C2 Expression رسمي 3 دقيقة للقراءة

Despite this argument

Argumentation and critical discussion expression

حرفيًا: In spite of this point of contention

Use it to politely dismiss a counter-point while maintaining your own logical position in a formal setting.

في 15 ثانية

  • Acknowledge their point but keep your original stance.
  • Perfect for transitions in formal debates or essays.
  • Shows you are listening without agreeing to change.

المعنى

You use this phrase to acknowledge a strong point someone just made, but then immediately explain why your own opinion is still correct. It is like saying, 'I hear you, but here is why I am not changing my mind.'

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

A business meeting about budget cuts

Despite this argument for more staff, we must reduce spending.

Even though you argued for more staff, we still have to cut costs.

💼
2

Discussing a movie with a friend

Despite this argument about the plot holes, I still loved the film.

Even though you pointed out the plot holes, I still liked it.

😊
3

Writing a university essay

Despite this argument by Smith (2020), the data suggests otherwise.

Even though Smith made that point, the data shows something else.

👔
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

This phrase reflects the Western rhetorical tradition of 'concession and refutation.' It became a staple in academic writing and legal discourse to show that a speaker has considered opposing views, which is a sign of high-level critical thinking in English-speaking cultures.

💡

The 'Pauseless' Pivot

In speech, add a tiny pause after 'argument' to let the weight of your disagreement sink in before you continue.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use this three times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're not actually listening. Save it for the most important point.

في 15 ثانية

  • Acknowledge their point but keep your original stance.
  • Perfect for transitions in formal debates or essays.
  • Shows you are listening without agreeing to change.

What It Means

Think of despite this argument as a verbal bridge. You are standing on one side with your opinion. Your friend is on the other side with theirs. By saying this, you walk halfway across the bridge to show you listened. Then, you walk right back to your side. It acknowledges that the other person isn't talking nonsense. However, it signals that their logic isn't strong enough to win the debate.

How To Use It

Place this phrase at the start of a sentence to pivot. It usually follows a long explanation from someone else. You can say it after a colleague lists reasons to delay a project. You might say, Despite this argument, we must launch on Monday. It acts as a polite but firm 'no.' It keeps the conversation professional while you hold your ground. Use it when you want to sound smart and composed.

When To Use It

You will mostly use this in serious discussions. It is perfect for business meetings or academic essays. Use it when you need to be the 'adult in the room.' It works well when someone gives a valid excuse, but the result remains the same. For example, if your roommate explains why they didn't wash the dishes, you could say, Despite this argument, the kitchen still smells. It shows you are focused on facts, not just feelings.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this in very casual or high-emotion settings. If your partner is crying about a broken heart, do not say despite this argument. You will look like a robot. Also, do not use it if the other person hasn't actually made an argument. If they just said 'I'm hungry,' responding with this phrase makes you sound like a pretentious dictionary. It requires a logical point to react to.

Cultural Background

English speakers, especially in the UK and US, value 'fair play' in debates. We like to pretend we are considering all sides. This phrase is a tool for that. It comes from a legalistic tradition of weighing evidence. It suggests that you are a rational person who makes decisions based on logic. It is the linguistic version of a polite nod before a counter-punch.

Common Variations

You can swap it for notwithstanding this point if you want to sound even fancier. In spite of these claims is another common cousin. If you're feeling a bit more casual, you might just say even so. But despite this argument remains the gold standard for formal disagreement. It sounds authoritative without being aggressive.

ملاحظات الاستخدام

This phrase is a C2-level marker of fluency. It requires a clear understanding of the preceding context to be effective. It is most at home in formal writing and professional speech.

💡

The 'Pauseless' Pivot

In speech, add a tiny pause after 'argument' to let the weight of your disagreement sink in before you continue.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use this three times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're not actually listening. Save it for the most important point.

💬

The 'Polite No'

In English culture, directly saying 'You are wrong' is often seen as rude. This phrase is a 'softener' that lets you be firm without being a jerk.

أمثلة

6
#1 A business meeting about budget cuts
💼

Despite this argument for more staff, we must reduce spending.

Even though you argued for more staff, we still have to cut costs.

Shows the speaker heard the request but the budget reality wins.

#2 Discussing a movie with a friend
😊

Despite this argument about the plot holes, I still loved the film.

Even though you pointed out the plot holes, I still liked it.

A slightly more formal way to disagree about a hobby.

#3 Writing a university essay
👔

Despite this argument by Smith (2020), the data suggests otherwise.

Even though Smith made that point, the data shows something else.

Classic academic usage to challenge a previous researcher.

#4 A humorous debate about pizza toppings
😄

Despite this argument that pineapple is a fruit, it does not belong on pizza.

Even if you say pineapple is a fruit, it's still wrong on pizza.

Uses formal language for a silly topic to create irony.

#5 Texting a friend about a late night out
🤝

Despite this argument that we need sleep, let's stay for one more song!

I know we need sleep, but let's stay anyway!

Playfully formal in a text message context.

#6 An emotional discussion about moving house
💭

Despite this argument about our history here, we need a bigger home for the baby.

I know we have memories here, but we need more space.

Balances logic with emotional sensitivity.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the best phrase to show you heard the objection but won't change your mind.

The team lead said the deadline was too tight. ___, the director insisted on the Friday launch.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Despite this argument

The context shows a conflict between the lead and the director, so a phrase of contrast is needed.

Complete the academic sentence.

___ that the economy is recovering, unemployment remains high.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Despite this argument

This introduces a counter-point to the idea of economic recovery.

🎉 النتيجة: /2

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Formality of Disagreement

Casual

Used with friends

But still...

Neutral

Standard conversation

Even so...

Formal

Professional/Academic

Despite this argument...

Very Formal

Legal/Diplomatic

Notwithstanding the aforementioned...

Where to use 'Despite this argument'

Despite this argument
💼

Boardroom

Rejecting a proposal politely

🎓

University

Writing a thesis chapter

⚖️

Courtroom

Refuting a witness

📰

Serious Editorial

Writing a newspaper opinion

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Not necessarily! In this context, argument means a logical point or a reason given in a discussion, not a shouting match.

Yes, but it will sound very deliberate. It's great if you want to sound like you're being extra serious or even a bit funny about a small debate.

But is simple and quick. Despite this argument is more sophisticated and shows you've actually processed what the other person said.

Usually, yes. It acts as a transition. You can say, The results were poor, despite this argument, but it's less common.

It's usually singular if you are responding to one specific point. Use Despite these arguments if the person gave you a whole list of reasons.

Absolutely! It is a high-level cohesive device that will help you score better in the 'Coherence and Cohesion' category.

No, it actually sounds quite calm. It's much less aggressive than saying I disagree or You're wrong.

You can say Despite this point or Despite this reasoning. They mean almost the exact same thing.

It is used equally in both! It is standard English across the globe.

No. This phrase is specifically for when you are going to say something that contradicts or ignores the previous point.

عبارات ذات صلة

Be that as it may

Accepting that a fact is true but stating it doesn't change the situation.

Nevertheless

A formal way to say 'in spite of that'.

That being said

Used to introduce a contrasting point after acknowledging something.

Notwithstanding

A very formal preposition meaning 'despite'.

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