despite the severity

USAGE SUMMARY

"despite the severity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to show that something is happening or being done despite a difficult or serious situation. Example: Despite the severity of the storm, the rescue team continued their search for the missing hikers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In several case studies, the traditional healer continued to perform his ceremony despite the severity of a newborn infant's condition.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Despite the severity of the charges, the magistrate let the men out on bail.

The Guardian

By Kelefa Sanneh Paul is unflappable and good-humored despite the severity of his message.

The New Yorker

Despite the severity in some areas, the effects are not as widespread as in some past droughts.

The New York Times

Despite the severity of the blast, fire officials said there were no immediate signs of structural damage to the building.

The New York Times

For now, despite the severity of the attack, Citko has decided to stay and get on with his life.

The Guardian

Despite the severity of Argentina's national crisis, Mr. Johansen and Ms. Stahl say they intend to stay on.

The New York Times - Books

Despite the severity of his injuries, McLosky emerged with his hearing intact; he now plans to become a physical therapist.

The New Yorker

Despite the severity of the excommunication, it was apparently undertaken with some reluctance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the severity of her condition, she was determined to travel, taking trips to Belgium and Italy with her friends and enthusing about the sights – and impressive chocolate.

The Guardian

The flexible structure of the traditional huts explains why the death toll was relatively low – only 16 storm-related fatalities – despite the severity of the cyclone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite the severity" to introduce a contrasting element, showing that something occurs even when a negative condition is present. For instance, "Despite the severity of the recession, the company managed to increase its profits."

Common error

Avoid using "despite of" as it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "despite" followed directly by the noun or noun phrase. For example, use "despite the severity" not "despite of the severity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite the severity" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a contrasting element or concession. It modifies a clause by indicating that a particular condition or outcome occurs regardless of the seriousness of a situation. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in setting up a contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite the severity" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrasting element. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. To ensure proper usage, avoid the incorrect phrasing "despite of". Instead, use "despite the severity" to effectively convey that something persists or occurs even in the face of challenging or serious circumstances. Related phrases like "in spite of the seriousness" or "regardless of the gravity" can provide stylistic variations while retaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even with the seriousness

Replaces "despite" with "even with" and "severity" with "seriousness", emphasizing the graveness of the situation.

in spite of the acuteness

Substitutes "despite" with "in spite of" and "severity" with "acuteness", focusing on the intensity of the condition.

regardless of the gravity

Emphasizes the weightiness of the situation using "gravity" instead of "severity".

notwithstanding the intensity

Replaces "despite" with "notwithstanding" and "severity" with "intensity", indicating that the intensity doesn't prevent something else from happening.

even given the seriousness

Highlights that the seriousness is acknowledged but doesn't change the outcome.

for all the intensity

Uses "for all" to convey a sense of concession regarding the intensity.

with all its seriousness

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the seriousness.

though the situation was dire

Expresses a similar sentiment, focusing on the dire nature of the situation.

severe as it was

Inverts the structure, emphasizing the severity after the fact.

even if the condition was critical

Uses 'even if' to address the condition and its criticality.

FAQs

How to use "despite the severity" in a sentence?

Use "despite the severity" to indicate that something happened or is true even though there was a serious or difficult circumstance. For example: "Despite the severity of the storm, no one was injured."

What can I say instead of "despite the severity"?

You can use alternatives like "in spite of the seriousness", "regardless of the gravity", or "even with the seriousness" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "despite the severity" or "in spite of the severity"?

Both "despite the severity" and "in spite of the severity" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Is it correct to say "despite of the severity"?

No, "despite of the severity" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "despite the severity". The word "despite" already functions as a preposition and doesn't require the addition of "of".