Despite + sentence

[Alexzive]

Hello there:)!

I've never understood whether DESPITE can be used to also attach a sentence or only in combination with a substantive (the last option is what I found in my grammar)

When can I use DESPITE + verb? only in spoken english? only in the form "DESPITE WHAT + ..."?

please let me know if following sentence are correct:

1)"despite what he says, there are some problems"
2)"despite that her parents are old, they are very lively"
3)"despite her parents are old, they are very lively"
4)"despite the fact that her parents are old , they are very lively"

Thank you!
Alex

[Canadian45]

alexzive
Sentences 1 and 4 are correct, 2 and 3 are not.

Instead of 4, you can simply say Despite being old, her parents are very lively.

"Despite" is often followed by a gerund. Despite falling off the roof, he suffered no significant injury.

[Alexzive]

Hi Canadian;),

thank you very much for your explanation.

I have another question related to your example but concerning time:

"Despite falling off the roof, he suffered no significant injury."

it refers to a past situation, isn'it?

what the difference with

"Despite HAVING fallen off the roof, he suffered no significant injury."

Thanks a lot!
Alex

[Canadian45]

hi Alex, you're welcome

1...Yes, my sentence about "falling off the roof " descriibes a past event. (......he suffered no.....)

Your sentence describes a past event too but you used the perfect tense, "having fallen".

The meanings are exactly the same.

2..."isn't it?", not "isn'it?" but you should say "It refers to a past situation, doesn't it?" (doesn't relates to refers)

[Alexzive]

thank you!!!