Vocabulary Workshop Level G Review Units 4-6 Answers

Mastering the Use of ‘Despite’ in Your Writing

I. Introduction

A. Definition of the word "despite"

"Despite" is a conjunction that is used to introduce a clause indicating a contrast or exception to what has been said previously. It can also be used as a preposition meaning "in spite of" or "notwithstanding." It is used to indicate that the action in the clause following it is done in spite of the fact stated in the first clause. For example, "Despite the bad weather, we decided to go for a hike." The word Despite suggests that something is happening in spite of certain circumstances.

B. Importance of understanding the word "despite"

Understanding the word "despite" is important because it is a common word used in both spoken and written English. It allows individuals to express contrast or exception in a clear and concise manner. It can also help to convey emphasis and provide a greater level of precision in communication. Knowing how to use "despite" correctly can improve one's writing and speaking skills and make them more effective communicator. Furthermore, it is also widely used in formal documents, such as business reports, research papers and academic works, thus, understanding the word "despite" will help individuals understand those texts better.

C. Purpose of the blog post

The purpose of the blog post is to provide readers with a detailed understanding of the word "despite." The blog post aims to inform the readers about the different ways the word "despite" can be used in sentences, both simple and complex. It also aims to provide examples of common phrases and idioms that use "despite" and explain when to use "despite" versus "in spite of." Furthermore, the blog post will also aim to clear up any misconceptions or confusion that readers may have about the word "despite" and provide additional resources for further learning. Overall, the goal of the blog post is to empower readers with the knowledge and skills to effectively use "despite" in their own writing and communication.

II. Examples of "Despite" in Sentences

A. Simple sentences using "despite"

1. Despite the rain, I decided to go for a walk.
2. Despite the heat, I was able to run the marathon.
3. Despite the lack of sleep, I was able to finish my project on time.
4. Despite my fear, I decided to go skydiving.
5. Despite the difficult exam, I was able to pass with flying colors.
6. Despite the odds, I was able to win the game.
7. Despite the setback, I was able to achieve my goal.
8. Despite the long journey, I was able to reach my destination.
9. Despite my busy schedule, I was able to make time for my family.
10. Despite the challenges, I was able to overcome them.

B. Complex sentences using "despite"

1. Despite the fact that it was raining, I decided to go for a walk because I needed some fresh air.
2. Despite the intense heat, I was able to run the marathon because I had trained for months.
3. Despite the lack of sleep, I was able to finish my project on time because I had planned my schedule well.
4. Despite my fear of heights, I decided to go skydiving because I wanted to face my fear head-on.
5. Despite the difficult exam, I was able to pass with flying colors because I had studied hard.
6. Despite the odds being against me, I was able to win the game because I had a strong team.
7. Despite the setback, I was able to achieve my goal because I had a positive attitude.
8. Despite the long journey, I was able to reach my destination because I had a good map.
9. Despite the busy schedule, I was able to make time for my family because they were important to me.
10. Despite the challenges, I was able to overcome them because I had determination and perseverance.

C. Sentences using "despite" in different tenses

1. Despite the rain, I went for a walk (Simple Past Tense)
2. Despite the heat, I am able to run the marathon (Present Continuous Tense)
3. Despite the lack of sleep, I will be able to finish my project on time (Future Tense with "will")
4. Despite my fear, I have decided to go skydiving (Present Perfect Tense)
5. Despite the difficult exam, I had passed with flying colors (Past Perfect Tense)
6. Despite the odds, I had won the game (Past Perfect Tense)
7. Despite the setback, I will have achieved my goal (Future Perfect Tense)
8. Despite the long journey, I will have reached my destination (Future Perfect Tense)
9. Despite the busy schedule, I have been making time for my family (Present Perfect Continuous Tense)
10. Despite the challenges, I had been able to overcome them (Past Perfect Continuous Tense)

III. Common Phrases and Idioms Using "Despite"

A. Phrases and idioms that use "despite"

1. Despite appearances - this phrase is used to indicate that something is not as it seems.
2. Despite oneself - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done involuntarily or unintentionally.
3. Despite everything - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of all the obstacles or difficulties.
4. Despite the odds - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of a less favorable situation or probability.
5. Despite the best efforts - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of doing everything possible to prevent it.
6. Despite the fact - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of a certain reality or information.
7. Despite the cost - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of the financial or other costs involved.
8. Despite the risks - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of the potential negative consequences.
9. Despite the pain - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of physical or emotional pain.
10. Despite the rules - this phrase is used to indicate that something is done in spite of the regulations or laws in place.

