Nonetheless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Nonetheless" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has been previously mentioned. Example: "The weather was terrible; nonetheless, we decided to go for a hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nonetheless, it means Summers has had valuable time to get to know Obama, while Yellen has not.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was nonetheless a historical irony in watching Ukrainians tearing down Lenin's statues as a sign of their will to break with Soviet domination and assert their national sovereignty.

The Guardian

Although Blair cancelled a signing event at Waterstone's in central London scheduled for today, fearing protests, the bookseller nonetheless said A Journey had become its fastest selling autobiography ever, based on first-day sales.

The Guardian - Books

It wasn't gilt-edged, but it was a chance nonetheless - Manuel Neuer was forced to save from a header that was weak but on target.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlikely to kick start the revolution but beautiful hold muzak while we're waiting nonetheless.

The Guardian - Music

It nonetheless remained a key sticking point that the majority of Senate Republicans do not believe the Patriot Act infringes on Americans' privacy rights.

The Guardian

Dark discussions, but as the statistics on campus assaults prove, necessary ones nonetheless.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, we are optimistic that the Katine project has laid a foundation which the government and other stakeholders would pick up from".

The Guardian

Short could hardly believe what she was hearing but nonetheless informed Brown of the possible deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nonetheless, this proxy row matters in its own right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Countries such as the US, where freedom of speech was embedded in the constitution's first amendment, had nonetheless implemented exclusion zones around abortion and fertility clinics in some states, Hanks told the court.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Nonetheless" to smoothly transition between contrasting ideas, especially when the second idea is somewhat unexpected given the first.

Common error

Avoid using "Nonetheless" in very short or simple sentences where a simpler conjunction like "but" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

Nonetheless functions primarily as an adverbial conjunction. Ludwig indicates that it connects two contrasting ideas, where the second idea may be unexpected. It serves to create a smooth transition between these contrasting points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Nonetheless" is a versatile adverbial conjunction used to introduce contrasting statements. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing most frequently in news and formal writing. It is best used to create smooth transitions between ideas, particularly when the second idea is somewhat unexpected. While effective, overuse in simple sentences should be avoided. Alternatives like "nevertheless" and "however" can be used depending on context. Nonetheless remains a valuable tool for sophisticated and nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nevertheless

A direct synonym, interchangeable in most contexts.

Even so

Implies a degree of surprise at the contrast.

All the same

Emphasizes that the preceding point does not change the outcome.

In spite of that

More explicitly highlights the contrast.

Despite this

Similar to "in spite of that" but slightly more formal.

However

A common and versatile alternative, suitable for many contexts.

That being said

Often used to transition to a contrasting point.

Still and all

An informal expression conveying a similar meaning.

Be that as it may

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

Regardless

Highlights that the previous point is not relevant to the current one.

FAQs

How can I use "Nonetheless" in a sentence?

"Nonetheless" is typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. For example: "The weather was terrible; nonetheless, we decided to go for a hike."

What are some alternatives to "Nonetheless"?

You can use alternatives like "nevertheless", "however", or "even so" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "Nonetheless" and "however"?

While both introduce a contrasting statement, "nonetheless" often implies that the second statement is somewhat surprising or unexpected, while "however" is a more general contrast.

Can I start a sentence with "Nonetheless"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "Nonetheless" to clearly signal a contrast or concession.