I tried to sound calm, despite the tension that squeezed my throat.

The Shadow might have tried the surge, despite the odds, if only to put a fighting finish to his career.

Desperately he tried to think, despite the blood pounding in his head.

She tried, despite her tension and tiredness, to think it through.

He tried to hold her gaze, despite his blurred vision and the darkness.

She tried to keep her tone calm, despite his peremptory order.

He tried to concentrate, despite his anxious fear for Jenny's life.

She probably would have hit him if she'd had the strength she certainly tried hard enough despite his efforts to keep her moving.

We try on wool coats despite the autumn heat wave.

But I think we have to allow for the possibility that they might try a similar operation again, despite the risks.