Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 28, 2023
"Nevertheless" and "nonetheless" are interchangeable and mean in spite of that or however, but "nevertheless" is more common in everyday speech.
Key Differences
Nevertheless and nonetheless are both adverbs used to indicate a contrast or contradiction to what has just been stated. They signal a turning point in the sentence, introducing an opposing idea. Both words serve the same function and can often be used interchangeably in sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Nevertheless is commonly used in everyday language and writing. It introduces a statement that contrasts with something that has been said or written previously, indicating a sense of 'despite that' or 'however'. Nonetheless serves the same purpose but is slightly more formal and less common in casual conversation. It is often used in academic or professional writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
The use of nevertheless often implies a continuation of thought, acknowledging what has been said before but introducing a different perspective or conclusion. It is more colloquial and is widely recognized and understood. Nonetheless carries a similar meaning but can add a slightly more sophisticated or formal tone to the sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Both nevertheless and nonetheless are useful for showing a contrast without completely dismissing the preceding statement. They suggest that the information following them is significant enough to override or counterbalance the previous point. The choice between the two often depends on the tone or formality of the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
In summary, while nevertheless and nonetheless are almost synonymous and interchangeable, the key difference lies in their frequency of use and formality. Nevertheless is more common in spoken English, while nonetheless is often preferred in formal writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
More commonly used in everyday language
Less common, more formal
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Dec 28, 2023
Context
Used in both spoken and written English
Often used in academic or professional writing
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Dec 28, 2023
Purpose
Introduces a contrast or counterpoint
Introduces a contrast or counterpoint
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Dec 28, 2023
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Nevertheless and Nonetheless Definitions
Nevertheless
In spite of that; however.
The hike was difficult; nevertheless, we reached the summit.
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Nonetheless
Used to introduce a contrasting statement.
The novel is long and dense; nonetheless, it is extremely popular.
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Dec 28, 2023
Nevertheless
Despite anything to the contrary.
It was raining hard, but they played nevertheless.
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Nonetheless
Indicates a conclusion or statement that is surprising in light of what preceded it.
Their team was inexperienced; nonetheless, they won the tournament.
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Nevertheless
Nonetheless; notwithstanding.
He was very tired; nevertheless, he continued working.
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Nonetheless
However; yet.
The weather was cold; nonetheless, we went hiking.
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Nevertheless
Indicating a contrast to what has just been stated.
The job was challenging; nevertheless, she found it rewarding.
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Dec 28, 2023
Nonetheless
In spite of that; nevertheless.
The task was daunting; nonetheless, they completed it on time.
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Dec 28, 2023
Nevertheless
Used to acknowledge a point or fact but assert something different.
The movie was predictable; nevertheless, it was entertaining.
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Dec 28, 2023
Nonetheless
Despite what has just been said or referred to.
He had little chance of winning; nonetheless, he ran for office.
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Dec 28, 2023
Nevertheless
In spite of that; nonetheless; however
A small, nevertheless fatal error.
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Oct 19, 2023
Nevertheless
Not the less; notwithstanding; in spite of that; yet.
No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
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Nonetheless
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
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Oct 19, 2023
Nevertheless
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is nevertheless more common than nonetheless?
Yes, nevertheless is more commonly used, especially in spoken English.
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Dec 28, 2023
Are nevertheless and nonetheless synonyms?
Yes, they are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with nonetheless?
Yes, starting a sentence with nonetheless is grammatically correct.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is nonetheless appropriate for academic writing?
Yes, nonetheless is often used in academic and professional writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Is nonetheless too formal for everyday speech?
It can be used in everyday speech but is less common than nevertheless.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Can I replace however with nevertheless or nonetheless?
Yes, they can often replace however in a sentence.
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Dec 28, 2023
Does nevertheless imply a limitation?
It implies a limitation or contradiction to what has been said.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can I use nevertheless in formal writing?
Yes, nevertheless can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Dec 28, 2023
Do both words indicate a contrast?
Yes, both are used to introduce a contrasting idea or statement.
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Dec 28, 2023
Does nonetheless suggest a concession?
Yes, it conveys a concession but introduces a significant contrasting point.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can these words be used in compound sentences?
Yes, they are often used in compound sentences to show contrast.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can nevertheless start a sentence?
Yes, it can be used at the beginning of a sentence.
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Dec 28, 2023
Are there situations where one is preferred over the other?
The choice often depends on the tone and formality of the context.
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Dec 28, 2023
Are there any notable differences in usage between British and American English?
The usage is similar in both British and American English.
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Dec 28, 2023
Do both words have the same origin?
Yes, both have origins in Middle English and serve similar grammatical functions.
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Dec 28, 2023
Do they always follow a comma when used in the middle of a sentence?
Typically, they are preceded by a comma when used in the middle of a sentence.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can nevertheless be used in casual conversation?
Yes, it is commonly used in both casual and formal conversations.
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Dec 28, 2023
Is it correct to use them in concluding sentences?
Yes, they can effectively introduce a conclusion or summarizing statement.
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Dec 28, 2023
Can they be used in argumentative writing?
Yes, they are useful in argumentative writing to present contrasting points.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 28, 2023
Do nevertheless and nonetheless convey a sense of contradiction?
Yes, they both introduce a statement that somehow contradicts the previous one.
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Dec 28, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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