notwithstanding the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notwithstanding the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is true or valid despite other factors or conditions. Example: "Notwithstanding the challenges we faced, the project was completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Notwithstanding, the weaknesses of the QCA method need further exploration.

BMC Health Services Research

Notwithstanding the "Notorious R.B.G".

The New Yorker

Scandals notwithstanding, the president is hugely popular.

The Economist

Tact notwithstanding, the question is inescapable.

The New York Times

Scenic vistas notwithstanding, the service was slow.

The New York Times - Travel

Notwithstanding the passage of time, there must be justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her denials notwithstanding, the authorities saw an attempted suicide.

The New York Times

Her performance notwithstanding, the revival is timely and devastatingly effective.

The New York Times

Notwithstanding the vitriol, Cassinelli may have a point.

The New York Times - Magazine

Notwithstanding the taps, everyone started the game off with coffee.

The New York Times

The builders notwithstanding, the measure had strong public support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notwithstanding the" to introduce a contrasting element or concession, acknowledging a potential obstacle or limitation before presenting your main point. This adds nuance and demonstrates a balanced perspective in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "notwithstanding the" can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "despite the" or "even with the" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notwithstanding the" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that expresses concession or contrast. It indicates that the following statement is true despite a preceding or implied condition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "notwithstanding the" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signals concession or contrast. While versatile, it is more suited to formal writing due to its sophisticated tone. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a preference for formal contexts. For more casual writing, simpler alternatives like "despite the" or "in spite of the" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the

Replaces "notwithstanding" with "despite", a more common and direct synonym.

in spite of the

Similar to "despite the", offering a slightly more emphatic tone.

regardless of the

Emphasizes that something will happen irrespective of another factor.

even with the

Highlights the presence of something that might be expected to prevent the main point.

despite its

Uses a possessive pronoun instead of a definite article when referring to a quality or attribute.

in the face of the

Suggests a more challenging or resistant situation.

with all the

Implies an acceptance of certain circumstances to make a point.

for all the

Indicates that despite something, something else is still true.

yet with the

Introduces a contrasting element while acknowledging a previous one.

albeit with the

Formally acknowledges something before introducing a contrasting point.

FAQs

What does "notwithstanding the" mean?

The phrase "notwithstanding the" means 'in spite of' or 'despite'. It introduces a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement.

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

You can use "notwithstanding the" to acknowledge a potential obstacle or limitation before making your main point. For example, "Notwithstanding the challenges, we succeeded".

What are some alternatives to "notwithstanding the"?

Alternatives include "despite the", "in spite of the", and "regardless of the". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "notwithstanding the" in formal writing?

While "notwithstanding the" is generally suitable for formal writing, consider your audience and the overall tone. In some cases, a simpler alternative like "despite the" might be more effective.