despite contending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite contending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs or is true regardless of the challenges or opposition faced. Example: "Despite contending with numerous obstacles, the team managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In Atlanta, Bobby Cox is about to retire despite contending again for the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

Austin described the battle for Kobani – which US officials have downplayed as peripheral to the anti-Isis strategy – as a target of opportunity, despite contending that Isis seeks to have the US divert its attention to marginal fights.

The Guardian

Mr. Castello also suggested that the mayor did not care much about the fate of other candidates being backed by the Independence Party, despite contending that his ballot security money would help the party; indeed, Mr. Bloomberg conceded that he could not recall whether he had even met Frank MacKay, the party's chairman.

The New York Times

Despite contending with drizzle on the upper slopes, he was able to make up 20 seconds on Contador, who remained on his normal bike.

BBC

Despite contending late into the season, the 1948 Yankees finished in third place in the AL.

Wikipedia

Her first album, "Like in Love!", came out in 1959, and she had her greatest commercial success over the following decade despite contending at times with the latest sounds.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was imposed despite RTÉ contending that press freedom, public interest and legitimate journalistic inquiry should be paramount.

The Guardian

Last month, an organization in Washington used unverified data to make the case nationally — despite detractors contending that the analysis was "simplistic" — that the university is run inefficiently.

The New York Times

Her achievements came at a time when it was not always easy for women to make a career in science, and it is a measure of her ability and determination that she reached the top of her profession despite occasionally contending with the unconscious prejudice of the scientific establishment.

Independent

Both teams have been battered by injuries, but the Yankees are contending despite their recent struggles.

The New York Times - Sports

He is one of the biggest reasons that the Rockets are still contending, despite losing Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Dikembe Mutombo to injuries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite contending", ensure the sentence clearly establishes both the contrasting situation and the primary action or outcome. This will improve clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "despite contending" when the contending factor is not a significant obstacle. Overusing it in minor contrasting situations weakens its impact and can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite contending" functions as a concessive prepositional phrase. It introduces a situation or action that contrasts with the main clause, indicating that the main action occurs regardless of the challenges implied by "contending". Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "despite contending" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that introduces a contrasting element to a main clause. Ludwig AI highlights its appropriateness for indicating resilience in the face of challenges. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, though it can appear in wiki and science writing as well. When using this phrase, ensure that the opposing challenge is significant enough to warrant the contrast. While other phrases can serve as alternatives, such as "in spite of the challenge" or "regardless of the opposition", "despite contending" effectively communicates persistence amid difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of the opposition

Focuses on the resistance encountered, which is not preventing progress.

despite the conflict

Directly points out the struggle that does not impede progress.

in spite of the challenge

Emphasizes the difficult nature of the situation being overcome.

in the face of contention

Stresses the boldness to proceed while directly confronted with a dispute.

notwithstanding the contention

Formally acknowledges the existence of a dispute or argument, but proceeds regardless.

even with the disputes

Acknowledges multiple points of disagreement that do not stop the action.

while still facing

Emphasizes simultaneous existence of the main action and the difficulty.

even though battling

Highlights the active struggle or opposition being faced.

although arguing

Highlights ongoing disagreement without affecting the main action.

though still asserting

Highlights persistence in affirming something, even amid challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "despite contending" in a sentence?

Use "despite contending" to show that something is happening or true, even though there is a challenge or argument. For example, "Despite contending with several injuries, the team won the championship".

What are some alternatives to "despite contending"?

You can use alternatives like "in spite of the challenge", "regardless of the opposition", or "even though battling" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in spite of contending"?

Yes, "in spite of contending" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "despite contending". Both phrases introduce a contrasting element to the main clause.

What's the difference between "despite contending" and "although arguing"?

"Despite contending" suggests a challenge or opposition that is being actively addressed, whereas "although arguing" simply indicates a difference of opinion or ongoing debate. The former implies overcoming an obstacle, while the latter is more about coexisting viewpoints.