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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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so in spite of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so in spite of" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "so despite" or "in spite of." Example: "So despite the challenges, we managed to complete the project on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, in spite of it all, I say: Lick my filthy buttered buns, Grandma.

News & Media

The New Yorker

So, in spite of their politics, his parents held fast to their religion?

News & Media

The Guardian

Not so – in spite of the rhetoric – and that's only one example.

News & Media

The Guardian

So in spite of the woes of its local phone subsidiaries, N.T.T. is a rich company.

News & Media

The New York Times

So, in spite of the alarmist tone of the message circulating Facebook, this isn't particularly alarming.

News & Media

The New York Times

However, if Malawi's nut trade is to succeed, it must do so in spite of its challenges.

News & Media

The Guardian

So, in spite of expected roughnesses and im balances, Beethoven's neglected work managed to provide good many exciting moments.

News & Media

The New York Times

So, in spite of all the griping and the kvetching, Laurents has a genuine appreciation of the individual artist's achievements.

So in spite of all the confusing information out there, the basic recommendations for shopping for a loan still apply.

News & Media

The New York Times

So in spite of the civil servants advising ministers, 'no, we shouldn't subsidise solar', we ended up having this policy.

News & Media

The Guardian

So in spite of a competitive relationship on the one hand, it was clear that he felt that I was doing things that were worthwhile.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "so in spite of" in formal writing. Use "so despite" or "in spite of" instead, depending on the context.

Common error

The phrase "so in spite of" incorrectly combines the conjunction 'so' with the prepositional phrase 'in spite of'. Remember to use 'so' with 'despite' or use 'in spite of' without 'so' for correct grammar.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so in spite of" functions as an incorrect attempt to introduce a clause that presents a contrast or concession. While intending to show that something occurs despite an obstacle, its grammatical structure is flawed, as highlighted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "so in spite of" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct alternatives are "so despite" or "in spite of", which convey the intended meaning of indicating something happening despite an obstacle. Although examples can be found in various sources, including news and media, academic papers, and science articles, it’s best to use the grammatically correct alternatives, especially in formal writing. Using "so in spite of" can detract from clarity and credibility. Always choose "so despite" or "in spite of" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

FAQs

Is "so in spite of" grammatically correct?

No, "so in spite of" is not grammatically correct. Use "so despite" or "in spite of" instead.

What does "in spite of" mean, and how can I use it?

"In spite of" means 'despite'. Use it to show a fact that makes the rest of the sentence surprising. Example: In spite of the rain, we enjoyed the picnic.

When should I use "so despite"?

Use "so despite" when you want to emphasize a consequence that occurs even when faced with a challenge or obstacle. Example: The team faced many challenges, so despite the difficulties, they succeeded.

Are there synonyms for "in spite of" that I can use to vary my writing?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "despite", "notwithstanding", or "regardless of".

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: