But vs. Nevertheless — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
"But" is a coordinating conjunction linking ideas of contrast within a single sentence; "nevertheless" is a transitional adverb signaling a contrast or exception between sentences or clauses.
Difference Between But and Nevertheless
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Key Differences
"But" is commonly used in everyday language to introduce a contradiction or an alternative within the same sentence, seamlessly connecting related yet opposing ideas. Nevertheless, as a transitional adverb, marks a more formal or emphatic shift in thought, typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has previously been mentioned, often found at the beginning of a sentence.
While "but" can connect simple contrasting statements, making it suitable for informal and brief communications, "nevertheless" often appears in academic or professional writing, suggesting a continuation of discussion despite contrary points.
The use of "but" does not typically alter the tone of a conversation or text, maintaining a neutral or informal flow. On the other hand, the use of "nevertheless" can add a tone of formality or seriousness, underlining the significance of the contrasting point being made.
In speech, "but" is frequently employed due to its straightforwardness and brevity, which are appreciated in quick exchanges. In contrast, "nevertheless" might be used to emphasize deliberation and careful consideration, appearing more frequently in structured or persuasive speeches.
"But" joins two clauses that could otherwise stand as separate sentences but are more effective when expressed together for immediate contrast. Meanwhile, "nevertheless" often starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon, reinforcing the autonomy of the contrasting statement.
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Comparison Chart
Art of Speech
Coordinating conjunction
Adverb
Usage Context
Informal and everyday communication
Formal, academic, and professional writing
Position in Text
Middle of a sentence
Beginning of a sentence or after a semicolon
Tone
Neutral, informal
Formal, emphatic
Function
Contrasts parts within a single sentence
Indicates a contrast across sentences or clauses
Compare with Definitions
But
Serves as a bridge between opposing ideas.
She is kind but strict.
Nevertheless
Indicates a contrast to what has preceded, with a sense of "in spite of that".
The path was dangerous; nevertheless, they continued.
But
Used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned.
He wanted to go to the movie, but it was sold out.
Nevertheless
Marks the continuation of a thought despite contradictions.
It was raining hard; nevertheless, the event was not canceled.
But
Indicates exception or condition.
Everyone but John knew the secret.
Nevertheless
Appears often in written, particularly academic, contexts.
The experiment had limitations; nevertheless, the findings are important.
But
Functions as a conjunction in compound sentences.
The cake was delicious but too small.
Nevertheless
Adds weight or formality to the contrast being made.
There were doubts about the theory; nevertheless, it proved to be correct.
But
Can imply a change of thought or redirection.
I planned to cook, but let's order pizza instead.
Nevertheless
Used to signal a strong contrast or exception.
He is not very reliable; nevertheless, he's the only one who can help.
But
On the contrary
The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.
Nevertheless
In spite of that; nonetheless; however
A small, nevertheless fatal error.
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
Nevertheless
(conjunctive) In spite of what preceded; yet.
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
Nevertheless
Not the less; notwithstanding; in spite of that; yet.
No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
But
With the exception that; except that. Often used with that
Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.
Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
Nevertheless
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
But
(Informal) Without the result that
It never rains but it pours.
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
But
Usage Problem Except.
But
Merely; just; only
Hopes that lasted but a moment.
But
Used as an intensive
Get out of here but fast!.
But
A concern or objection
My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.
But
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Everyone but Father left early.
I like everything but that.
Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.
But
Outside of.
Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.
But
Merely, only, just, no more than
Christmas comes but once a year.
But
Though, however.
I'll have to go home early but.
But
, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.
She is very old but still attractive.
You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.
But
, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.
I am not rich but [I am] poor.
Not John but Peter went there.
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
But
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
I cannot but feel offended.
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
But
(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.
But
(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.
But
(obsolete) Until.
But
That.
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
But
(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
But
A limit; a boundary.
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
But
(archaic) Use the word "but".
But me no buts.
But
Except with; unless with; without.
So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Touch not the cat but a glove.
But
Except; besides; save.
Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?
But
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.
And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
But
Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.
It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
But
Only; solely; merely.
Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
If they kill us, we shall but die.
A formidable man but to his friends.
But
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.
Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
But
A limit; a boundary.
But
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.
But
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Common Curiosities
Why might a writer choose "nevertheless" over "but"?
To emphasize a contrast or continuation of thought in a more formal or academic context.
How does "nevertheless" differ in usage from "but"?
"Nevertheless" is used to introduce a contrasting statement that is usually more formal and stands alone as a separate clause or sentence.
What is the basic function of "but"?
It introduces a contradiction or alternative within the same sentence.
Are there any specific rules for using "nevertheless" in writing?
It should be used to introduce significant contrasts and is often preceded by a comma when starting a sentence.
Is "nevertheless" common in everyday speech?
It's less common in casual speech due to its formal tone.
Is "but" suitable for academic writing?
Yes, though it is generally used for simpler or less emphatic contrasts compared to "nevertheless".
What tone does "nevertheless" impart in writing?
It often conveys a formal, serious tone, emphasizing the importance of the contrast.
Can "but" and "nevertheless" be used interchangeably?
They cannot be directly substituted for each other due to differences in formality and structural placement within text.
Can "but" start a sentence like "nevertheless"?
It is less common and usually informal to start sentences with "but," unlike "nevertheless."
What is the effect of using "but" in an argument?
It provides a direct and immediate contrast, often softening the disagreement.
Where should "nevertheless" be placed in a sentence?
Typically at the beginning or after a semicolon when preceding a new statement.
What are some synonyms for "but"?
However, yet, although.
What are synonyms for "nevertheless"?
Nonetheless, however, still.
How does the use of "but" affect the flow of a conversation?
It maintains a smooth and continuous flow, connecting ideas directly.
Does "nevertheless" require a specific punctuation?
Yes, it often requires a comma when it starts a sentence and can be preceded by a semicolon when separating clauses.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
