despite the data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite the data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or occurs regardless of the information or evidence presented. Example: "Despite the data suggesting a decline in sales, the company decided to invest in new marketing strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Constancy is maintained despite the data.

Independent

The rest is not so easy to track, despite the data revolution in economics.

The New Yorker

This is the future we have always believed in, despite the "data" backing those who tried to herald us back into some type of mediocre status quo.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the data, the belief has hung on that Lyme disease bacteria can cause a chronic infection even after treatment.

The New York Times - Health

This is despite the data used to identify the number of 'troubled families' being six years out of date and compiled for completely different purposes and identifying potentially very different families.

The Guardian

Despite the data telling us one thing, it seems like we have a hard time ignoring cultural expectations that run counter to the numbers.

The New York Times

"You can fine-tune it all you want to, and that still doesn't change the bottom line," Dr. Partridge said, adding that he also thought many doctors were still recommending the tests despite the data.

The New York Times - Health

Despite the data limitations, we believe our study contributes to the literature in the following ways.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Despite all the data boosting the case for an interest rate rise, the Bank of England's monetary policy committee member David Blanchflower warned against an overreaction.

The Guardian - Business

Despite all the data Facebook has on consumers, they are a customer of Datalogix.

TechCrunch

Despite this, the data rate of 356.3, 312.5, 323.8, and 343.1 Mbit/s is achieved for the four SDM channels, respectively.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite the data" to introduce a statement or action that seems counterintuitive or unexpected, given the information available. It adds emphasis to the unexpected nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "despite the data" when the data actually supports your point. Ensure there's a genuine contradiction or unexpected outcome before using the phrase, otherwise it can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite the data" functions as a prepositional phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier. It introduces a concession, indicating that a subsequent statement holds true even when the available data might suggest otherwise. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite the data" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrast or contradiction with available data. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. Ludwig confirms its usability. When writing, ensure you're genuinely presenting a situation where data conflicts with reality to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "regardless of the data" or "even though the data suggests" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of the data

Indicates that the data has no bearing on the outcome or decision.

notwithstanding the data

A more formal way of saying "regardless of" or "despite", indicating a lack of impact from the data.

even though the data suggests

Emphasizes concession, highlighting that data might lead to a different expectation.

data notwithstanding

A concise inversion, placing less initial emphasis on the data itself.

in the face of the data

Highlights a direct confrontation or contradiction with the available data.

the data notwithstanding

A variation of "data notwithstanding", adding 'the' for clarity in some contexts.

contrary to what the data indicates

Directly opposes an expectation set by the data.

even with the data showing

Specifically points to what the data reveals, emphasizing the contrast.

against the backdrop of the data

Sets the data as a background element while introducing something that deviates from it.

despite the evidence

Broader than data, includes all forms of evidence, not just numerical data.

FAQs

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

Use "despite the data" to introduce a statement that contrasts with what the data suggests. For example, "Despite the data showing a decline in sales, the company is optimistic about the future."

What is a good alternative to "despite the data"?

Alternatives include "regardless of the data", "even though the data suggests", or "notwithstanding the data". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "in spite of the data" and "despite the data"?

"In spite of the data" and "despite the data" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both indicate that something is true or happens even if the data suggests otherwise.

Is it more appropriate to use "despite the data" in formal or informal writing?

"Despite the data" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its use depends more on the context and the need to express a contrast with available information.