despite data to the contrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite data to the contrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid even when there is evidence or information that suggests otherwise. Example: "The team decided to proceed with the project despite data to the contrary, believing in their innovative approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This mentality can be seen in the rhetoric around immigrants from Mexico, where the recent discussions have attempted to paint these people as criminals despite the data to the contrary.

Huffington Post

The observation that stewards perceived tetracyclines as a relatively narrow-spectrum antimicrobial class despite susceptibility data to the contrary is also interesting.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Despite published data to the contrary (4, 9, 10, 15, 37, 38), respected textbooks of infectious diseases (5, 20) continue to propagate the dogma that rotavirus gastroenteritis is largely a disease of children older than 6 months of age through their second birthday.

BMC Pediatrics

Despite previously reported data to the contrary, the Ki67 index could play a relevant role in predicting benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer Research

This failure led to national media attention from various groups looking to shine a light on racial inequality, while conservatives took to the airwaves to paint African Americans as inherently criminal, using terms like "black on black crime," despite all of the data to the contrary.

Huffington Post

Remember, pigs can't actually fly, despite the information to the contrary.

TechCrunch

But data points to the contrary.

The Guardian

According to the Pentagon inspector general, the COIC would open a floodgate of inappropriate data collection, despite assurances to the contrary by JIEDDO leadership.

The Guardian

Despite claims to the contrary, census data show that most Latino immigrants learn and speak English quite well.

The Washington Post

Despite claims to the contrary, the data show that even when you take other factors into consideration – including crime rates –stops are disproportionately concentrated in black and Latino neighborhoods.

The Guardian - Opinion

With his data, he demonstrates that, despite reports to the contrary, gentrification is far from as widespread as many believe, and is largely concentrated in our largest metros.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite data to the contrary" to introduce a statement or action that goes against what data suggests. This can be powerful in highlighting innovation, risk-taking, or belief in a different perspective. For example: "Despite data to the contrary, the company invested heavily in the new technology, believing it would revolutionize the market."

Common error

Avoid using "despite data to the contrary" when the data is merely inconclusive or preliminary. This phrase is most effective when the data clearly points in a different direction. Using it otherwise can weaken your argument and suggest a disregard for factual evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite data to the contrary" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase. It sets up a contrast, indicating that what follows occurs regardless of existing data that suggests otherwise. It’s used to introduce an action or statement that might seem illogical based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite data to the contrary" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrast with available data. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is currently rare. Alternatives like "in spite of conflicting data" or "even though the evidence suggests otherwise" can provide similar meaning. When using the phrase, ensure that it is used when the data clearly goes against your statement and be aware of avoiding overstatement. The phrase maintains a neutral register applicable across news, business, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite evidence to the contrary

A very close synonym replacing "data" with "evidence".

in spite of the conflicting data

Replaces "despite" with "in spite of" and uses "conflicting" to specify the nature of the data.

notwithstanding the data suggesting otherwise

Uses "notwithstanding" for a more formal tone, clarifying that the data implies a different conclusion.

even though the data indicates the opposite

Rephrases the phrase using "even though" and "indicates the opposite" for emphasis.

regardless of the contradictory data

Employs "regardless of" to highlight the lack of consideration for the conflicting information.

although the evidence suggests otherwise

Substitutes "data" with "evidence" for a slightly broader scope.

contrary to what the data suggests

Inverts the structure to emphasize the contrast between the data and the actual situation.

in the face of conflicting data

Uses the idiom "in the face of" to convey a sense of defiance against the data.

overlooking the data that contradicts it

Focuses on the act of ignoring or overlooking the contradictory data.

ignoring the data suggesting the opposite

Highlights the deliberate choice to disregard the data.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "despite data to the contrary" in a sentence?

Use "despite data to the contrary" to introduce a statement or decision that contradicts available data. It highlights a situation where other factors outweigh statistical evidence. For instance: "Despite data to the contrary, the project moved forward because of strong anecdotal evidence."

What are some alternatives to "despite data to the contrary"?

You can use alternatives like "in spite of conflicting data", "notwithstanding the data suggesting otherwise", or "even though the data indicates the opposite depending on the context.

Is it better to say "despite evidence to the contrary" or "despite data to the contrary"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Despite evidence to the contrary" might be preferred when referring to broader forms of proof, while "despite data to the contrary" is more specific to statistical or numerical information.

When is it inappropriate to use "despite data to the contrary"?

Avoid using "despite data to the contrary" if the data is only preliminary or inconclusive, as it implies a stronger contradiction than might exist. Also, consider if acknowledging the data's implications is more appropriate than dismissing them.