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Despite the fact that...

A very useful phrase for fluency and articulacy is the fact that. This can be used to add a clause in a sentence where the grammar forces you to use a noun, for example, after linking words such as despite or in spite of, which are both followed by a noun. 

Despite / in spite of + noun + contrasting clause

For example:

  • Despite the sunshine, the snow has not yet melted.
  • In spite of the sunshine, the snow has not yet melted.

Despite and in spite of have the same meaning.

However, you can add a clause to despite or in spite of by adding the fact that and then a clause.

Despite / in spite of + the fact that + clause + contrasting clause.

For example:

  • Despite the fact that the sun has been shining all day, the snow has not yet melted.

This allows you to be more flexible with your sentences, but also makes your English sound more articulate and fluent.

Here are more examples:

It was raining, but the football team continued their training session.

  • Despite the fact that it was raining, the football team continued their training session.
  • The football team continued their training session despite the fact that it was raining.

The economy has gone into recession, but our company is surviving.

  • In spite of the fact that the economy has gone into recession, our company is surviving.
  • Our company is surviving in spite of the fact that the economy has gone into recession.

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