nonetheless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nonetheless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that despite something that has already been stated, something else is also true. For example: "I cannot afford to take a vacation this year; nonetheless, I plan to make memories with my family at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

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 introduce a contrast or qualification that might be unexpected given the preceding information. It adds a formal tone and emphasizes the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "nonetheless" in very casual conversation or writing, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for alternatives like "however" or "still" in less formal settings.

How to use

Learn how to use "nonetheless" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

Adverbial Conjunction: "Nonetheless" functions as an adverbial conjunction, connecting two clauses or sentences to indicate a contrast or concession. It signals that the second statement is true despite the first statement, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nonetheless" is a formal adverbial conjunction used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and signals that a subsequent point remains valid despite what has been previously stated. While a powerful tool for expressing contrast, remember to use it judiciously and consider less formal alternatives like "however" or "still" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nevertheless

Replaces "nonetheless" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning and function.

however

Offers a more common and slightly less formal way to indicate contrast.

even so

Provides a similar concessive meaning, emphasizing the surprising nature of the contrast.

despite that

Introduces the contrasting element by explicitly stating what it counters.

in spite of that

Similar to "despite that", it highlights the contrasting relationship.

that being said

Serves as a transitional phrase to introduce a contrasting point after an initial statement.

all the same

Emphasizes that the following statement remains true despite what was previously mentioned.

still

A simpler and more direct way to express that something is true despite an earlier statement.

yet

Similar to "still", but can sometimes imply a stronger sense of surprise or contradiction.

with that said

Functions as a transition to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point.

FAQs

How does "nonetheless" differ from "however"?

"Nonetheless" and "however" both introduce a contrast. "Nonetheless" is more formal and often implies a stronger sense of concession than "however".

What are some alternatives to using "nonetheless" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "nevertheless", "even so", "still", or "yet" in place of "nonetheless".

Is it correct to use "nonetheless" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "nonetheless". It functions as a transitional adverb to introduce a contrasting point.

Which is more formal, "nonetheless" or "notwithstanding"?

"Notwithstanding" is generally considered more formal and legalistic than "nonetheless". Choose "notwithstanding" for very formal or legal writing.