despite these difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite these difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that contrasts with the difficulties mentioned, often to highlight a positive outcome or resilience. Example: "Despite these difficulties, the team managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Despite these difficulties, Nissan is solidly profitable.

The New York Times

Despite these difficulties, law enforcement agents are not completely helpless.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And yet, despite these difficulties and limitations, we should speak.

The Guardian - Books

But despite these difficulties, we have done a lot".

The New York Times

Yet despite these difficulties, writers came into being.

The Guardian - Books

But despite these difficulties, we want to feel loved and cherished and appreciated.

University of California, Berkeley

Despite these difficulties, Barouch saw the promise of the naked-DNA technique.

The New Yorker

Despite these difficulties, Mr. Condit, 53, has some things in his favor.

The New York Times

Despite these difficulties friends say the family was always open and warm.

The Guardian

Despite these difficulties, Moesia remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire until the 7th century.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite these difficulties, the diplomat said, Mr. Arafat still has a concrete victory to sell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite these difficulties", ensure that the sentence clearly states the positive outcome or action that occurred in spite of the challenges. For example, "Despite these difficulties, the team achieved record sales."

Common error

Avoid using "despite these difficulties" when the sentence does not offer a clear contrast. The phrase should introduce something unexpected or positive given the challenges mentioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite these difficulties" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a condition or circumstance that would typically prevent the main action from occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use as a contrasting element within sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "despite these difficulties" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a contrasting element, highlighting a positive outcome or action in the face of challenges. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "in spite of these difficulties" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to use this phrase when a clear contrast exists and aim to emphasize resilience or unexpected success. Being aware of common errors, such as missing the contrasting element, will improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of these difficulties

Synonymous alternative, replaces "despite" with "in spite of" maintaining same meaning and grammatical structure.

even with these difficulties

Alternative that emphasizes the co-existence of the difficulties and the subsequent action or result.

notwithstanding these difficulties

More formal alternative to "despite", indicating that the difficulties do not prevent something from happening.

regardless of these difficulties

Highlights the act of not being affected or prevented by the difficulties.

yet with these difficulties

Introduces a contrast, similar to "despite", but with a slightly stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness.

even in light of these difficulties

Emphasizes that the difficulties are known and considered, yet action proceeds.

for all these difficulties

An alternative that concedes to the presence of problems while still focusing on a positive outcome.

despite the presence of these difficulties

More verbose and emphatic version of "despite these difficulties".

with these difficulties as they are

Alternative that directly acknowledges and accepts the existing difficulties before proceeding.

although these difficulties existed

Phrase that is more suitable when emphasizing past situations and actions taken.

FAQs

How can I use "despite these difficulties" in a sentence?

Use "despite these difficulties" to introduce a statement that contrasts with the challenges mentioned. For example: "Despite these difficulties, the project was a success."

What are some alternatives to "despite these difficulties"?

You can use alternatives such as "in spite of these difficulties", "even with these difficulties", or "regardless of these difficulties depending on the context.

Which is correct, "despite these difficulties" or "in spite of these difficulties"?

Both "despite these difficulties" and "in spite of these difficulties" are correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. They have virtually the same meaning.

What's the difference between "despite these difficulties" and "however"?

"Despite these difficulties" is a prepositional phrase that introduces a contrasting statement, while "however" is a conjunctive adverb used to connect two independent clauses or sentences. "Despite these difficulties" typically starts a dependent clause, whereas "however" often starts an independent clause or sentence.