“However and nevertheless” are Adversative coordinating conjunctions, as well as conjunctive adverbs. Most of the time, we use both conjunctions interchangeably but have different meanings. So let’s understand the difference between However and nevertheless”
Hidden meaning of however and nevertheless is “in spite of or despite that” Both have multiple functions and roles. Compare to Nevertheless, “However” is less formal.
Understanding difference between however and nevertheless conjunctions and conjuctive adverbs
Adversative conjunctions are usually used to introduce the contrasting, opposing or contradicting ideas to the main clause or earlier stated statement.
So, the hidden meaning is “in spite of or despite that” but, the real meaning of “however” is different from that of nevertheless.
Rules for correct usages of however and nevertheless
Let’s take a look at the following points or conditions to use these conjuctive adverbs and conjunctions.
There should be two independent clauses.
a) Players practiced so hard before match.
b) Ground was wet due to heavy rain earlier.
Both clauses should include subject.
Players and ground are two subjects in above examples.
Two statements should be related not depending with each other in the contrasting manner.
In the above examples, there is relation between two but not depending on each other.
Like, players practiced so hard before match; however, the ground was wet due to rain earlier.
Punctuation marks in between clauses
Full stop is essential when these words are used as the conjunctive adverbs. Semicolon is placed in the compound sentence.
For example, players practiced so hard before match. However, the ground was wet due to rain earlier. (As conjunctive adverbs)
Usages and examples of however
Hidden meaning of “However” is in spite of or despite that.
Used as a transition between two sentences in the form of conjunctive adverbs.
Plays role to join two independent clauses separated by semicolon.
Unlike nevertheless, it expresses contrast or contradiction, but negative contrast to main clause.
It means that “however” is used to describe the negative expectations or surprise to the first clause.
Useful Examples of “However” as conjuctive adverbs and adversative coordinating conjunction
1.Students studied honestly to clear the exam.
2.The exam was postponed
- Students studied honestly to clear the exam; however, the exam was postponed. (used as a adversative conjunctions)
1. He spent a lot of money to visit many nations.
2.He couldn’t get the satisfaction he desperately needed.
- He spent a lot of money to visit many nations; however, he couldn’t get the satisfaction he desperately needed.
1.The global pandemic is spreading like wildfire everywhere.
2.Most of the nations are not serious about precautionary measures.
- The global pandemic is spreading like wildfire everywhere; however, most of the nations are not serious about precautionary measures.
1.He is so greedy.
2.He donated food for poor children.
- He is so greedy. However, he donated food for poor children. (conjunctive adverbs for transition between two sentences)
1.I know he was more enthusiastic about study tour.
2.He remained absent.
- I know he was more enthusiastic about study tour. However, he remained absent. (conjunctive adverbs for transition between two sentences)
In all the above examples, “However” is used to introduce negative contrast to earlier stated statement.
Use of Nevertheless as an adversative conjunction and adverb
Nevertheless is used to indicate surprise positive contrast to earlier stated statement.
Robin failed to attend school during COVID-19 pandemic; nevertheless, he secured first rank in the school.
Comparatively, it is more formal and emphatic compare to “however”.
Like however, it is also used as a conjunctive adverb with independent clause.
Such as, Robin failed to attend school during COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, he secured first rank in the school.
Some Useful Examples of “Nevertheless” as conjuctive adverbs and adversative coordinating conjunction
1.It was too hot last year.
2.We didn’t purchase AC.
- It was too hot last year. Nevertheless, we didn’t purchase AC.
1. He was an average student.
2.He has become a successful writer.
- He was an average student; nevertheless, he has become a successful writer.
1.He has cramp in his leg.
2.He has completed his century.
- He has cramp in his leg; nevertheless, he has completed his century
In short, “Nevertheless” can be used at the beginning, in the middle, with semicolon and fullstop as a conjunction and conjunctive adverb.
Difference between However and nevertheless adversative conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs
Let’s take a look at the difference between all the adversative coordinating conjunctions.
“Whereas” plays role in highlighting difference between two similar statements.
“Martin is more interested in drawing, whereas, his sister aspiring to be a chess player”. (show more difference)
While, “But” adversative conjunction indicates unexpected disparity between two statements or things.
“Tony promised to reach on time, but his train was late”.
Whenever, you think that there is something surprising in the next statement in relation to previous main clause, “Nevertheless” is used.
Second, “But” is used for unexpected happening to what is imagined.
Third, “whereas and while” show difference between two things we describe.
Fourth, “Yet, still” Indicate unexpected results to what is expected.
Fifth, “However” describes surprise negative contrast.
Sixth, “Nevertheless and nonetheless” are more formal and used to express surprise positive contrast between two things you expected.
Short summary of however and Nevertheless conjunctions
So far, we have learnt how Adversative coordinating conjunctions are used in a sentence to form compound and mixed sentence.
Meaning of adversative conjunctions
Adversative conjunctions express wide range of difference, disparity, contrast, unexpected happening and surprise results between two things against you imagined.
Clause introduced by these conjunctions are known as coordinating clause.
While Vs Whereas difference
“While” adversative conjunction expresses mild difference between two statements. Besides, it is a subordinating conjunction of time.
“Whereas” conjunction is more stronger than while in expressing differences.
In short, both expresses difference between two things we compare.
But, yet, still conjunctions
“But” conjunction shows unexpected happening, while, “Yet and still” we use for unexpected results.
Compare to “Yet”, “But” is milder and frequently used as conjunction rather than adverb like “Yet”.
However Vs nonetheless/nevertheless
Both are used to express surprising contrast between two things. Here, nevertheless is used for positive contrast while however as negative surprise.
Solved questions on difference between “However and Nevertheless” adversative Conjunctions
Finally, it is time to have a look at the solved questions on however and Nevertheless difference.
Q. 1. What is the however and Nevertheless difference?
Ans: Both are adversative coordinating conjunctions. However is less formal than Nevertheless. First expresses negative surprising contrast. Later indicates positive surprising contrast. Nevertheless is more emphatic and formal.
Q.2. How do we differentiate between whereas and but?
Ans: For difference between two things, whereas is better choice. While, “But” express more disparity. Compare to whereas, while is less stronger like but is milder than Yet.
This is all about the however and Nevertheless difference. I hope that my subject matter on adversative coordinating conjunctions will help you to get more clarity.