despite which

USAGE SUMMARY

"despite which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to show a contrast between two opposite ideas or facts. For example, "The house was old and in need of repair, despite which it had a certain charm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Despite which, I have never particularly wanted to meet Morrissey.

The Guardian - Music

Despite which, they were, alas, never heard from again.

The Guardian - Music

Despite which, throughout the rounds Ed gained more proportionately than David as other candidates dropped out.

The Guardian

Despite which he manages to be an extremely friendly, likable and funny guy to be around.

The New York Times - Style

It's been hashed to death, despite which the books just keep on coming.

The New Yorker

Don't ever / ask for the true story.' Despite which, we go on asking.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Despite lulls, which each blames the other for ending, there has been no ceasefire.

The Economist

Her father, David, flew here from his home in Rochester, Pa., despite leukemia, which requires dialysis three times a week.

The New York Times - Sports

"Sadly, despite legislation which makes it illegal to do so, many people still use a mobile phone whilst driving".

BBC

It's also what we grieve for when we lose that connection, despite that which may present itself as the object of our grief.

Huffington Post

But despite Monday, which broke the record for the coldest Jan . 6in the city's history, no more weather records are expected to be topped on Tuesday.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite which", ensure the two contrasting clauses are clearly linked and that the relationship between them is easily understood. Proper punctuation, such as a comma before "despite which", is essential for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "despite which" when there isn't a genuine contrast between the two clauses. Make sure that the second clause presents a situation that is unexpected or surprising given the information in the first clause.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "despite which" is to act as a conjunctive adverb or transition phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating a contrast or unexpected relationship between them. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to introduce a statement that seems surprising given the previous one.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite which" is a useful conjunctive adverb for expressing contrast or concession in writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. When using "despite which", ensure a clear contrast between the clauses and use proper punctuation. Alternatives such as "nevertheless", "nonetheless", and "however" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid using "despite which" when a genuine contrast is lacking, and ensure that the second clause presents an unexpected situation given the first clause. Keep these guidelines in mind to effectively incorporate "despite which" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nevertheless

Single word alternative offering similar meaning of contrast, slightly more formal.

Nonetheless

Single word alternative offering similar meaning of contrast, slightly more formal.

Even so

Short phrase indicating contrast, simpler and more informal.

Despite this

More concise way to express the same contrast, very similar in register.

In spite of that

More explicit phrasing of contrast, good for emphasizing the contradiction.

Regardless

Single word indicating that the preceding does not affect the outcome.

However

A common transition word to introduce a contrasting statement.

All the same

Idiomatic expression indicating a similar consequence despite the contrast.

Be that as it may

Formal expression conceding a point but continuing with a contrasting one.

Notwithstanding

Formal, single-word alternative expressing contrast or concession.

FAQs

How can I use "despite which" in a sentence?

Use "despite which" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems unexpected given the preceding statement. For example, "The car was old and unreliable, despite which it got us to our destination safely."

What are some alternatives to "despite which"?

Alternatives include "nevertheless", "nonetheless", "however", or "in spite of that". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it more formal to use "despite which" or "but"?

"Despite which" is generally more formal than "but". "But" is a simple conjunction suitable for most contexts, while "despite which" is better suited for more formal writing where you want to emphasize a contrast or concession.

Can I start a sentence with "despite which"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "despite which" is less common. It typically follows a clause to create a smoother flow of contrasting information. Starting with "nevertheless" or "nonetheless" might sound better in this context.