Nevertheless

You usually put it at the start of a new sentence. It follows a statement that sounds like a reason to stop. For example, 'It was raining. Nevertheless, we went for a walk.' You can also use it after a semicolon to link two thoughts closely. Always put a comma right after it. This gives your listener a tiny breath to prepare for your counter-point. It makes you sound very organized and thoughtful.

Use this when you want to sound professional or sophisticated. It is perfect for a job interview when discussing a challenge. Use it in an essay to show you have considered both sides. In a meeting, it helps you acknowledge a colleague's concern while still pushing your idea. It is great for storytelling too. It adds a bit of drama and weight to the narrative. You are basically saying, 'The odds were against us, but we did it.'

Avoid using it in very casual settings. If you are texting a friend about grabbing a burger, it sounds a bit stiff. Don't use it if the contrast is very small. For instance, 'I like apples; nevertheless, I like oranges' sounds weird. It needs a bit of 'conflict' to work well. If you are in a high-speed argument, it might sound too slow and formal. Stick to but or still when you are in a rush.

This word has been around since the 14th century. It carries a sense of old-world logic and British-style politeness. In English-speaking cultures, using nevertheless suggests you are a balanced thinker. You aren't just ignoring the negative; you are acknowledging it and choosing to move past it. It is the language of diplomats and philosophers. It shows you have a high level of emotional intelligence.

Nonetheless is the most common twin. They are almost exactly the same. Even so is a slightly more relaxed version. Still is the shortest way to say it. If you want to sound very academic, you might use notwithstanding. But nevertheless is the classic choice. It has a rhythmic quality that sounds great in a speech. It makes your points feel more 'final' and well-considered.