despite being controversial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite being controversial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement or opinion that may be contentious or debated, while acknowledging that controversy exists. Example: "Despite being controversial, the new policy was implemented to address urgent environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But despite being controversial CBAs are popular.

The Economist

Nevertheless, despite being controversial, this study sounds an alarm that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated precise gene editing technique is still premature and needs further investigation and improvement before any clinical application.

Protein & Cell

Despite being controversial in WW1, Mr Lawson insists it is "to Britain's credit" that, during a war with a great need for conscripts, conscientious objection was allowed by law.

BBC

Despite being controversial, studies have shown associations between chronic diseases, such as hypertension [ 8], diabetes [ 9], and dyslipidemia [ 10], and the number/functionality of CACs.

BioMed Research International

Despite being controversial, chemotherapy for stage II disease is advised for patients with poor prognostic factors including T4 stage, less than 12 lymph nodes sampled at the time of resection, clinical bowel obstruction and perforation, and poor histologic grade with lymphovascular and perineural invasion [ 3, 4].

BMC Cancer

Definitions of the syndrome that are based on thresholds, despite being controversial and difficult to generalize for diverse populations, may be useful in clinical practice for the identification and follow-up of those youth who may benefit most from therapeutic interventions.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Despite this is controversial, a possible explanation is that there is a direct interaction between DNA and the Casiopeinas tested.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

The issue of bankers' pay continues to be controversial, despite changes to the way bonuses are structured and attempts by the EU to impose a cap on bonuses of 100% of salary, or 200% if shareholders approve.

The Guardian - Business

Wolf's idea that rational agents have the capacity to track objective moral reasons is controversial despite being a well-known and widely supported position.

SEP

The primary management strategy for the post myocardial infarction patient continues to be controversial despite published guidelines.

Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Although physostigmine is the antidote for anticholinergic toxicity, its use is controversial despite recent reports of it being a safe treatment.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing to more precise language (e.g. "despite the ethical concerns", "despite the scientific disagreements") when the specific nature of the controversy is central to your point.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions, as it can weaken your writing. For instance, instead of "Despite being controversial, it was decided...", try "Despite being controversial, the committee decided...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite being controversial" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a contrast or concession. It sets up a situation where, even though something is debated or disputed, a particular action, result, or viewpoint still holds true. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "despite being controversial" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to acknowledge disagreement or debate while introducing a contrasting point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, it adds nuance and acknowledges various perspectives in an objective manner. Related alternatives include "although contentious" and "regardless of the controversy surrounding it". When using this phrase, avoid passive voice and aim for specific language. Its function is to concede disagreement while maintaining a contrasting viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of the controversy surrounding it

This alternative directly acknowledges and sets aside the controversy.

although contentious

This alternative emphasizes the argumentative nature of the subject.

even though disputed

This alternative stresses the disagreement surrounding the topic.

albeit contentious

This alternative uses a slightly more formal tone, indicating argument.

notwithstanding its contentiousness

This phrase is more formal and highlights the disputed nature of the topic.

in spite of its disputability

Focuses on the characteristic of being open to dispute.

despite generating debate

Highlights the act of creating debate.

though it sparks disagreement

This alternative emphasizes the act of disagreement.

even if debate exists

This alternative acknowledges the existence of debate.

while under dispute

This alternative implies that the subject is currently being disputed.

FAQs

How can I use "despite being controversial" in a sentence?

You can use "despite being controversial" to introduce a topic or statement that has elements of dispute or disagreement surrounding it. For example, "Despite being controversial, the new policy was implemented to address urgent environmental issues."

What can I say instead of "despite being controversial"?

You can use alternatives like "although contentious", "even though disputed", or "regardless of the controversy surrounding it" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "despite being controversial" or "in spite of being controversial"?

"Despite being controversial" and "in spite of being controversial" are largely interchangeable. "Despite" is generally considered slightly more common and concise, but both are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning.

What's the difference between "despite being controversial" and "because it is controversial"?

"Despite being controversial" acknowledges the controversy but implies that something is happening anyway. "Because it is controversial" suggests the controversy is the reason something is happening (or not happening). They have opposite meanings.