In spite and despite mean the same thing, but despite takes no "of". Although introduces a full clause with a verb. Use in spite of or despite before nouns, and although before subject-verb combinations.
These three words confuse English learners because they all express contrast, but their grammar is different. The sentence structure you use changes depending on which word you pick.
In Spite Of vs Despite: The Noun Structure
Both in spite of and despite work the same way grammatically. They both come before a noun or noun phrase, and they both express the idea of something happening even though something else is in the way.
The key difference is that in spite of requires the word "of" after it, while despite does not. "In spite of the rain" and "despite the rain" both work perfectly. "Despite of the rain" is wrong. If you use despite, you stop after the noun. If you use in spite, you must include of.
Although: The Clause Structure
Although is different. It introduces a clause, which means a subject and a verb must follow. You write "although it rained" or "although she was tired," not "although the rain" or "although her tiredness."
Although often appears at the start of a sentence, but it can also sit in the middle: "She went to the beach although it rained" works just as well. With despite and in spite of, the same is true. You can say "Despite the rain, she went to the beach" or "She went to the beach despite the rain."
When to Choose Each One
If you have a noun, pick between in spite of and despite. They mean exactly the same thing, so your choice is stylistic. Despite is slightly more formal and more common in modern English. In spite of is also correct but sounds a touch older in everyday speech.
If you have a clause with a subject and verb, you must use although. There is no choice here. "Although she was nervous, she spoke up" is right. "Despite she was nervous, she spoke up" is wrong.
Practical examples: "In spite of his age, he runs marathons." "Despite his age, he runs marathons." "Although he is old, he runs marathons." All three sentences mean the same thing, but the structure changes the word choice.
Build Speaking Practice Into Your Learning
Knowing the rule is one thing. Using it naturally when you speak is another. Most English learners who struggle with these three words did not learn them through conversation, they learned them through lists and exercises. The grammar sticks better when you hear it, use it, and get feedback from someone who speaks English every day.
PBC Languages is an online language community that runs live classes in very small groups, never more than four students. In a class that small, you spend most of the time talking, not listening to a teacher or a lecture. That is where these connectors actually become part of how you speak. You say "although," a teacher corrects you if needed, and you remember it because you were in a real conversation.
Beyond classes, PBC Languages also offers free language exchanges with native English speakers. A language exchange is simply two people taking turns: you speak your language, they speak theirs. You get to ask a native speaker directly why they chose "despite" over "in spite of," and they get practice in your language too. No money changes hands, no app takes a cut. It is pure connection.
The first class is free. If you want to practise these connectors in real time with an experienced teacher and other students, or find a native speaker to talk to through a free exchange, visit pbclanguages.com.