despite this absence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite this absence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something occurs or is true even though there is a lack of something else. Example: "Despite this absence of evidence, the jury reached a verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Despite this absence, his paintings always deal in the man-made (buildings, agriculture, machines).

The Guardian - Books

Despite this absence of perspective, "Stardust Melodies" still may be the closest thing we have to a standard text on American pop from the first half of the 20th century.

The New York Times - Books

Despite this absence of apparent phenotype, expression of vinculin-ΔEx20 protein and reduced expression of wild type vinculin cause apoptotic cell death in the neural epithelium and in mesenchymal cells ventral to the spinal cord.

Plosone

Despite this absence of empirical evidence, interviewees still support this rationale, because it is stipulated in 45-CFR-46 45-CFR-46 45-CFR-46tify their existence, efforts, and expense.

BMC Medical Ethics

Despite this absence, the hatching larva does show a fully developed digestive tract, similar to the one observed during embryonic development.

BMC Biology

Despite this absence, C. pneumoniae koala and human encode a functional aromatic amino acid (tryptophan) hydroxylase, although the koala LPCoLN isolate is missing the extended N-terminal region [ 32].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Despite this supposed absence of solid/solid contact during operation, however, many bearings suffer significant wear during their operating lives.

Tribology Series

Despite this almost absence of mutators in RNA viruses, it has been observed that low fitness clones of an RNA bacteriophage increase their replicative ability when infections take place in the presence of a mutagen, a clear example of the adaptive advantages arising from an increase in the mutation rate in low fitness populations [31].

Plosone

Despite sample sizes being small, this absence remains intriguing, particularly since reduncins are recorded from relatively similar faunas and paleoenvironments at Toros-Menalla and Sahabi, being particularly abundant at the former site [18], [61].

Plosone

The cost is $285 for 10 hourlong sessions, compared with $165 at the original outpost — this despite the absence of the instructor Barry Jay, a founder of the company with John Mumford, the chief executive, and his wife, Rachel Mumford, the president.

The New York Times

In support of this, despite the absence of synaptic GABAARs, we observed a residual eIPSC in α10/0 VB neurons, which was greatly potentiated by the δ-selective positive allosteric modulator DS2 (Herd et al., 2013).

European Journal of Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite this absence", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly contrasts with the expected outcome given the absence. This clarifies the relationship you're highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "despite this absence" when the absence directly and logically leads to the stated outcome. The phrase is meant to highlight a surprising or unexpected result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite this absence" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a contrasting element. It indicates that what follows is unexpected or noteworthy given the lack of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it sets up a situation where the expected consequence of an absence is not what actually occurs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "despite this absence" is a useful tool for highlighting unexpected outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and indicates a contrast between an expected result given a lack and the actual situation. While not as common as other phrases, its use is frequent in scientific, news, and formal writing. When using it, ensure the contrast is clear and the phrase adds value by emphasizing the surprising nature of the situation. Alternatives like "in spite of this absence" or "notwithstanding this absence" can provide similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of this absence

Direct synonym, replacing "despite" with "in spite of" for similar emphasis.

despite this lack

Replaces "absence" with the synonym "lack".

notwithstanding this absence

Formal alternative, emphasizing that the absence does not negate the following statement.

regardless of this absence

Emphasizes that the absence has no bearing on the result.

even with this absence

Highlights the surprising nature of the outcome given the lack of something.

yet with this absence

Uses "yet" to create a contrasting effect despite the lack.

however, given this absence

Introduces a contrast and acknowledges the absence before proceeding.

even in the absence of this

Changes the structure to emphasize the condition of being without something.

but for this absence

Implies that the absence could have been a contributing factor, though it wasn't.

with this absence, nonetheless

Rearranges the sentence, placing "nonetheless" at the end for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "despite this absence" in a sentence?

Use "despite this absence" to show a contrast between an expected outcome due to a lack of something and the actual result. For example, "Despite this absence of funding, the project was a success."

What are some alternatives to "despite this absence"?

Alternatives include "in spite of this absence", "notwithstanding this absence", or "even with this absence". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "despite this absence" or "despite its absence"?

Using "despite this absence" typically refers to a more general or contextual absence. "Despite its absence" refers to the lack of a specific, previously mentioned item or concept.

Is "in spite of this absence" interchangeable with "despite this absence"?

"In spite of this absence" is very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably with "despite this absence". Both phrases indicate that something occurs or is true regardless of a particular lack or absence.