What is nevertheless? Pronunciation and usage in English

nevertheless means . Learn how to pronounce and use nevertheless through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of nevertheless

neverthelessadverb

/ˌnɛvəðəˈlɛs/
Definition & pronunciation of nevertheless

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "nevertheless." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with a focus on the key sounds:

1. The Breakdown:

  • Ne- – Pronounced like "nay" (as in "no way"). Emphasis on the "nay" sound.
  • -ver- – This is the tricky part. It sounds like "vair" – almost like "veer" but with a softer “r.” Don't pronounce a hard ‘r’ here. It's a very quick, subtle “v” sound.
  • -al- – Pronounced like "al" (as in "all").
  • -though- – Pronounced like "though" (as in "thought").

2. Putting it together:

The whole word is roughly pronounced: “Ney-vair-al-though”

3. Emphasis & Rhythm:

  • First Syllable (Ne-): Slightly stressed – give it a bit more weight.
  • Second Syllable (ver-): Very quick and light.
  • Third and Fourth Syllables (al-though): Pronounced together as a single unit, with fairly even stress.

4. Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "nev-er-al-though." The "v" in "ver" is crucial and easily missed.
  • Don't roll your 'r' in "ver." It’s a very subtle sound, closer to a soft "v."
  • Listen to examples! The best way to learn is to hear it:

Resources to Help:

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Usage and examples with the word nevertheless in English

Let's break down how to use "nevertheless" effectively in English. It's a fantastic word that can add nuance and sophistication to your writing and speech, but it's often misused.

1. Core Meaning:

"Nevertheless" means "in spite of that" or "despite that." It indicates a contrast between two ideas, showing that something might have been expected or predicted, but something else happened or is true anyway.

2. How to Use It:

  • After a contrasting statement or expectation: This is the most common usage. You’re acknowledging something that seemingly goes against what you just said.

    • Example: "The weather was terrible. Nevertheless, we decided to go for a hike." (The bad weather makes you think hiking wouldn't happen, but they still did.)
    • Example: "I was worried about failing the exam. Nevertheless, I studied hard and passed." (Worrying doesn’t change the fact of passing.)
    • Example: "His car was old and beat-up. Nevertheless, he loved it immensely." (The car’s condition is a negative, but his love for it is unaffected.)

  • Connecting two contrasting ideas in a sentence: You often find it after a clause or phrase that introduces a difficulty or obstacle.

    • Example: "The project was behind schedule and over budget. Nevertheless, the team remained dedicated to completing it."
    • Example: "It was raining heavily; nevertheless, we continued our walk."

3. Key Points & Grammar:

  • Followed by a comma: “Nevertheless” is almost always followed by a comma before the clause or phrase it contrasts. This is crucial for clarity.

    • Incorrect: "The rain was coming down hard, nevertheless we went out."
    • Correct: "The rain was coming down hard, nevertheless we went out."

  • It's a conjunction (linking word): It connects two contrasting ideas. Think of it like "although" or "even though" but often stronger – it emphasizes the contrast more emphatically.

  • Not interchangeable with "however": While "however" can sometimes serve a similar function, "nevertheless" carries a stronger sense of contrast and resilience. “However” often just presents a different point.

    • Example (using "however"): "The test was difficult; however, I think I did well." (Just a different point)
    • Example (using "nevertheless"): "The test was incredibly difficult; nevertheless, I managed to get a good grade." (Shows that difficulty didn’t prevent a positive outcome.)

4. Synonyms (to give you options):

  • Although
  • Even though
  • Despite
  • In spite of
  • Notwithstanding (more formal)

5. Example Sentences to Practice:

  • "She was feeling ill, nevertheless, she went to work."
  • "The economy is struggling; nevertheless, businesses are still investing."
  • "The evidence was circumstantial; nevertheless, the jury found him guilty."
  • "He had never learned to swim; nevertheless, he bravely jumped into the ocean."

Resources for More Practice:

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Synonyms for the word nevertheless

Practice with vocabulary nevertheless

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research had limited funding and a tight timeline; _______________, the team produced groundbreaking results.
  2. The company's sales figures saw a considerable increase last quarter; _______________, they decided to invest heavily in marketing.
  3. The proposed solution was complex and expensive to implement; _______________, management approved it due to its long-term benefits.
  4. The new policy aims to reduce operational costs; _______________, it also seeks to improve employee satisfaction through flexible work arrangements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The weather forecast predicted heavy rain throughout the day. _______________, the outdoor concert proceeded as planned and attracted a large crowd. a) Therefore b) In contrast c) Nevertheless d) Subsequently

  2. Many experts argued against the proposed economic reforms, citing potential instability. _______________, the government decided to implement them, believing in their long-term benefits. a) In addition b) Consequently c) Moreover d) Nevertheless

  3. The project encountered numerous technical challenges, and the budget was almost depleted. _______________, the team managed to deliver a fully functional prototype ahead of schedule. a) As a result b) However c) Consequently d) Nevertheless

  4. The first quarter financial report showed strong growth in emerging markets. _______________, the board decided to allocate more resources to these regions. a) On the other hand b) Nevertheless c) Therefore d) Despite this

  5. The company's innovative product line has gained significant market share. _______________, its competitor launched a similar product with a lower price point. a) In addition b) Consequently c) On the other hand d) Thus

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite the challenging economic climate, the startup managed to secure significant investment. Rewrite using "nevertheless".

  2. It rained heavily, but we still enjoyed the outdoor festival. Rewrite using a related word form to "nevertheless".

  3. The data was inconclusive, yet the researchers decided to publish their preliminary findings. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "nevertheless").

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research had limited funding and a tight timeline; nevertheless, the team produced groundbreaking results.
  2. The company's sales figures saw a considerable increase last quarter; consequently, they decided to invest heavily in marketing.
  3. The proposed solution was complex and expensive to implement; nevertheless, management approved it due to its long-term benefits.
  4. The new policy aims to reduce operational costs; furthermore, it also seeks to improve employee satisfaction through flexible work arrangements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Nevertheless
  2. d) Nevertheless
  3. b) However, d) Nevertheless
  4. c) Therefore
  5. c) On the other hand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The economic climate was challenging; nevertheless, the startup managed to secure significant investment.
  2. It rained heavily; nonetheless, we enjoyed the outdoor festival.
  3. The data was inconclusive; however, the researchers decided to publish their preliminary findings.

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