Formation
- V普通形 + にもかかわらず
- いA普通形 + にもかかわらず
- なA / なA + である + にもかかわらず(過去: なA + だった)
- N / N + である + にもかかわらず(過去: N + だった)
Explanation
It shows that the result is different from what you would normally expect from the first fact. It often carries surprise, dissatisfaction or admiration. The meaning is close to 〜のに, but it is more formal and used in writing or formal speech. It can also start a sentence as それにもかかわらず.
Examples
雨にもかかわらず、大勢の人がお祭りに来た。
Despite the rain, a lot of people came to the festival.
何度も注意したにもかかわらず、彼はまた遅刻した。
Although I warned him many times, he was late again.
この店は駅から遠くて不便であるにもかかわらず、いつも混んでいる。
Although this shop is far from the station and inconvenient, it is always crowded.
値段が高いにもかかわらず、この新しいパソコンはよく売れている。
In spite of its high price, this new computer is selling well.
Notes
The second clause cannot be a command, request or volition (〜てください, 〜よう). Be careful: 〜にかかわらず (regardless of) has a completely different meaning, so check whether も is there.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1彼は一生懸命練習した( )、試合に負けてしまった。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 にもかかわらず
"Although he practiced very hard, he lost the match." The result is unexpected, so にもかかわらず fits. にかかわらず and を問わず mean "regardless of" and do not fit.
2日曜日( )、佐藤さんは会社で仕事をしていた。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 であるにもかかわらず
"Although it was Sunday, Sato was working at the office." A noun connects as N + にもかかわらず or N + である + にもかかわらず. Forms with だ, で or な are wrong.
3駅から遠い( )、このアパートはすぐに借り手が見つかった。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 にもかかわらず
"Although it is far from the station, this apartment found a tenant right away." The result is unexpected, so にもかかわらず fits. The other three attach to nouns, not to i-adjectives.