despite steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite steps" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a contrast or exception, but it lacks context to be effectively used. Example: "Despite steps taken to improve the situation, the problem persisted."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But Wendy's fortunes failed to improve, despite steps like a share-buyback program and new marketing efforts for its Super Value Menu.

The New York Times

Despite steps taken last week by central banks to help banks in Europe borrow dollars, there were signs of rising borrowing costs for these institutions.

The New York Times

While Spanish banks are not in as bad shape as their Irish peers, the government has not yet convinced investors that it has addressed the problem despite steps to force local savings banks to raise capital.

The New York Times

Indeed, Mr. Putin interpreted the results as a clear validation of the course he has set in the four years since he became president, despite steps viewed here and abroad as autocratic, including the war in Chechnya, the stifling of dissent and, most recently, a prosecutorial assault on the country's richest man and a potential rival, Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky.

The New York Times

"Despite steps taken since March 2007 (when Zelnick and Feder took over), Take-Two remains dependent on a limited number of titles, and has limited capital resources.

TechCrunch

Despite steps taken in survey development to maximize clarity, respondents may not have understood the question, or may have found the survey too long.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Despite stepping on Bob in the boat and smashing him to pieces, Frank passed, too.

The New York Times - Sports

However, despite stepping down as president or patron of more than a dozen organisations, he has remained busy.

The Guardian

In her first competition since last year's worlds, Kim scored 65.91 points despite stepping out of her opening triple lutz.

The New York Times - Sports

Microsoft founder Bill Gates made it to number 9 despite stepping down from day to day management of the company, and Carphone Warehouse chief Charles Dunstone entered the list at 20.

The Guardian

Public protests followed, but the authorities repeatedly said the water was safe, despite stepping up water treatment and occasionally issuing advice to residents to boil it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider specifying the nature of the "steps" to provide more context and avoid vagueness. For instance, use "despite the cost-cutting measures" instead of just "despite steps".

Common error

Avoid using "despite steps" without specifying what those steps are. This lack of specificity can confuse readers. Instead, be explicit about the actions or measures being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite steps" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a contrast or concession. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction can be improved by specifying the nature of the "steps" to enhance clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "despite steps" isn't strictly incorrect, it's often considered vague and stylistically weak. Ludwig AI highlights the need for more specific language. For clearer and more impactful writing, it's recommended to replace "despite steps" with more descriptive alternatives like "in spite of measures", "regardless of actions taken", or "notwithstanding the efforts made", depending on the context. The frequency is uncommon, with usage mainly in News & Media and Science. Consider specifying the nature of the "steps" taken for better clarity and to avoid potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of measures

Replaces "steps" with a more formal and specific term, implying planned actions.

regardless of actions taken

Emphasizes that an outcome occurs irrespective of specific actions.

notwithstanding the efforts made

A formal alternative highlighting that something happens even with dedicated efforts.

even with the procedures implemented

Focuses on the implementation of procedures that do not achieve the intended effect.

despite the precautions

Highlights that something occurs even when precautions are taken.

in the face of interventions

Emphasizes the presence of interventions designed to change an outcome.

despite interventions

A concise term highlighting that something occurs even when there were interventions.

even after the adjustments

Highlights that something occurs even after adjustments.

irrespective of the processes

Emphasizes that an outcome occurs irrespective of specific processes.

in defiance of measures

Emphasizes that something occurs in defiance of measures.

FAQs

What does "despite steps" mean?

The phrase "despite steps" is vague, but it generally means that something has occurred or is true even though certain actions or measures have been taken. A clearer alternative would be "despite the measures taken".

What can I say instead of "despite steps"?

You can use alternatives like "in spite of measures", "regardless of actions taken", or "notwithstanding the efforts made" depending on the context.

How can I make the phrase "despite steps" more specific?

Instead of using the general term "steps", specify the type of actions taken. For example, use "despite cost-cutting measures" or "despite the implemented procedures".

Is "despite steps" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "despite steps" is considered poor style due to its vagueness. It's better to be more specific about what "steps" are being referred to.