‘in spite of’ or ‘because of’?
‘in spite of’ or ‘because of’?
Notice the difference between these:
1) He loved her despite her bad temper.
2) He loved her in spite of her bad temper.
3) He loved her because of her bad temper.
In 1 and 2 the man clearly adored the woman even though she has a rather unfortunate, perhaps difficult temperament. What a lucky woman!! Is this man unusual?
In 3 what the man clearly adored about the woman is that she is an angry and perhaps difficult, argumentative person. ‘Because of’ gives you the reason why he loves her. (Why does this man want to have a bad-tempered person in his life? Would he not find life more pleasant if she was easy-going and did not have a bad temper? Is this man unusual?)
Can you select in spite of or because of in these examples below?
1. [Multiple choice]
Roy seemed to have enjoyed the film ……………… the fact that it was not his usual sort of film.
Answers for Quiz [1].
- 1. because of
- 2. in spite of (correct)
2. [Multiple choice]
She makes sure she spends every August away from Athens ……………… the heat.
Answers for Quiz [2].
- 1. because of (correct)
- 2. in spite of
3. [Multiple choice]
We’re planning to spend the day at the beach ……………… the sudden heatwave.
(The heatwave clearly gives a reason why these people should be heading for the beach. They are taking advantage of some hot weather tp go and enjoy themselves.)
Answers for Quiz [3].
- 1. because of (correct)
- 2. in spite of
4. [Multiple choice]
We invited Hannah and James to our usual barbecue, but hadn’t realised they were strict vegetarians. We had hoped they would enjoy themselves ……………… that, but apparently they didn’t.
Answers for Quiz [4].
- 1. because of
- 2. in spite of (correct)
5. [Multiple choice]
Birds have begun migrating south earlier than usual this year ……………… the early arrival of winter.
(Winter makes finding food harder for birds, which is why they head south when cold weather arrives.)
Answers for Quiz [5].
- 1. because of (correct)
- 2. in spite of
6. [Multiple choice]
……………… the low cost of renting a cottage in the low season Jim and Mary have booked a whole month’s holiday in Dartmoor.
Answers for Quiz [6].
- 1. Because of (correct)
- 2. In spite of
7. [Multiple choice]
……………… the fact that British species of birds such as the chaffinch are not migratory, they nevertheless do migrate a short distance south or alternatively to Ireland in very cold weather.
Answers for Quiz [7].
- 1. Because of
- 2. In spite of (correct)
8. [Multiple choice]
Kristina is planning to come to the north of Norway in December ……………… the cold weather.
(Note
Of course, if Kristina prefers cold weather to warmer, she might be heading north because of the cold weather!
)
Answers for Quiz [8].
- 1. because of
- 2. in spite of (correct)
9. [Multiple choice]
Visitors are often amazed to see how many people walking around the city centre in T-shirts ……………… freezing temperatures.
Answers for Quiz [9].
- 1. because of
- 2. in spite of (correct)
10. [Multiple choice]
I’ve decided to move my bank account to HSBC ……………… their lower overdraft rates.
Answers for Quiz [10].
- 1. because of (correct)
- 2. in spite of