in daily situations. Though Tom was tired, he cooked dinner for everyone.
Markers
despitein spite ofthougheven thoughstill
In contrast
vs contrast-connectors
Despite takes a noun phrase or -ing form after it. Though takes a full clause with a subject and verb.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Despite she studied hard, she failed.
Correct
Despite studying hard, she failed.
After despite, use a noun phrase or verb + -ing, not a full clause.
Wrong
Despite to study hard, Maria failed the test.
Correct
Despite studying hard, Maria failed the test.
Despite is followed by a noun phrase or -ing form, not to + verb.
Wrong
In spite of he was tired, Tom finished the report.
Correct
In spite of being tired, Tom finished the report.
In spite of is followed by a noun phrase or -ing form, not a full clause.
Wrong
Though the rain, they played outside.
Correct
Though it was raining, they played outside.
Though needs a full clause after it, with a subject and a verb.
Wrong
Despite the heavy traffic.
Correct
Despite the heavy traffic, Anna arrived on time.
This pattern needs the result clause so the contrast is complete.
Common misconceptions
❝ I can use despite, in spite of, and though with the same structure after them. ❞
They express a similar idea, but the grammar changes. Despite and in spite of take a noun phrase or -ing form; though takes a full clause.
❝ These connectors are only for formal writing. ❞
They are common in speech and writing whenever you want to show that the result is surprising.
Skills in this rule (5)
USE_DESPITE_FOR_NOUN_OR_INGw5Use despite before a noun or -ing form
Use despite before a noun phrase or verb + -ing to show that one fact did not stop another result. Do not put a full subject + verb clause right after despite.
USE_IN_SPITE_OF_FOR_NOUN_OR_INGw4Use in spite of before a noun or -ing form
Use in spite of with a noun phrase or verb + -ing when the second fact is surprising. The meaning matches despite, but the form is longer.
USE_THOUGH_FOR_FULL_CLAUSEw5Use though before a full clause
Use though when you want a full clause with its own subject and verb. It can come before the main clause or after it.
CONNECT_CONCESSION_AND_RESULTw4Connect a surprising reason and result in one sentence
Join the concession part and the main result clearly so the listener sees the contrast. The result feels unexpected because of the first fact.
PICK_SURPRISING_RESULT_MARKERSw3Recognize markers that signal an unexpected result
Words and phrases like despite, in spite of, though, even though, and still often show a contrast between expectation and reality.