despite a number of vs despite a series of

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Despite a number of' is used when referring to a variety of things, while 'despite a series of' is used when referring to a sequence of events or items.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 723 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a variety of things.

"despite a number of "

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that something happened or is true, even though there are many different things involved.

Examples:

Despite a number of challenges, the project was completed on time.
Despite a number of attempts, he couldn't solve the puzzle.

Show examples from the web [+]

As regards the 1995 statement of assurance on the sixth and seventh European Development Funds, for which my Italian colleague Giorgio Clemente is responsible, the Court was able to issue a positive statement - unlike last year - despite a number of remaining weaknesses.
Despite a number of points which are explained in my report, for example in relation to Temelin, the Czech Republic is making good progress.
Despite a number of policy documents adopted at EU level on gender equality and women's rights, the practical commitment to this issue is still weak and the budgetary resources earmarked specifically for gender issues are insufficient.
Despite a number of official reforms, the latter does not have a good reputation as regards freedom of the press, freedom of opinion and the guaranteeing of an open and fair democratic process.
I voted for the report on the Constitutional Treaty despite a number of gripes about it, and so I am keen to clarify a number of points.
It also has to be said that a favourable DAS has been granted since 1994, despite a number of shortcomings in the accounting system.
Galvani's approach of probing the nervous system with electrodes has remained state-of-the-art until today, despite a number of drawbacks.
The SC finds it disappointing that no solution has yet been found to this problem despite a number of discussions between the SC and OLAF.
There has also, despite a number of outbreaks of major animal diseases, been almost no extra money set aside for possible future outbreaks.
The proposals contained in the report fall short of what is required, despite a number of welcome proposals, such as the application of the same...
It should also be borne in mind that, despite a number of announcements and scheduling for September 2003, the Commission submitted its proposal only two months before Parliament's final part-session.
The failure to conclude this dossier came despite a number of positive steps achieved on the issue of cloning during the last months and hours of negotiations.
According to information available to the Commission, this information has been disseminated, despite a number of complaints by citizens regarding lack of clarity of the information provided by some banks.
As I said, despite a number of shortcomings and weaknesses, Lithuania has made good progress in the economic area and is only a short way away from a working market economic.
According to information available to the Commission, this information has been disseminated, despite a number of complaints by citizens regarding lack of clarity of the information provided by some banks.
H. whereas, despite a number of years of negotiation within the Council, no agreement on the proposal for a framework decision has yet been reached,
We are all agreed that the situation in the fourth least developed country in the world remains tragic, despite a number of encouraging signs since the start of the reconstruction of the country.
Despite a number of positive elements in this compromise, we felt compelled to vote against it for a number of reasons.
Despite a number of statements from the EU about the appalling traffic in women, there is still no complete database with information about victims, trade routes, legislation or measures to be taken.
Despite a number of efforts, we have still not received a satisfactory answer from the Commission and one which is acceptable to the Council, so the challenge still remains.

Alternatives:

in spite of several
regardless of numerous
even with many
although there were several
notwithstanding a variety of

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a sequence of events or items.

"despite a series of "

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that something happened or is true, even though there is a sequence of events or items involved.

Examples:

Despite a series of setbacks, she never gave up.
Despite a series of unfortunate events, he remained optimistic.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, nothing has been done so far to amend Europol's legal framework, despite a series of requests from Parliament
Despite a series of broken promises, by Adolf Hitler, prime minister Chamberlain of Great Britain has staked his political future on a negotiated settlement with the German chancellor.
1.4 Despite a series of shortcomings in the Constitutional Treaty which the Committee also highlighted, it argued strongly for European civil society to be rallied behind the achievements of the Constitutional Treaty in order to overcome these shortcomings.
Despite a series of shortcomings in the Constitutional Treaty which the Committee also highlighted, it argued strongly for European civil society to be rallied behind the achievements of the Constitutional Treaty in order to overcome these shortcomings.
Average annual HICP inflation has been slightly above 2 % since the introduction of the euro, despite a series of exogenous shocks.
The authorities have acted quickly despite a series of aftershocks.
1.4 Despite a series of shortcomings in the Constitutional Treaty which the Committee also highlighted, it argued strongly for European civil society to be rallied behind the achievements of the Constitutional Treaty in order to overcome these shortcomings.
The report includes many good points, but it does not, in my opinion, live up to our demands and expectations, despite taking a series of amendments debated in the Commission into account.
Despite the work of a series of Intergovernmental Conferences, the key institutional issues had remained unresolved and the solutions agreed on at Nice were not satisfactory even to some of those who had negotiated them.
Despite all her valiant efforts, her work is a series of assumptions which clearly do not support the introduction of the Eurovignette.
Despite the fact that the parrot is clearly dead, the salesman in the shop refuses to accept this and instead produces a series of bizarre excuses.
Mr President, I would firstly like to thank Mrs Damião for her magnificent report, despite the fact that it contains a series of criticisms of the Commission's actions.
We are aware of a series of initiatives in this field, which - despite sound intentions - are failing due to a poor choice of implementing bodies and a lack of monitoring.
I am very happy that Parliament, on the occasion of this vote at second reading, has reintroduced a series of amendments, despite opposition from the Council.
The doctors have identified a series of high-altitude dangers.
Childhood was a series of highlights.
It is a series of convergences.
Parliament approved a series of amendments to this proposal.
A series of predetermined manoeuvres with specified protection from obstacles.
Decision 96/301/EC was strengthened by a series of amending decisions.

Alternatives:

in spite of a sequence of
regardless of a chain of
even with a string of
although there was a series of
notwithstanding a succession of

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despite a number of vs despite a series of