B. Examples of how to use these phrases and idioms in a sentence

1. Despite appearances, the cake was not as delicious as it looked.
2. Despite myself, I found myself laughing at the comedian's jokes.
3. Despite everything, I still believe in true love.
4. Despite the odds, the underdog team won the championship.
5. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the missing hiker was never found.
6. Despite the fact that he had no experience, he got the job.
7. Despite the cost, I decided to buy the designer dress.
8. Despite the risks, he decided to invest all his savings in the stock market.
9. Despite the pain, he finished the marathon.
10. Despite the rules, they decided to sneak into the concert.

C. Common misconceptions about the use of "despite" in these phrases and idioms

1. One common misconception about the phrase "despite appearances" is that it means the opposite of what it appears to be. However, it actually means that something is not as it seems, it could be better or worse than it appears.
2. Another common misconception is that the phrase "despite oneself" means that one is not in control of their actions, but it actually means that one is doing something involuntarily or unintentionally.
3. Another misconception is that the phrase "despite everything" means that nothing can change a certain situation, but it actually means that something is done in spite of all the obstacles or difficulties.
4. Some people may also think that the phrase "despite the odds" means that something is impossible, but it actually means that something is done in spite of a less favorable situation or probability.
5. Some people may think that the phrase "Despite the best efforts" means that it's impossible to do something, but it actually means that something is done in spite of doing everything possible to prevent it.
6. Some people may also think that the phrase "Despite the fact" means that it doesn't matter a certain reality or information, but it actually means that something is done in spite of that reality or information.
7. Some people may think that the phrase "Despite the cost" means that something is not worth the financial or other costs involved, but it actually means that something is done in spite of the costs involved.
8. Some people may think that the phrase "Despite the risks" means that the potential negative consequences don't matter, but it actually means that something is done in spite of the potential negative consequences.
9. Some people may think that the phrase "Despite the pain" means that physical or emotional pain doesn't matter, but it actually means that something is done in spite of physical or emotional pain.
10. Some people may think that the phrase "Despite the rules" means that the regulations or laws don't matter, but it actually means that something is done in spite of the regulations or laws in place.

IV. "Despite" vs. "In Spite Of"

A. The similarities and differences between "despite" and "in spite of"

"Despite" and "in spite of" are often used interchangeably, but they have a subtle difference in meaning. "Despite" is typically used as a preposition, while "in spite of" is used as a conjunction.

Similarities:

• Both "despite" and "in spite of" are used to indicate that something is done or happens in spite of certain obstacles or difficulties.
• Both "despite" and "in spite of" can be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
• Both "despite" and "in spite of" indicate resistance or opposition.

Differences:

• "Despite" is more commonly used in formal writing and speech, while "in spite of" is more commonly used in spoken English.
• "Despite" is followed by a singular noun or noun phrase, whereas "in spite of" is followed by a plural noun or noun phrase.
• "Despite" is followed by a verb, whereas "in spite of" is followed by a noun.

Examples:

1. Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
2. In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.
3. Despite his lack of experience, he got the job.
4. In spite of his lack of experience, he got the job.

B. When to use "despite" vs. "in spite of"

"Despite" and "in spite of" are often used interchangeably, but there are some situations where one is more appropriate than the other.

Use "despite" when:

• You are talking about a singular noun or noun phrase.
• You are using it as a preposition.
• You are using it in formal writing or speech.

Examples:

1. Despite the storm, we went on with the picnic.
2. Despite his injury, he played the entire game.

Use "in spite of" when:

• You are talking about a plural noun or noun phrase.
• You are using it as a conjunction.
• You are using it in spoken English.

