In spite of is used as a preposition. The structure in spite of + noun means more or less the same as although + clause.
We went out in spite of the rain. OR We went out despite the rain. (= We went out although it was raining.)
I slept well, in spite of the noise. OR I slept well despite the noise.
We recognized him in spite of his mask.
In spite of is the opposite of because of.
We were late because of the rain.
In spite of can be followed by an –ing form.
In spite of working hard, I could not pass my exams.
In spite of having a headache, I kept working.
In spite of the train being an hour late, I managed to get to the meeting in time.
Complete the following sentences using in spite of, despite or because of
1. She attended the conference …………………… .. her illness.
2. She could not walk ……………………… her illness.
3. She had a very good teacher. Actually, she passed her exams ……………………… her teacher.
4. She failed her exams …………………… . having worked very hard.
Answers
1. She attended the conference in spite of / despite her illness.
2. She could not walk because of her illness.
3. She had a very good teacher. Actually, she passed her exams because of her teacher.
4. She failed her exams in spite of having worked hard.