Notwithstanding means despite or in spite of. Notwithstanding the higher cost, the committee chose the quieter machines. The word is official: contracts, reports, legal texts; in conversation, people say despite. It can also come after the noun: the cost notwithstanding.
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notwithstanding + noun phrase; noun phrase + notwithstanding
- Notwithstanding the higher cost, the committee chose the quieter machines.
- The limited space notwithstanding, the room felt welcoming.
- Notwithstanding these objections, the proposal received enough votes.
What changed
First versionNotwithstanding of the delays, the team finished on Friday.
RevisionNotwithstanding the delays, the team finished on Friday.
In spite of ends with of, so of attaches to notwithstanding too, just like in the common mistake despite of. But notwithstanding, like despite, takes a noun directly: notwithstanding the delays.
Despite is simpler and only goes before a noun: despite the delays. Notwithstanding can also go after: these delays notwithstanding. Nevertheless means 'even so' and links whole sentences: There were delays. Nevertheless, we finished on Friday.
Your turn
The extra cost ___, we decided to replace the windows.
Show the answer
notwithstanding — The gap comes after the extra cost, and only notwithstanding can stand there. With despite, you'd have to change the word order: Despite the extra cost, we decided to replace the windows.
In an official tone, like a report, describe a decision that was made despite an obstacle. Use notwithstanding.
The short notice notwithstanding, all six speakers agreed to attend.
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