notwithstanding that

USAGE SUMMARY

"notwithstanding that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to concede a point while still making a different argument. For example, "The policy is unpopular, notwithstanding that it will bring greater economic prosperity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Notwithstanding that," Ms. Walker said, "it is still there".

The New York Times

Notwithstanding that development in Fabian theorizing, the society's publishing activities waned in the late 1920s.

Britannica

Hysteria notwithstanding, that prophecy has turned out to have a ring of truth.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Notwithstanding that Rick Gates pled today, I continue to maintain my innocence," Manafort said.

The Guardian

Notwithstanding that, more than half of the age group, 54.3percentt, live independently, he found.

The New York Times

Fear of OGEC notwithstanding, that is the best defence against domination.

The Economist

Might this be a sign, Mr Benioff notwithstanding, that CSR has finally peaked?

The Economist

Tube strikes notwithstanding, that our society largely works and is mostly not crooked also appeals.

Independent

"Notwithstanding that, there is of course more to do," she said.

The Guardian

Notwithstanding that, I thought my request was not taken seriously into consideration.

The New York Times

Notwithstanding that, we also prove that a Green Gauss formula for these directions holds on special sets.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notwithstanding that" to introduce a contrast or concession in a formal context. It's particularly useful when you want to acknowledge a point but proceed with a different, often opposing, argument.

Common error

Avoid using "notwithstanding that" in informal writing or conversations, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "even though" or "despite that" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notwithstanding that" functions as a conjunction, connecting two clauses and indicating a contrast or concession. As Ludwig AI explains, it concedes a point while introducing a different argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notwithstanding that" is a formal conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase for conceding a point while making another argument. While common in formal writing, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, simpler alternatives like "even though" might be preferable in informal settings. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between "notwithstanding that" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the fact that

Replaces "notwithstanding that" with a more common and slightly less formal phrase, focusing on the contrast despite an existing condition.

in spite of the fact that

A more emphatic version of "despite the fact that", highlighting the surprising nature of the contrasting element.

even though

A simpler and more direct alternative, suitable for less formal contexts; it highlights the contrast in a straightforward manner.

although

Similar to "even though", but can be slightly more formal, making a concession before introducing a contrasting point.

regardless of the fact that

Emphasizes that something occurs irrespective of the stated condition, conveying a sense of indifference to the opposing factor.

even if

Focuses on a hypothetical condition and suggests that the main clause holds true under that condition.

nevertheless

A more formal transition word indicating a contrast, suggesting that the preceding point does not negate the following one.

however

A concise transitional word introducing a contrast, suitable for shorter sentences and less complex arguments.

that being said

Introduces a contrasting or qualifying statement, often used in conversational or informal contexts.

despite this

A shorter and more direct way to introduce a contrast, suitable when the preceding point is clear from the context.

FAQs

What does "notwithstanding that" mean?

"Notwithstanding that" means "in spite of the fact that" or "despite the fact that". It's used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement.

How can I use "notwithstanding that" in a sentence?

You can use "notwithstanding that" to acknowledge a point and then introduce a contrasting one. For example: "The policy is unpopular, "notwithstanding that" it will bring greater economic prosperity."

What are some alternatives to "notwithstanding that"?

Alternatives include "despite the fact that", "even though", or "although", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "notwithstanding that" formal or informal?

"Notwithstanding that" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, it's better to use alternatives like "even though" or "despite that".