was nevertheless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was nevertheless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid despite a previous statement or situation. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges; it was nevertheless completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McLeish was nevertheless pleased.

The Guardian - Sport

She was nevertheless charmed.

The New York Times - Style

But he was nevertheless troubled.

The New Yorker

It was, nevertheless, widely practiced.

The New Yorker

But Valk was nevertheless disappointed.

The Guardian - Tech

He was nevertheless found guilty.

The New Yorker

But confirmation was nevertheless abundant.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was nevertheless exemplary.

The Guardian

Progress was nevertheless slow and bitter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

San Martín's position was nevertheless insecure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it was, nevertheless, quite true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was nevertheless" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. It adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the unexpected nature of the contrast. Be sure that the clauses connected by "was nevertheless" have a clear relationship to each other.

Common error

Avoid using "was nevertheless" too frequently in informal writing or conversation, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but" or "still" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was nevertheless" functions as a conjunctive adverb, connecting two clauses where the second clause presents a contrast, qualification, or concession to the first. Ludwig examples show its use in linking statements that are surprising or unexpected given the preceding context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase correctly links contrasting ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was nevertheless" is a conjunctive adverb used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. It signals that despite a previous fact or situation, the following statement remains true. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, as shown by its frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. Simpler alternatives like "was however" or "was still" may be preferred in informal settings. Use "was nevertheless" to create clear and nuanced connections between ideas while maintaining a level of sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was nonetheless

Replaces "nevertheless" with "nonetheless", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

was however

Replaces "nevertheless" with "however", a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

was even so

Replaces "nevertheless" with "even so", emphasizing the surprising nature of the contrasting statement.

was still

Replaces "nevertheless" with "still", a simpler and more direct way to express contrast.

was in spite of that

Replaces "nevertheless" with a longer phrase, emphasizing the contrast despite the previous situation.

was despite that

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

was be that as it may

A more formal and literary way of expressing concession.

was that being said

Introduces a contrasting point after acknowledging the previous statement.

was with all that

Acknowledges the previous information but introduces a contrasting element.

was regardless

Indicates that the following statement holds true irrespective of what preceded it.

FAQs

How can I use "was nevertheless" in a sentence?

Use "was nevertheless" to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement following a previous one. For instance, "The task was difficult; it "was nevertheless" completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "was nevertheless"?

You can use alternatives like "was however", "was nonetheless", or "was still" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "was nevertheless" more formal than "was but"?

Yes, ""was nevertheless"" carries a more formal tone compared to "was but", which is simpler and more common in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "was nevertheless" and "was despite that"?

"Was nevertheless" is a conjunctive adverb that directly connects two contrasting clauses. "Was despite that" is a prepositional phrase requiring a slightly different sentence structure, often emphasizing the element being contrasted.