“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.
1. Players practiced so hard before match.
2. 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 conjunction
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.(used as a adversative conjunctions)
1. The global pandemic was spreading like wildfire everywhere.
2. Most of the nations were not serious about precautionary measures.
The global pandemic was spreading like wildfire everywhere; however, most of the nations were not serious about precautionary measures.(used as a adversative conjunctions)
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. (used as a adversative conjunctions)
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. ( used as conjuctive adverb)
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. (used as a adversative conjunction)
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 (used as a adversative conjunction)
In short, “Nevertheless” can be used at the beginning, in the middle, with semicolon and fullstop as a conjunction and conjunctive adverb.
However Vs nevertheless/nonetheless
Both are used to express surprising contrast between two things. Here, nevertheless is used for positive contrast while however as negative surprise.
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. Both however and nevertheless are used to express sudden contrast with earlier statement.
In case of However, it is used to express negative contrast to earlier positive statement. On the other hand, nevertheless shows positive contrast to earlier mentioned negative statement.
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 like however and nevertheless will help you to get more clarity.
Adversative coordinating conjunctions
Complex compound & mixed sentences