What is in spite of?

"In spite of" is a prepositional phrase used in English to indicate contrast or opposition. It typically means "despite" or "regardless of" and is used to express that something happens even though there are obstacles, difficulties, or contrary expectations. For example, "She went for a run in spite of the rain" implies that the rain might have been expected to prevent her from running, but she did it anyway.

Here are a few key points about the usage of "in spite of":

1. Contrast and Opposition: It is used to introduce situations that are contrary to what might be expected.

2. Followed by a Noun or Gerund: The phrase is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun). For example, "in spite of the noise" or "in spite of feeling tired".

3. Similar Expressions: "Despite" is a synonym of "in spite of" and can often be used interchangeably. The main difference is that "despite" is more succinct and does not require "of" after it.

4. Formal Writing: Both "in spite of" and "despite" are often used in formal writing and speech to add clarity and emphasis to statements.

5. Usage Nuance: While some may prefer "despite" for its brevity, "in spite of" can sometimes be used for its rhythmic or emphatic quality.

Overall, "in spite of" is a useful phrase for adding complexity and nuance to sentences by highlighting contrasts or unexpected persistence.