despite some progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"despite some progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a point about how there has been some improvement, but not enough. For example: "Despite some progress in reducing poverty, much more needs to be done to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sadly, despite some progress, they have fallen further behind.

The Guardian - Opinion

No wonder, despite some progress, that we are still losing this "life-or-death fight".

The New York Times

Despite some progress, it is clear that these targets remain unfulfilled.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite some progress, Mr. Hopp decided last fall to begin growing his own produce.

The New York Times - Food

Despite some progress in creating automated image analysis techniques, the parameters measured by these methods are limited.

Methods

Despite some progress, a recent spate of fatal construction accidents led to the resignation of the buildings commissioner.

The New York Times

But despite some progress, a surface coating that reliably retains its biological activity over extended, clinically relevant time periods has not been developed.

Harvard University

An integrative perspective of business processes and IT resources would help meet these challenges, but despite some progress such a perspective remains to be developed.

International Journal of Accounting Information Systems

Despite some progress, Newark remains pocked with vacant lots and empty storefronts, and continues to suffer from poverty, unemployment and crime.

The New York Times

Despite "some progress" in recent months, the United States "still has a number of concerns," said Nefeterius Akeli McPherson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. trade representative.

The New York Times

Despite some progress in the well-being of children across the region, income and gender inequities remain, keeping many children in a situation of poverty and vulnerability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite some progress", clearly state what progress has been made before highlighting the remaining challenges. This provides context and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "despite some progress" without specifying what the remaining challenges are. This can leave the reader wondering what the point of the initial progress was.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite some progress" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a contrast. It acknowledges that a certain amount of advancement or improvement has occurred, but simultaneously sets the stage for highlighting remaining challenges, limitations, or negative aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it makes a point about improvement while underscoring that it isn't sufficient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite some progress" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrast, acknowledging advancements while highlighting remaining challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify both the progress made and the challenges that persist for maximum clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although there has been some gain

Directly acknowledges the presence of gain while implying limitations.

even if advances have been made

Highlights that any developments made do not solve a problem.

in spite of partial improvement

Highlights that improvement has only been partial or incomplete.

notwithstanding limited advancement

Emphasizes the limited nature of the advancement made.

granted partial success

Acknowledges some success while implying incomplete achievement.

even with certain headway

Suggests that despite forward movement, issues persist.

some headway notwithstanding

Inverts the structure to highlight the existing challenges.

with limited forward steps

Emphasizes the restricted nature of progress.

partial fulfillment notwithstanding

Acknowledges only some targets have been met.

allowing for minor gains

Suggests only small or insignificant progress has been achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "despite some progress" in a sentence?

You can use "despite some progress" to introduce a statement that acknowledges advancement while also highlighting remaining challenges. For example, "Despite some progress in reducing carbon emissions, global temperatures continue to rise."

What are some alternatives to saying "despite some progress"?

Alternatives include phrases like "notwithstanding limited advancement", "in spite of partial improvement", or "although there has been some gain", depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "despite some progress" or "despite significant progress"?

The choice depends on the extent of the advancement. Use "despite some progress" when the advancement is moderate or limited. Use "despite significant progress" when the advancement is substantial but challenges persist.

What's the difference between "despite some progress" and "because of some progress"?

"Despite some progress" implies that challenges remain even with advancement, whereas "because of some progress" suggests that further actions or outcomes are a direct result of the advancement.