[Grammar] In spite of

[beachboy]

If spite of being a crook, EVERYBODY likes him.
Is this sentence ok? I don't like "everybody" as the subject of the second sentence. It sounds awkward to me....

 

[SoothingDave]

"Despite being a crook..."

"Everybody" is fine. Or, you could use "everyone."

 

[beachboy]

I found it awkward because the subject of the second sentence is not the subject of the first sentence. It's as if, rephrasing the whole sentence, it would go like: "Although EVERYBODY is a crook, everybody likes him". Personally, I'd say something more simple like "In spite of being a crook, HE has many friends".

 

[SoothingDave]

Yeah, you're right it's a bit "misplaced modifier." To be absolutely clear, try "Despite his being a crook, everybody liked him."

 

[tzfujimino]

I'd like to ask a question here.

In spite of/despite being a crook, he is liked by everybody.

Is the sentence above natural?
(I'm asking this because I hear there are many cases in which the passive sounds unnatural.)

Thank you.