in spite of obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in spite of obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express perseverance or determination despite facing challenges or difficulties. Example: "She managed to complete the marathon in spite of obstacles such as injury and bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's about how, in spite of obstacles, talent shines through.

The Guardian

As Ms. Jones described them, her parents were distant, chilly people, miserly and neglectful, and perhaps that is where the self-reliance and sense that life must proceed in spite of obstacles manifested in her characters was born.

The New York Times - Books

They succeed in spite of obstacles.

Huffington Post

Persistence is the pursuit of a goal in spite of obstacles and is a key element to success.

Huffington Post

Copeland's success paves the way for more diverse dancers and has sparked a conversation about achieving one's goals in spite of obstacles.

Huffington Post

In spite of obstacles during the course of the project, including Hull City A.F.C.'s receivership in 2001 (just after the granting of planning permission), the stadium complex was completed on time (in fourteen months) and on budget (at approximately GB£44 million).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He maintained loose links with Russian astronomers, in spite of many obstacles when the cold war was still on.

The Guardian

Regardless of what one thinks about beauty contests, Aynaw has won, in spite of significant obstacles and prejudices.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he said in spite of these obstacles there were "very good reasons why we should consider how to take things forward".

The Guardian

Zab Judah's boxing friends kept telling him to be patient, that one day his time would come in spite of the obstacles that had come his way.

The New York Times - Sports

In spite of the obstacles, musicians say they have to keep playing because they love the music and they want to keep the blues alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in spite of obstacles", ensure that the obstacles are clearly defined or implied to give context to the achievement.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact of "in spite of obstacles" by using it for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the challenges are substantial and clearly impact the expected outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in spite of obstacles" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It introduces a contrasting element, emphasizing that an action or outcome occurred despite the presence of difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase conveys perseverance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in spite of obstacles" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize achievement despite difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Occurring most frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts, it conveys a message of resilience. For alternative phrasings, consider options such as "despite hindrances" or "notwithstanding challenges". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the obstacles are clearly defined or implied. Remember to reserve this impactful phrase for significant challenges to avoid diluting its meaning. Despite being grammatically correct, remember to check the context if it's suitable for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite hindrances

Replaces "obstacles" with a synonym that suggests impediments or blocks to progress.

notwithstanding challenges

Uses a more formal tone and substitutes "obstacles" with "challenges", emphasizing the difficulty faced.

even with adversity

Highlights the presence of hardship or misfortune alongside achievement.

regardless of impediments

Similar to "despite hindrances", but uses "impediments" to stress something that delays or prevents progress.

in the face of difficulties

Emphasizes confronting and overcoming tough situations.

against all odds

Indicates success was achieved despite seeming almost impossible.

surmounting barriers

Focuses on the action of overcoming specific obstacles, framed as barriers.

overcoming adversity

Highlights the act of conquering difficult circumstances.

triumphing over setbacks

Specifically refers to recovering and succeeding after experiencing failures or delays.

prevailing despite hardships

Combines the ideas of overcoming and the difficult conditions faced.

FAQs

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

Use "in spite of obstacles" to emphasize that something was achieved despite facing challenges, like: "She succeeded, "in spite of obstacles", due to her determination."

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

You can use phrases like "despite hindrances", "notwithstanding challenges", or "regardless of impediments" depending on the specific context.

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

"In spite of obstacles" and "despite obstacles" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that something happened even though there were difficulties. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

What kind of obstacles does "in spite of obstacles" typically refer to?

The obstacles can be anything that makes achieving a goal difficult, such as financial constraints, lack of resources, personal challenges, or external barriers. The phrase emphasizes overcoming these difficulties.