[Grammar] in spite of pulling

[Oceanlike]

Instead of using 'Despite', I wrote:

In spite of pulling at the string with all his strength, James could not remove it from under the equipment.

If I don't want to use 'the fact that", and simply use 'pulling' after 'In spite of' in this sentence, is it incorrect?

Thank you.

 

[andrewg927]

Yes. It is.

 

[GoesStation]

"The fact that" wouldn't fit in that sentence. Even in sentences where you can use the phrase, you shouldn't.

 

[GoesStation]

I would go so far as to say that the fact that you can use the phrase "the fact that" is no good reason to use it.

 

[Oceanlike]

"The fact that" wouldn't fit in that sentence. Even in sentences where you can use the phrase, you shouldn't.

Do you mean I should avoid using "In spite of the fact that......"? (That 'in spite of' should not be paired with 'the fact that'?)

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

You can avoid the phrase altogether with careful writing.

Clumsy: In spite of the fact that his car was on its last legs, Harry headed for the Coast.

Concise: Harry headed for the coast despite his car's poor condition.

 

[Oceanlike]

Yes. It is.

If not using 'the fact that', and simply use 'pulling' after 'in spite of' is incorrect, how about if I write it this way:

- In spite of his pulling at the string with all his strength, James could not remove it from under the equipment.

Is it still incorrect?

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

If not using 'the fact that', and simply use 'pulling' after 'in spite of' is incorrect, how about if I write it this way:

- In spite of his pulling at the string with all his strength, James could not remove it from under the equipment.

Is it still incorrect?

No. In fact, I almost wrote a post suggesting that wording.

 

[Oceanlike]

No. In fact, I almost wrote a post suggesting that wording.

If that is also incorrect, then how to write it correctly, beginning with "In spite of......"

 

[GoesStation]

If that is also incorrect, then how to write it correctly, beginning with "In spite of......"

You asked "Is it still incorrect?" I answered "No [it is not incorrect]." That means I thought your proposed sentence was correct.

 

[Oceanlike]

You asked "Is it still incorrect?" I answered "No [it is not incorrect]." That means I thought your proposed sentence was correct.

Pardon me for seeking confirmation that I have understood you correctly. I'm learning English, hence oftentimes my ability to process explanations isn't as fast as I wish I can be.

1) In spite of his pulling at the string with all his strength, James not could not remove it from under the equipment. (This sentence is correct, right?)

2) In spite of pulling at the string with all his strength, James could not remove it from under the equipment. (This sentence is incorrect, right?)

If (2) is incorrect, kindly help me to understanding why.


Many thanks!

 

[GoesStation]

1) In spite of his pulling at the string with all his strength, James not could not remove it from under the equipment. (This sentence is correct, right?)

2) In spite of pulling at the string with all his strength, James could not remove it from under the equipment. (This sentence is incorrect, right?)

If (2) is incorrect, kindly help me to understanding why.

1 is okay if you remove the extra "not" after "James".

2 is correct, but "despite" would be more natural than "in spite of".

 

[Oceanlike]

1 is okay if you remove the extra "not" after "James".

Oh that was a typo error. Thanks for pointing that out.