Despite Is Not a Conjunction

Despite Is Not a Conjunction Despite Is Not a Conjunction Despite Is Not a Conjunction By Maeve Maddox The error of using despite to introduce a noun clause may be more common with ESL speakers, but plenty of examples can be discovered in the writing of native English speakers. Here are some examples of incorrect use: Many middle-class individuals find that they cannot obtain good medical attention, despite they  need it badly. Furthermore, this is the first evidence showing that ANP and VNP exert different effects in fish despite they share the same receptor, NPR-A. Our data show that OA is quite neglected by Italian allergists, despite they have a pivotal role both in early identification and in primary prevention of OA. Indian PM Modi will not address the General Assembly despite he will be in New York for the occasion. This is mainly due to the fact that intra-technique solutions are considered as independent despite they are derived from identical observation data. All this has led Houdini to become the most recognized name in magic despite he has been gone since 1926. In each of these examples, despite is being used as if it were a conjunction, to introduce a noun clause. The function word despite is a preposition. The preposition despite is followed by a noun or a noun phrase, never a clause. Here are examples of correct use: Despite his objections, Gov. LePage lets budget fix take effect without his signature Court Says Man Owes $30K Child Support  Despite Proof Hes Not The Father. An art exhibit was opened in Fukushima, Japan,  despite the fact that no one can see it without donning a hazmat suit. In each of these examples, despite governs a noun: objections, proof, fact. The erroneous examples given above may be corrected by following each use of despite with â€Å"the fact†: â€Å"despite the fact they  need it badly,† â€Å"despite the fact they share the same receptor,† etc. Another way to correct the incorrect sentences would be to use a true conjunction like although: â€Å"although they  need it badly,† â€Å"although they share the same receptor,† â€Å"although they have a pivotal role,† etc. Note: The word despite also functions as a noun and as a verb, but this post is about its prepositional use. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:12 Greek Words You Should KnowProved vs. ProvenContinue and "Continue on"