notwithstanding the rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notwithstanding the rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs or is true despite the presence of rain or adverse conditions. Example: "Notwithstanding the rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On 20 July 1877, the day following the final, a report was published in The Morning Post newspaper: Lawn Tennis Championship – A fair number of spectators assembled yesterday, notwithstanding the rain, on the beautifully kept ground of the All England Club, Wimbledon, to witness the final contest between Messrs. Spencer Gore and W. Marshall for the championship.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In rain-steeped air the rain.

The New Yorker

The rain is raining all around,.

The New Yorker

"The heat, the rain".

The New York Times - Sports

"In the rain".

The New York Times - Sports

The rain falls harder.

The New Yorker

And the rain?

Independent

The rain was unyielding.

The New York Times - Sports

Singin' in the Rain.

The New York Times - Arts

The rain is dying.

The New Yorker

The rain is gone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notwithstanding the rain" when you want to add a touch of formality to your writing while acknowledging that the rain might present an obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "notwithstanding the rain" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "despite the rain" or "in spite of the rain" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Notwithstanding the rain" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a clause, indicating a circumstance that exists but does not prevent the main action. Ludwig shows this construction in use to qualify an event, as in "Notwithstanding the rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notwithstanding the rain" is a prepositional phrase that means "despite the rain". While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare and carries a formal tone. It's best used in contexts where a degree of formality is desired, such as in formal writing or professional communications. More common alternatives like "despite the rain" or "in spite of the rain" are generally preferred in informal settings. The phrase functions to acknowledge the presence of rain while highlighting its lack of impact on the primary action or outcome. Consider your audience and the overall tone you wish to convey when deciding whether to use "notwithstanding the rain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the rain

Replaces "notwithstanding" with the more common "despite", maintaining the same meaning with slightly less formality.

in spite of the rain

Similar to "despite the rain", this alternative offers a slightly different emphasis while retaining the original meaning.

even with the rain

Emphasizes the presence of rain as a factor that might hinder the action, making the outcome more noteworthy.

regardless of the rain

Highlights the lack of impact the rain has on the outcome, suggesting a stronger determination.

rain or shine

A more idiomatic expression indicating that something will happen no matter the weather conditions.

despite the wet weather

Substitutes "rain" with a broader term "wet weather", which might include drizzle or other forms of precipitation.

the rain notwithstanding

Inverts the original phrase, placing the condition at the end for a slightly different emphasis.

although it was raining

Introduces a clause that acknowledges the rain, creating a more complex sentence structure.

though it rained

A concise way to acknowledge the rain while still focusing on the main action.

the rain did not prevent

Directly states that the rain did not stop something from happening.

FAQs

What does "notwithstanding the rain" mean?

It means "despite the rain". It's a more formal way of saying that something happens even though it's raining.

Is "notwithstanding the rain" formal or informal?

It's considered a more formal expression. In casual conversation, phrases like "despite the rain" or "in spite of the rain" are more common.

When should I use "notwithstanding the rain" in writing?

Use it when you want to create a slightly elevated or formal tone, especially in professional or academic contexts. However, ensure your audience will understand the term; otherwise, opt for clearer alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "notwithstanding the rain"?

Consider alternatives like "despite the rain", "in spite of the rain", or even simply stating "even though it was raining" depending on the desired level of formality.