preposition
1
BAD : Despite the train was empty, he came and sat in front of me.
GOOD : Although the train was empty, he came and sat in front of me.
GOOD : Despite the train being empty, he came and sat in front of me.
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Despite and in spite of are prepositions (NOT conjunctions). Unlike although (a conjunction), they cannot introduce a clause that has a finite verb ('was'). Compare: 'In spite of/Despite owning two cars, he can't drive.' 'Although he owns two cars, he can't drive.'
2
BAD : Despite of my qualifications, I couldn't get a job.
GOOD : Despite my qualifications, I couldn't get a job.
GOOD : In spite of my qualifications, I couldn't get a job.
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despite sth (WITHOUT of ): 'Despite the heat, she wouldn't take her coat off.'
in spite of sth (WITH of ): 'In spite of the heat, she wouldn't take her coat off.'