'Despite Something' or 'Despite of Something'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 30 January 2024)

Despite Something or Despite of Something: Which One Is Correct?

The preposition despite is used to indicate that something happened or is true, even though another factor might have been expected to prevent it. 

Many English language learners mistakenly use despite of instead of despite when constructing a sentence. This confusion might arise from the similar phrase in spite of, which includes the preposition of:

✅ Despite the rain, the football match went ahead as planned.
✅ In spite of the rain, the football match went ahead as planned.
❌ Despite of the rain, the football match went ahead as planned.

✅ Despite his injury, he managed to finish the race.
✅ In spite of his injury, he managed to finish the race.
❌ Despite of his injury, he managed to finish the race.

✅ We arrived at the airport on time despite the traffic.
✅ We arrived at the airport on time in spite of the traffic.
❌ We arrived at the airport on time despite of the traffic.

✅ Despite the cost, they decided to go on holiday.
✅ In spite of the cost, they decided to go on holiday.
❌ Despite of the cost, they decided to go on holiday.

As demonstrated by these examples, despite is followed by a noun or noun phrase that describes a situation that might be expected to prevent something from happening. It is important to remember that despite is a preposition that does not require the subsequent use of the preposition of.

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Examples from the Media

Despite the increased demand for cash, the number of ATMs fell to 51,253. —Daily Mail (2023)

Despite the clear and measurable benefits of a growth-focused immigration plan, there has been some criticism of the government's current targets. —The Globe and Mail (2021)

Despite pay increases and efforts to simplify the notoriously difficult swim test, New York's lifeguard shortage is dire. —The New York Times (2023)

Despite almost two years of campaigning for protection of their venues, the live music community is disappointed the Dunedin City Council did not address their concerns when it had the chance. —Otago Daily Times (2023)