Despite their differences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Despite their differences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that acknowledges contrasting characteristics or opinions while emphasizing a commonality or unity. Example: "Despite their differences, the two teams managed to collaborate effectively on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Despite their differences, it's not hard to see why.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite their differences, she and he eventually fall in love.

The New York Times - Books

Despite their differences, a strong mutual respect exists.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite their differences, the four carry out joint operations.

The Economist

Despite their differences, the parties all played the same game.

The New York Times

Despite their differences, they both believed in the unconscious and its power to motivate human behavior.

The New York Times

Despite their differences, they displayed admirable solidarity during such a testing time.

The Guardian

Despite their differences, they're united by a single goal: defend against the outside force.

The New Yorker

Despite their differences, there are similarities between Mr. Bhatt and Mrs. Moore.

The New York Times

Despite their differences, "there are clearly areas where we can cooperate," Mr. Drake said.

The New York Times

"Despite their differences in methodology," she says, "economics and literature can therefore offer overlapping insights about human behavior".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Despite their differences", ensure that the sentence clearly articulates what unites the entities or why their differences are being downplayed.

Common error

Avoid using "Despite their differences" when the differences are so fundamental that no meaningful connection or common ground exists. The phrase implies that the similarities or shared aspects outweigh the disparities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Despite their differences" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a contrast or concession. It sets up a situation where one might expect the differences to matter, but then indicates that something else is also true or significant. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Despite their differences" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize commonalities or shared outcomes in the face of notable disparities. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly prevalent in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure effective use, concentrate on introducing a surprising similarity or shared aspect that connects distinct entities. By avoiding exaggeration of similarities when differences are fundamental, you can effectively use "Despite their differences" to highlight meaningful connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Notwithstanding their dissimilarities

Emphasizes the act of disregarding differences to focus on a shared element.

Even with their contrasting traits

Highlights the presence of contrasting characteristics despite an underlying connection.

In spite of their variations

Focuses on the existing variations and proceeds to disregard them.

Regardless of their distinctions

Stresses the irrelevance of the distinctions in the given context.

Although they diverge

Directly points out the divergence but implies a commonality despite it.

With all their disparities

Acknowledges existing disparities and introduces a point of convergence.

Their disagreements notwithstanding

Acknowledges disagreements but sets them aside to consider something else.

Yet, they share

Introduces a shared aspect after implying differences, creating a contrast.

Despite being dissimilar

Highlights the dissimilarity while setting up a statement of connection.

However, they are alike in some ways

Directly states the contrast and then the likeness, providing balance.

FAQs

How can I use "Despite their differences" in a sentence?

Use "Despite their differences" to highlight shared traits or actions among entities that are seemingly unalike. For instance, "Despite their differences, the two companies collaborated on the project".

What are some alternatives to "Despite their differences"?

Alternatives include "in spite of their variations", "regardless of their distinctions", or "notwithstanding their dissimilarities", each emphasizing contrast and connection.

Is there a subtle difference between "Despite their differences" and "In spite of their differences"?

While largely interchangeable, "Despite their differences" is slightly more common in contemporary usage. Both phrases effectively convey that something occurs or is true even though differences exist.

Can "Despite their differences" be used to compare abstract concepts as well as tangible entities?

Yes, "Despite their differences" is applicable to abstract concepts. For example, you might say, "Despite their differences, both philosophies seek to understand the human condition".