grammar · neutral

despite + noun / despite + V-ing

Band 6-7speakingtask2

A preposition showing contrast; follow with a noun or -ing form (or 'the fact that' + clause).

Examples

“Despite being tired, she finished the assignment.”

“Despite the rain, the match continued.”

“Despite the fact that he was late, they started without him.”

Band 8 sentence

“Despite increasing costs and logistical hurdles, the organisers managed to deliver the conference on schedule.”

Collocations

  • despite + noun / despite + V-ing / despite the fact that + clause

Common mistakes

Despite that he was tired, he continued working.→Despite being tired, he continued working.

Despite he was late, we started.→Despite being late, he started. / Despite the fact that he was late, we started.

Say it for a higher band

5but + clause→6although + clause→7+despite + noun / despite + V-ing

Synonyms

in spite of

Easily confused

although + clause

“Although it was raining, we went out.”

Related words

have / has + past participlesubject + V(s) (simple present)be about to + base verbbe + V-ingso + adjective/adverb + that + clauseIf + present perfect, will + base verbNot only + clause, but also + clausewill have been + V-ing

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In Tenses

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