In Spite of vs. Notwithstanding

Attribute	In Spite of	Notwithstanding
Definition	Despite; without being affected by	In spite of; nevertheless
Usage	More commonly used in everyday language	Formal or legal contexts
Position in sentence	Can be used at the beginning or middle of a sentence	Often used at the beginning of a sentence
Length	Shorter phrase	Longer phrase

Definition

Both "in spite of" and "notwithstanding" are conjunctions that are used to introduce a clause that contrasts with or contradicts the main clause of a sentence. They are often used to show that something unexpected or contrary to what might be expected is true.

Usage

While both phrases are used to introduce a contrasting idea, there are some subtle differences in their usage. "In spite of" is more commonly used in everyday language and is often followed by a noun or a gerund. For example, "In spite of the rain, we went for a walk." On the other hand, "notwithstanding" is more formal and is often followed by a noun or a pronoun. For example, "Notwithstanding his busy schedule, he still found time to help out."

Formality

As mentioned earlier, "in spite of" is considered more informal compared to "notwithstanding." This is why you are more likely to encounter "in spite of" in casual conversations or writing, while "notwithstanding" is more commonly used in formal writing or legal documents. The choice between the two can also depend on the tone you want to convey in your writing.

Length and Clarity

Another difference between the two phrases is their length and clarity. "In spite of" is a longer phrase compared to "notwithstanding," which may make it more cumbersome to use in certain contexts. On the other hand, "notwithstanding" is a concise and clear way to introduce a contrasting idea without adding unnecessary words. Depending on the style of writing and the desired impact, one may be more suitable than the other.

Emphasis

Both "in spite of" and "notwithstanding" can be used to emphasize the contrast between two ideas in a sentence. However, the choice between the two can also affect the emphasis placed on the contrasting idea. "In spite of" may draw more attention to the unexpected nature of the contrast, while "notwithstanding" may convey a sense of formality and seriousness in the contrast being made.

Examples

• Example of "in spite of": In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed to the top of the mountain.
• Example of "notwithstanding": Notwithstanding the challenges they faced, they persevered and succeeded.

Conclusion

While both "in spite of" and "notwithstanding" serve a similar purpose in introducing a contrasting idea, there are differences in their formality, usage, length, clarity, and emphasis. The choice between the two can depend on the context in which they are being used and the tone or style of writing that is desired. Understanding these differences can help writers effectively convey their intended meaning and create more impactful sentences.