despite/in spite of/for all/with all/notwithstanding

它们之间的区别并不在意义上,而是在语域或语体上。

最常使用的表让步的介词是 in spite of, 据说特别受到新闻工作者的偏爱:

1. But only in the last few days has it agreed to allow foreign aircraft to take supplies directly inland, in spite of the notorious port congestion which is delaying delivery of both food and means of transport. (The Guardian) 尽管它那臭名昭著的港口拥挤，正在耽搁食品和交通工具的运送，但是该政府只是在最近几天才准许外国飞机把补给直接运往内地。（卫报）

2. His second service for one thing was largely meat and drink to Connors as he broke twice to take the last five games for the first set in spite of two doubles in the eighth game. (The Times) 首先,他的第二次发球正中康纳斯的下怀,因为尽管他在第8局中有两次发球连续失误,但他还是两次连续得分赢得了第一盘的最后5局。(泰晤士报)(以上译文引自《现代英语报刊阅读词典》)

despite 则比较正式,例如 TOEFL 几乎总是要求使用这个介词:

Despite of the heavy rain, the party set out in the morning. (TOEFL)

(试题要求将 Despite of 改为 Despite)

再看下列例句：

1. Despite years of farm production troubles, there is no lack of fertile, usable soil. (USA Today) 尽管农业多年歉收，但却不乏肥沃的可耕地。（今日美国报）

2. Yes, it remained liquid despite the loss of heat. (BES) 是的,虽然热量散失,但它仍然保持液体状态。

for all 和 with all 是比较口语化的词语：

With For} all this noise I managed to get some sleep. (CGEL) 尽管有这种噪音,我还是睡了一会儿。

notwithstanding 用于正式语体,尤其是法律文件中:

1. The law will go into force, any other agreements notwithstanding. (LDCE) 尽管有其他的协议，法律仍将生效。

2. Notwithstanding any other agreements, we will make a new contract with the firm. 尽管有其它协定，我们仍将与该公司订立新合同。