In spite of that

USAGE SUMMARY

'In spite of that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the idea that despite whatever happened or was said before, something else will still take place. For example: "I don't have enough money to buy this item, in spite of that, I think I'll still buy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In spite of that, he said there was legal cover.

The Guardian

In spite of that, I named him to the position.

The New York Times

In spite of that, however, the argument continues.

The Guardian

In spite of that, he does not believe such a conflict is inevitable.

The Guardian

In spite of that, we became well acquainted with the coffee machine.

The New York Times

In spite of that, he is not generally regarded as a neo-con but a realist.

The Guardian

In spite of that, David Cameron still aspired to a global reach.

The Guardian

"In spite of that, Henry Kissinger and other State Department officers were friendly with the dictatorship.

The New Yorker

"In spite of that we were all laughing, because you laugh or you die.

The New York Times

In spite of that Pete seems cheerier; the happy pills must be working.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In spite of that, I cannot imagine the Palace launching legal action against The Sun.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In spite of that", ensure the contrast is genuinely surprising or unexpected, or the phrase may seem redundant.

Common error

Avoid using "In spite of that" when the outcome is a logical or expected consequence of the previous statement. This can make your writing sound unnatural and unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In spite of that" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a conjunction, to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems unexpected given the preceding information. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "In spite of that" is a common and correct conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast or unexpected outcome, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While phrases like "despite that", "nevertheless", and "even so" offer similar meanings, "In spite of that" serves as a reliable tool to guide your readers through nuanced arguments. Remember to use it when a contrast truly exists and avoid redundancy for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite that

Slightly more concise, focusing on the contradictory element.

even so

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the subsequent event.

nevertheless

A more formal alternative, stressing the contrast.

nonetheless

Similar to 'nevertheless' but with a slightly lighter tone.

regardless

Highlights that the preceding situation does not affect the outcome.

however

A simpler and more direct way to introduce a contrast.

yet

Indicates a contrast, often implying surprise.

all the same

Suggests that something happens despite expectations.

even then

Highlights that something happens despite the previous event, but it is typically used with time references.

that being said

A transitional phrase, introducing a contrasting point.

FAQs

How can I use "In spite of that" in a sentence?

Use "In spite of that" to introduce a fact that contrasts with or seems surprising in light of what was previously stated. For example: "The weather was terrible; "in spite of that", we had a great time".

What phrases are similar to "In spite of that"?

Several phrases offer similar meanings, including "despite that", "nevertheless", "even so", and "nonetheless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to use "In spite of that" or "despite that"?

"In spite of that" and "despite that" are often interchangeable. However, "in spite of that" might be perceived as slightly less formal than alternatives like "nevertheless" or "nonetheless".

Can "In spite of that" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "In spite of that" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it to the previous context. It clearly signals a contrast or unexpected turn. Example: "The team was losing. "In spite of that", they never gave up".