Nevertheless vs. However — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on August 29, 2023
Nevertheless and however, both indicate contrast, but "nevertheless" implies "in spite of that," whereas "however" means "but" or "on the other hand."
Difference Between Nevertheless and However
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Nevertheless" and "however" both serve to introduce a contrasting idea or an exception in a sentence. Nevertheless often emphasizes a conclusion or result that's unexpected given the previous information. However is a more general transition, indicating a simple contrast.
The placement of "nevertheless" and "however" can vary in a sentence. "Nevertheless" usually appears at the beginning or end. "However" can be at the start, middle, or end, often preceded by a semicolon when separating two independent clauses.
In terms of formality, both "nevertheless" and "however" are considered formal. Nevertheless sometimes carries a stronger sense of surprise or contradiction, while however tends to be more neutral.
Both words can be used in various contexts, but their implications might differ slightly. Using "nevertheless" often indicates that the subsequent statement is somewhat surprising given what preceded it. "However" simply points out a difference or contradiction.
Despite their differences, "nevertheless" and "however" can often be used interchangeably. Nevertheless, understanding their subtle distinctions can make one's writing more nuanced. However, it's essential to remember context when choosing between them.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Despite what preceded
But or on the other hand
Emphasis
Stronger emphasis on contradiction or surprise
Neutral contrast
Placement
Usually at the beginning or end of a clause
Can be start, middle, or end
Formality
Considered formal
Considered formal
Implication
Indicates an unexpected result or conclusion
Simply points out a difference
Compare with Definitions
Nevertheless
Nevertheless - regardless of what has just been mentioned.
There were challenges. Nevertheless, they succeeded.
However
However - but or yet.
She wanted to go; however, she couldn't afford it.
Nevertheless
(conjunctive) In spite of what preceded; yet.
However
However - in whatever way.
However you look at it, it's still a problem.
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.
However
However - introducing a statement that contrasts with a previous one.
It was raining; however, we played outside.
Nevertheless
Nevertheless - even so.
It was a hard task. Nevertheless, they persisted.
However
However - to whatever degree.
However much I try, I can't master it.
Nevertheless
Nevertheless - showing surprising continuation.
He was late; nevertheless, he seemed unhurried.
However
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
Nevertheless
In spite of that; nonetheless; however
A small, nevertheless fatal error.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
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
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
Nevertheless
Nevertheless - indicating unexpectedness.
The sun was shining; nevertheless, the ground was wet.
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
Nevertheless
Nevertheless - in spite of that.
She was tired; nevertheless, she finished the marathon.
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
However
However - regardless of how.
However it happened, it was a mistake.
Common Curiosities
What are the main purposes of "nevertheless" and "however"?
Both are used to indicate contrast, with "nevertheless" implying "in spite of that" and "however" meaning "but" or "on the other hand."
Can "nevertheless" and "however" be used interchangeably?
Often, yes, but "nevertheless" sometimes carries a stronger sense of surprise or contradiction.
Where can "nevertheless" be placed in a sentence?
It usually appears at the beginning or end of a clause.
Which word has a more neutral connotation?
"However" tends to be more neutral, while "nevertheless" can emphasize unexpectedness.
How about the placement of "however"?
"However" can be at the start, middle, or end, often preceded by a semicolon when separating two independent clauses.
Are "nevertheless" and "however" considered formal?
Yes, both are considered formal in language.
Do "nevertheless" and "however" always introduce a contrasting statement?
Primarily, yes, but "however" can also mean "in whatever way" or "to whatever degree."
Is "nevertheless" ever used in casual conversation?
While it's more formal, it can still be found in everyday speech for emphasis.
Can "however" be used to mean "no matter how"?
Yes, e.g., "However hard I try, I can't do it."
Can "however" introduce a question?
Yes, for instance "However, isn't it too late now?"
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Written 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.
