In spite of taking medicine, his health is not better. vs In spite of his taking medicine, his health is not better.

Both phrases are correct, but the second one is more commonly used in English. The addition of 'his' before 'taking medicine' helps to clarify the subject of the action. It is a more formal and structured way of constructing the sentence.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 894 views

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"In spite of taking medicine, his health is not better."

This phrase is grammatically correct but less commonly used. It lacks the possessive pronoun 'his' before 'taking medicine,' which can make the sentence less clear.

Show examples from the web [+]

Unfortunately, his health is deteriorating rapidly.
In spite of his great suffering, his dreams were realized.
In spite of this, however, the EU's approach towards policies on transport and health is still not sufficiently integrated.
In spite of considerable evidence gathered by Mrs Erica Duggan, his mother, that Jeremiah died in very worrying and suspicious circumstances, last week the Hessen State Prosecutor decided not to investigate.
In spite of this, Directive 128/2009/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides has listed organophosphates among the eight 'candidates for substitution', as their dangerousness to health is not yet considered to be proven beyond doubt.
Without access to proper medical assistance, his health is rapidly declining.
The progress made within Member States in terms of taking concrete steps to improve the business environment for small and medium-sized businesses is variable and sometimes negligible, in spite of the declared political commitments featuring in this document.
The patient we were expecting, his health is crucial to the survival of an entire culture.
In addition to the unacceptable denial of his freedom, his health is deteriorating and his visiting rights have been restricted.
In spite of my repeated warnings...
Accordingly, the protection of workers is based on two principles: the principle of prevention and the principle of taking immediate action to tackle adverse effects if, in spite of everything, the exposure limit values are exceeded.
You have been convicted of taking and driving away shoplifting, violent behaviour and, in spite of your undertakings to the court you have made no attempts to secure yourself a job.
In spite of myself - and honestly, many times - in spite of her.
You failed on a previous attempt in this area, in spite of the Commission's initiative and in spite of Parliament's commitment.
In spite of its reservations, the EESC welcomes these impact assessments.
Final payments were made in spite of insufficient supporting documentation.
The practical effects of these proposals are still unknown in spite of impact assessments on aggregate level.
Parliament obtained the permanent ban rule in spite of strong opposition from the Council in the negotiations.
In spite of coordinating efforts being undertaken between a limited number of Member States, the European defence market remains fragmented and divided.
In spite of the intense combats, many insurgents escape.

Alternatives:

despite taking medicine, his health is not better.
although he takes medicine, his health is not better.
even though he is taking medicine, his health is not better.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"In spite of his taking medicine, his health is not better."

This phrase is the more common and structured way of expressing the idea. By adding 'his' before 'taking medicine,' the subject of the action is clarified.

Show examples from the web [+]

In spite of his great suffering, his dreams were realized.
In spite of considerable evidence gathered by Mrs Erica Duggan, his mother, that Jeremiah died in very worrying and suspicious circumstances, last week the Hessen State Prosecutor decided not to investigate.
In spite of my repeated warnings...
...against the deep damnation of his taking-off.
In spite of myself - and honestly, many times - in spite of her.
You failed on a previous attempt in this area, in spite of the Commission's initiative and in spite of Parliament's commitment.
Yang Zhizhu's case is significant both in terms of the widespread coverage it was afforded in Chinese state media and of his taking local family planning authorities to court.
In spite of its reservations, the EESC welcomes these impact assessments.
Final payments were made in spite of insufficient supporting documentation.
The practical effects of these proposals are still unknown in spite of impact assessments on aggregate level.
Parliament obtained the permanent ban rule in spite of strong opposition from the Council in the negotiations.
In spite of coordinating efforts being undertaken between a limited number of Member States, the European defence market remains fragmented and divided.
In spite of the intense combats, many insurgents escape.
In spite of her youth, she had an innate wisdom way beyond her years.
I loved him in spite of everything.
In spite of everything I have your father's yearnings.
He refused in spite of the consequences.
In spite of the juvenile snickers of some, this is a serious matter.
In spite of all precautions, accidents are always possible.
In spite of evidence from witnesses, who identified you as the murderer, you have always denied it.

Alternatives:

despite his taking medicine, his health is not better.
although he is taking medicine, his health is not better.
even though he takes medicine, his health is not better.

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In spite of taking medicine, his health is not better. vs In spite of his taking medicine, his health is not better.