despite difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is achieved or occurs regardless of challenges or obstacles faced. Example: "She completed the marathon despite difficulty with her training schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Parker continued to record, and toured Europe despite difficulty with his cabaret license, and drug-abuse.

Columbia University

Working with a partner, being committed to a performance group, resolving disagreements in a friendly manner and persevering despite difficulty, are just a few of the lessons that the students learn while dancing.

University of California, Berkeley

A18 NEW YORK/REGION B1-8 STest Test Was Given Despite Difficulty A report on the problems with a statewide math test needed for graduation from high school in New York State has found that even early trials of the test indicated that the average student would be unable to pass.

The New York Times

To soldier on means to continue despite difficulty.

BBC

This phrasal verb means to continue despite difficulty.

BBC

Despite difficulty changes and different and bigger explosions, someone had tricked me into playing the same level, over and over again.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Prison and Probation Service said that "despite difficulties there is good work going on at Onley".

BBC

Still, despite difficulties, rental projects continue to open.

The New York Times

Brooke says he wants to 'soldier on' despite difficulties".

The New York Times - Magazine

Putin said the peace process was progressing despite difficulties.

The Guardian

Despite difficulties this Court has previously adjudicated controversies concerning submerged land boundaries.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite difficulty" to clearly signal that an action or outcome occurred even though significant obstacles were present. This adds emphasis to the achievement.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that obscure who or what overcame the difficulty. Instead of "Progress was made despite difficulty", write "The team made progress despite difficulty" to highlight agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite difficulty" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates a concession, suggesting that an action or outcome occurred even with the presence of challenges. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys that something occurs or is achieved even when facing challenges. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the sentence clearly identifies who or what overcame the difficulty to avoid passive voice. Consider alternatives like "in spite of hardship" or "regardless of the obstacles" for nuanced expression. Overall, "despite difficulty" is a valuable tool for emphasizing resilience and success in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of the hardship

Replaces "difficulty" with "hardship", emphasizing the severity of the challenge.

regardless of the obstacles

Substitutes "difficulty" with "obstacles", focusing on impediments encountered.

notwithstanding the challenges

Uses a more formal tone with "notwithstanding" instead of "despite", and "challenges" instead of "difficulty".

even with the problems

Replaces "difficulty" with "problems", indicating specific issues encountered.

in the face of adversity

Emphasizes the opposing force (adversity) rather than the specific difficulty.

against all odds

Highlights the improbability of success due to the difficulty faced.

though faced with complications

Indicates the presence of complex issues that create difficulty.

even given the struggle

Replaces "difficulty" with "struggle", emphasizing the effort required.

withstanding the trials

Highlights endurance and perseverance through difficult experiences or tests.

under challenging circumstances

Focuses on the environmental conditions that make something difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "despite difficulty" to show that something was achieved even when faced with problems. For example, "The project succeeded "despite difficulty" in obtaining funding".

What are some alternatives to "despite difficulty"?

Alternatives include "in spite of the hardship", "regardless of the obstacles", or "notwithstanding the challenges". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is it better to use "despite the difficulty" or "despite difficulty"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "despite the difficulty" is often preferred when referring to a specific, identified challenge. "Despite difficulty" is more general and can refer to inherent challenges or a broad range of obstacles.

How does "despite difficulty" compare to "although there were difficulties"?

"Despite difficulty" is more concise and direct, while "although there were difficulties" provides a more descriptive introduction to the challenges faced. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and sentence structure.