How To Use 'Despite'

Despite / In spite of

'Despite' or 'in spite of' have to be followed by a noun or noun phrase. 


For example:

She touched the kettle. I warned her.

• She touched the kettle despite my warning (to) her. OR
• She touched the kettle despite the fact that I warned her.

• She touched the kettle in spite of my warning (to) her. OR
• She touched the kettle in spite of the fact that I warned her.

    http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/despite