in spite of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in spite of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is achieved or occurs despite facing challenges or obstacles. Example: "She completed the marathon in spite of difficulties with her training schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In spite of difficulties, AvalonBay has created a niche market in elite towns near large cities and emerged as the third largest Real Estate Investment Trust in the country.

The New York Times

In spite of difficulties in obtaining men and supplies, English raids, and Philip's interference, Santa Cruz succeeded in assembling and fitting out nearly the entire Armada before his untimely death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Meier, in spite of difficulties obtaining records and the considerable time required to scour isolated rural areas, has given us a rare insight into interactions between government and the pharmaceutical industry -- and the extraordinary impact of their decisions upon our lives.

The New York Times - Books

In spite of difficulties, the study has been of important value for the agronomic researchers.

European Journal of Operational Research

In spite of difficulties with interpretation, differences among gene trees allow us to identify reticulate species and develop hypotheses about underlying evolutionary processes.

Plosone

In spite of difficulties of making taxonomic equivalencies, we identified at least 65 species from the pool under consideration that are considered invasive in the United States (see Text S1); many more are known as alien species in other regions and continents.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We try to have the kind of a culture that doesn't value excuses in the sense that when you're supposed to accomplish something, and you're at a high level, then your job is to accomplish it, in spite of difficulty.

The New York Times

"In spite of the difficulties facing the United States economy at present, I have full confidence that the United States will overcome these difficulties and get its economy back on the track of healthy growth," he said.

The New York Times

I loved this moment of seeing her, my rock, so serene in spite of the difficulties of old age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And in spite of the difficulties, I think we are much better off".

The New York Times - Magazine

Nevertheless, in spite of these difficulties, Lewis' approach to bonding has proved exceptionally useful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in spite of difficulties", ensure that the sentence clearly demonstrates how something was achieved or maintained despite those challenges. Provide specific examples or context to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in spite of difficulties" when the challenges are minor or easily overcome. The phrase implies a significant level of adversity that was successfully navigated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in spite of difficulties" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, introducing a contrasting element. It indicates that an action or state occurs despite the presence of challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in spite of difficulties" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize that something has been accomplished despite significant challenges. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in written English. While frequently found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase also appears in encyclopedias, showcasing its broad applicability. Alternatives such as "despite the hardships" or "notwithstanding the challenges" can be used for stylistic variation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context on what was achieved and the nature of the difficulties faced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the hardships

Replaces "difficulties" with a more intense term, "hardships", emphasizing the severity of the challenges.

notwithstanding the challenges

"Notwithstanding" is a more formal synonym for "in spite of" or "despite", making the phrase slightly more elevated in tone.

even with the obstacles

Substitutes "difficulties" with "obstacles", highlighting the impediments faced.

regardless of the setbacks

Focuses on the aspect of "setbacks", implying temporary impediments or regressions.

challenges notwithstanding

Reorders the phrase for a more concise and slightly more formal tone.

despite the adverse conditions

Specifies the difficulties as "adverse conditions", emphasizing the unfavorable circumstances.

in the face of adversity

Uses a more figurative expression, "in the face of adversity", to convey overcoming challenges.

against all odds

Emphasizes the improbability of success due to the difficulties faced.

with all the hurdles

Highlights specific "hurdles" that need to be overcome.

difficulties be damned

Expresses a defiant attitude towards the difficulties, indicating a strong will to proceed regardless.

FAQs

How can I use "in spite of difficulties" in a sentence?

Use "in spite of difficulties" to show contrast, indicating that something positive occurred despite negative circumstances. For example, "The project succeeded "in spite of difficulties" with funding."

What are some alternatives to "in spite of difficulties"?

Alternatives include "despite the hardships", "notwithstanding the challenges", or "even with the obstacles". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

Is there a difference between "in spite of difficulties" and "despite difficulties"?

"In spite of difficulties" and "despite difficulties" are largely interchangeable. Both phrases indicate that something occurs even though there are challenges. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.

When is it appropriate to use "in spite of difficulties"?

It's appropriate to use "in spite of difficulties" when you want to emphasize that a particular outcome was achieved even though significant obstacles or challenges were present. Make sure the sentence clearly shows the contrast between the difficulties and the result.