notwithstanding
π Pronunciation
/ΛnΙΛtwΙͺΞΈΛstΓ¦ndΙͺΕ/ (US), /ΛnΙtwΙͺΞΈΛstΓ¦ndΙͺΕ/ (UK)
π Conjunction Type
Type: subordinating
Function: concessive
Register: very formal to formal
π Meanings & Functions
in spite of; despite the fact that; although; even though (introduces a contrasting circumstance that does not prevent the main clause from being true)
Relation: concession – acknowledges an opposing fact while asserting the main point
“Notwithstanding the severe weather conditions, the expedition proceeded as planned.”
“The company remained profitable, notwithstanding the economic downturn.”
“Notwithstanding that he had no formal training, he became an accomplished musician.”
Function: signals that the writer/speaker acknowledges a potential counterargument or obstacle but asserts that the main claim holds true; often used to strengthen an argument by showing awareness of complications
as a preposition: without being affected by; in spite of (followed by noun phrase rather than clause)
Relation: concession at phrase level
“Notwithstanding his objections, the proposal was approved.”
“The event will proceed notwithstanding any protests.”
“Notwithstanding the above provisions, exceptions may be granted.”
as a postpositive adverb: nevertheless; all the same (placed after the noun it modifies)
Relation: concession with emphasis on the contrasting element
“His lack of experience notwithstanding, he performed admirably.”
“The risks notwithstanding, they decided to invest.”
“Any objections notwithstanding, the decision is final.”
π Syntactic Patterns
Clause initial
Notwithstanding + [subordinate clause/noun phrase], [main clause]
“Notwithstanding that the evidence was circumstantial, the jury reached a guilty verdict.”
Punctuation: comma required after the introductory element
Clause medial
[Subject] + [verb phrase], notwithstanding [noun phrase/clause], [continuation]
“The project succeeded, notwithstanding significant budget constraints, through innovative solutions.”
Punctuation: set off with commas on both sides when used parenthetically
Clause final
[Main clause] + notwithstanding + [subordinate clause/noun phrase]
“The contract remains valid notwithstanding any subsequent amendments.”
Punctuation: comma optional before 'notwithstanding' depending on length and complexity; no comma when used as preposition with short noun phrase
Parenthetical use
[Clause], notwithstanding [element], [continuation]
“The defendant, notwithstanding his previous good character, was sentenced to imprisonment.”
Punctuation: requires commas on both sides
βοΈ Punctuation Rules
Comma Usage
Before conjunction: optional when used in final position, depending on length and complexity; typically no comma when 'notwithstanding' functions as preposition with short phrase
After conjunction: always required when used in initial position before a clause or phrase
With introductory clause: comma mandatory after introductory 'Notwithstanding…' element
In lists: not applicable – does not coordinate list items
β Notwithstanding the objections, the motion passed.
β Notwithstanding the objections the motion passed.
comma required after introductory concessive element
β The policy remains in effect notwithstanding recent changes.
β The policy remains in effect, notwithstanding, recent changes.
no commas needed when 'notwithstanding' acts as preposition in final position with simple noun phrase
β The defendant, notwithstanding his age, was held fully responsible.
β The defendant notwithstanding his age was held fully responsible.
commas required on both sides for parenthetical insertion
π Clause Combining
Can connect:
Phrases Independent clauses Dependent clauses Sentences
Tense patterns:
Present combinations:
Notwithstanding the current challenges, the organization continues to grow.
The policy remains effective notwithstanding recent criticisms.
Notwithstanding that prices are rising, consumer confidence stays high.
Past combinations:
Notwithstanding the warnings they received, they proceeded with the plan.
The mission succeeded notwithstanding the equipment failures.
Notwithstanding that he had been advised against it, he made the investment.
Mixed tense rules: tense in the notwithstanding clause can differ from the main clause; typically the notwithstanding clause establishes a contrasting fact that may be in a different time frame
Sequence of tenses: when 'notwithstanding that' introduces a clause, normal sequence of tenses applies: past main clause often pairs with past perfect in subordinate clause
π Discourse & Coherence
Text organization: introduces concessive relationships in argumentation; acknowledges counterarguments or obstacles while maintaining the main position; creates sophisticated logical structure
Paragraph use: often used at paragraph beginnings to acknowledge a contrasting point before developing the main argument; signals shift from one perspective to another while maintaining overall thesis
Academic writing: highly valued for showing sophisticated awareness of complexity; demonstrates ability to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously; common in literature reviews to acknowledge limitations while asserting validity of approach
Coherence patterns:
In argumentation: acknowledges opposing view β asserts main claim despite opposition
In narrative: establishes obstacle β shows outcome despite obstacle
In description: notes limiting factor β describes situation that transcends limitation
In legal writing: states general rule β introduces exception or qualification
β οΈ Common Errors
β Notwithstanding the rain we went hiking.ββ Notwithstanding the rain, we went hiking.
Learners omit the required comma after introductory concessive phrase
Common for: languages that don't use commas to separate introductory elements
β Notwithstanding that he was tired, but he continued working.ββ Notwithstanding that he was tired, he continued working. OR Although he was tired, he continued working.
double conjunction error – using both 'notwithstanding' and 'but' creates redundancy
β Notwithstanding he tried hard, he failed.ββ Notwithstanding that he tried hard, he failed. OR Notwithstanding his efforts, he failed.
when 'notwithstanding' introduces a clause (not just a noun phrase), it requires 'that' or needs to be restructured as a prepositional phrase
β The project failed. Notwithstanding the team's best efforts.ββ The project failed notwithstanding the team's best efforts. OR The project failed. Notwithstanding the team's best efforts, lessons were learned.
'Notwithstanding…' cannot stand alone as a sentence; it must connect to a main clause
Creates sentence fragment; significantly impacts clarity and sounds unnatural impact
β He succeeded, his lack of experience notwithstanding it.ββ He succeeded, his lack of experience notwithstanding. OR He succeeded notwithstanding his lack of experience.
when 'notwithstanding' is used postpositively (after the noun), it takes no object; the pronoun 'it' is redundant
Common for: learners may treat it as a verb requiring an object
β Notwithstanding the weather was bad, we had fun at the beach.ββ Although the weather was bad, we had fun at the beach. OR Despite the bad weather, we had fun at the beach.
'notwithstanding' is too formal for casual contexts; creates register mismatch
β The contract is valid notwithstanding of any changes.ββ The contract is valid notwithstanding any changes.
'notwithstanding' does not take the preposition 'of'; learners confuse it with 'in spite of'
β Notwithstanding to the rules, he was allowed entry.ββ Notwithstanding the rules, he was allowed entry.
'notwithstanding' is not followed by 'to'; learners may confuse with 'according to' or similar phrases
Common for: languages where concessive expressions require specific prepositions
π Etymology
Origin: Middle English, from 'not' + 'withstanding' (present participle of 'withstand')
Original meaning: “literally 'not standing against' or 'not opposing'; the idea is that something does not stand in the way of or prevent the main action”
Development: emerged in the 14th century as a legal and formal term; originally used as a preposition meaning 'in spite of'; later developed conjunction use with 'that'; has maintained its formal register throughout its history; particularly associated with legal language since medieval times