but nevertheless

USAGE SUMMARY

"but nevertheless" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that although something may be true, another statement may also be true. For example: "The new policy was unpopular, but nevertheless it was necessary for the company to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But nevertheless it worked.

The New York Times

"But nevertheless, that's my neighborhood".

The New York Times - Sports

But nevertheless, I had opportunities.

Independent

"But nevertheless, I am sorry".

The Guardian

"But nevertheless, there are changes.

The New York Times

But nevertheless this changes things, maybe forever.

The New York Times - Arts

But nevertheless, it was a tough year".

The New York Times - Sports

But nevertheless something has taken place.

The Guardian - Books

"But nevertheless our team is strong.

The Guardian - Sport

But nevertheless, the initial maps highlight some fascinating things.

The Guardian

Politically, the changes have been less striking, but nevertheless significant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but nevertheless" to smoothly transition between contrasting ideas, ensuring the second idea carries significant weight despite the first.

Common error

Avoid using "but nevertheless" too frequently in your writing; it can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your transitional phrases with alternatives like "however", "nonetheless", or "even so".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "but nevertheless" is to serve as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two clauses or sentences to indicate a contrast or concession. Ludwig examples show it used in news articles, scientific papers, and general writing to connect opposing ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but nevertheless" is a grammatically correct and commonly used conjunctive phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and various examples demonstrate its use across different contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "however", "nonetheless", or "even so" to maintain writing variety. The phrase serves to connect contrasting ideas, emphasizing the second point's relevance despite the first.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nonetheless

A single-word synonym that directly replaces "but nevertheless" without altering the sentence structure.

however

A more concise way of expressing contrast, omitting the "nevertheless" for brevity.

yet still

Replaces "but nevertheless" with a simpler conjunction followed by an adverb to express contrast.

even so

Indicates that despite a previous statement, the following one is still true.

that being said

Introduces a contrasting point after acknowledging a previous statement.

with that said

Similar to "that being said", indicating a shift in thought or direction.

all the same

Emphasizes that something remains true despite what has been said before.

despite this

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

in spite of that

Highlights that the following statement is true despite the previous one.

be that as it may

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "but nevertheless."

FAQs

How to use "but nevertheless" in a sentence?

"But nevertheless" connects two contrasting ideas, indicating the second point is still valid despite the first. For instance, "The task was difficult, but nevertheless, we completed it successfully."

What can I say instead of "but nevertheless"?

Alternatives include "however", "nonetheless", "even so", or "yet still". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it redundant to use "but nevertheless"?

Some consider it slightly redundant since "but" already implies contrast. However, "but nevertheless" can add emphasis to the contrast. Using "however" or "nonetheless" can sometimes be more concise.

What's the difference between "but nevertheless" and "but nonetheless"?

"But nevertheless" and "but nonetheless" are largely interchangeable. "Nonetheless" is simply a more concise, single-word alternative to "nevertheless", so the choice often comes down to stylistic preference. The subtle difference is that "nonetheless" implies the second clause negate the first one, while this is not mandatory with "but nevertheless".