Translating 'despite'

Question

Despite the considerable damage inflicted is translated as:

A pesar del hecho de que se produjeron numerosos daños

Is it possible to say 'A pesar de que se produjeron numerosos daños'?

The first one sounds like a literal translation of 'despite the fact that' and very formal

If both are correct which is the most natural?

Gracias

Accepted Answer

Hola David
Certainly! Both "A pesar del hecho de que se produjeron numerosos daños" and "A pesar de que se produjeron numerosos daños" are correct translations of 'Despite the considerable damage inflicted'.
However, they differ slightly in tone and formality:
A pesar del hecho de que se produjeron numerosos daños.
This is indeed a more literal translation of 'Despite the fact that considerable damage was inflicted'. It is more formal and might be used in written or academic contexts. It emphasizes the factuality of the statement.
A pesar de que se produjeron numerosos daños.
This is a more concise and natural translation in everyday Spanish. It conveys the same meaning but in a less formal way. This form is more common in spoken language and informal writing.
In terms of naturalness and common usage, "A pesar de que se produjeron numerosos daños" would generally be preferred, especially in casual or conversational contexts. The first option, while correct, might sound overly formal or verbose in everyday communication.
I hope this explanation has helped you understand better the difference.
Feliz finde
Silvia