How to use "nevertheless"

What Does "nevertheless" Mean?

• Grammatical function: expresses contrast or concession, indicating that the following statement is true despite what has been said before.
• Typical sentence position: primarily initial, but can also appear medially.
• Register: formal to neutral.

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: Typically followed by a main clause. It is often preceded by a statement that sets up an expectation that is then contradicted.
• Punctuation rules: When used at the beginning of a sentence, it's followed by a comma. When used medially, it's usually set off by commas or preceded by a semicolon.
• Grammatical flexibility: Yes, it can start a sentence. It can also be moved within a clause, though this is less common. It cannot be negated directly.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Overusing it in informal contexts can sound stilted. Placing it randomly within a sentence without proper punctuation is incorrect.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from nevertheless on Ludwig.guru.

"Nevertheless, Behind the Candelabra screened as a competition entry at the Cannes film festival in May, and later debuted in UK cinemas." — The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Nevertheless, that cannot in any way spoil my pleasure in being here today"." — The Guardian

"Nevertheless, she adds, "we do know of many cases of men and boys being raped"." — The Guardian

"Nevertheless, western governments did little once the scale of massacres were dialled down to a lower, but still savage, intensity." — The Guardian

"Nevertheless, it is my policy to leave no bandwagon unjumped, and so here's my contribution to the unfolding brouhaha." — The Guardian - Opinion

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/nevertheless

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
however	More common and versatile; suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
nonetheless	Very similar to 'nevertheless' in meaning and formality.
even so	Slightly less formal; implies a stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness.
all the same	More informal; suggests a disregard for the preceding information.
despite this	Highlights the contrast with the previous statement.
in spite of this	Similar to 'despite this', emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.
that said	Introduces a contrasting point or qualification.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect placement within the sentence, such as inserting it in the middle of a verb phrase.
• Missing the comma after nevertheless when it begins a sentence.
• Learners often confuse "nevertheless" with similar connectors like "however" or "nonetheless" and misuse them by placing them incorrectly within a sentence or using them in inappropriate registers.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
Nevertheless	Contrast, Concession	Formal to Neutral	Initial, Medial

FAQs

Where can "nevertheless" appear in a sentence?

Nevertheless can appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. It can also appear medially, typically set off by commas or preceded by a semicolon, although sentence-initial placement is more common.

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What's the difference between "nevertheless" and "however"?

Both nevertheless and however express contrast, but nevertheless is generally considered more formal and emphatic. "However" is more versatile and frequently used in both formal and informal writing.

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How can I correct a common mistake when using "nevertheless"?

If you're confusing nevertheless with similar connectors, pay attention to the level of formality and ensure correct punctuation. When starting a sentence with nevertheless, always follow it with a comma. Avoid placing it awkwardly within a verb phrase; instead, use it to connect independent clauses or start a new sentence.