Examples:

1. In spite of the storms, we went on with the picnics.
2. In spite of his injuries, he played the entire game.

In general, "despite" is considered more formal, while "in spite of" is considered more casual.

C. Common mistakes people make when using "despite" and "in spite of"

1. Confusing "despite" and "in spite of" - As mentioned earlier, "despite" and "in spite of" are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in meaning and usage.
2. Using "despite" or "in spite of" with negative words - "Despite" and "in spite of" are used to indicate resistance or opposition, so they should not be used with negative words such as "not" or "never."
3. Using "despite" or "in spite of" with a verb - "Despite" is followed by a noun or noun phrase and "in spite of" is followed by a noun.
4. Using "despite" or "in spite of" in passive voice - "Despite" and "in spite of" are used to indicate resistance or opposition, so they should be used in the active voice.
5. Using "despite" or "in spite of" to indicate causation - "Despite" and "in spite of" are used to indicate resistance or opposition, they should not be used to indicate causation.
6. Placement of "despite" or "in spite of" - The phrase that follows "despite" or "in spite of" should be placed at the end of the sentence.

Examples of mistakes:

1. Despite not being able to swim, he went in the ocean. (Correct: Despite his inability to swim, he went in the ocean)
2. Despite the storm, the picnic was never cancelled. (Correct: Despite the storm, the picnic was not cancelled)
3. Despite to play the game, he was injured. (Correct: Despite playing the game, he was injured)

V. Conclusion

A. Summary of the main points

• "Despite" and "in spite of" are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in meaning and usage.
• "Despite" is used when talking about a singular noun or noun phrase, when using it as a preposition, and in formal writing or speech. "In spite of" is used when talking about a plural noun or noun phrase, when using it as a conjunction, and in spoken English.
• "Despite" and "in spite of" indicate resistance or opposition. They should not be used with negative words such as "not" or "never" or to indicate causation.
• Common mistakes people make when using "despite" and "in spite of" include confusing the two, using them with negative words, using them with a verb, using them in passive voice, and incorrect placement in a sentence.

B. Encouragement for readers to continue practicing using "despite" in their own writing

It's important to continue practicing using "despite" and "in spite of" in your own writing in order to become more confident and proficient in their use. Here are a few tips on how you can continue practicing:

1. Incorporate "despite" and "in spite of" into your daily writing. This could be in the form of journaling, writing emails, or composing messages.
2. Pay attention to how others use "despite" and "in spite of" in their writing and speech. Take note of the context and how it is used to indicate resistance or opposition.
3. Practice writing sentences using "despite" and "in spite of" with different types of nouns and phrases. This will help you become more comfortable with using them in various situations.
4. Review your writing and pay attention to the placement of "despite" and "in spite of" in a sentence. Make sure it is followed by a noun or noun phrase and placed correctly in a sentence.
5. Lastly, don't be afraid to make mistakes, it's the best way to learn and improve.

By continuing to practice and pay attention to the proper usage of "despite" and "in spite of," you will be able to use them confidently and effectively in your own writing.

C. Additional resources for learning more about "despite"

If you're looking to learn more about "despite" and "in spite of," there are several resources available to help you:

1. Grammar books: Many grammar books have sections dedicated to prepositions such as "despite" and "in spite of." They provide clear explanations and examples of how to use them correctly.
2. Online dictionaries: Websites like Merriam-Webster and Oxford Languages provide definitions and examples of how "despite" and "in spite of" are used in sentences.
3. Language learning apps: Applications such as Duolingo and Babbel have lessons that focus on prepositions and can provide additional practice opportunities.
4. Writing guides: The Chicago Manual of Style and The Elements of Style are both highly regarded writing guides that cover prepositions and other grammar topics in depth.
5. Blogs and websites: There are many blogs and websites that focus on grammar and language learning. You can find posts that provide information, tips, and exercises on using "despite" and "in spite of" correctly.

By using these resources in addition to practicing, you can become more proficient in using "despite" and "in spite of" in your own writing.