What however and nevertheless do
When the second idea goes against what we expected after the first, we need a marker of contrast. However and nevertheless do this between two sentences: the first creates an expectation, and the second overturns it.
They mean “however,” “nevertheless,” or “despite this.” They do not work like the conjunction but between two independent clauses. At the beginning of a new clause, use a full stop or a semicolon before them; their position is different inside a sentence.
The railway workers were on strike. However, the museum opened on time.
The railway workers were on strike. However, the museum opened on time.
Despite the transport difficulties, the museum was able to open on time; the workers were on strike, not the trains themselves.
She had almost no sleep. Nevertheless, she gave a brilliant talk.
She had almost no sleep. Nevertheless, she gave a brilliant talk.
Lack of sleep usually makes things difficult, but the talk was successful: this is an unexpected contrast.
A full stop before, a comma after
Before the connector, use a mark that ends the first sentence: a full stop (then the connector begins with a capital letter) or a semicolon (then it begins with a lowercase letter). After the connector, use a comma.
The most common mistake is to put only a comma before the connector. A comma cannot join two independent sentences by itself, and however is not a conjunction, so this comma creates a run-on sentence.
sentence. However, sentence / sentence; however, sentence
The soup was cold. However, nobody complained.
The soup was cold. However, nobody complained.
A full stop, a capital letter, and a comma after however.
The soup was cold; however, nobody complained.
The soup was cold; however, nobody complained.
A semicolon, a lowercase letter, and a comma after however.
However or nevertheless
Both words occupy the same position and create the same contrast. Nevertheless sounds more formal and emphatic: it is typically found in reports, letters, and essays. However is more universal and works well in both business and everyday writing.
Use the word that suits the tone of the text. Replacing one with the other does not change the sentence grammar.
We lost the first game. However, the coach stayed positive.
We lost the first game. However, the coach stayed positive.
Neutral tone.
The data are incomplete. Nevertheless, the main conclusions seem reliable.
The data are incomplete. Nevertheless, the main conclusions seem reliable.
Formal report style.
Where else the connector can appear
A conjunctive adverb can appear at the beginning or inside the second clause. An inserted however is usually set off by commas. Nevertheless can also be closely connected to the verb without parenthetical commas: It was nevertheless useful — “Despite this, it was useful.”
However can also appear at the end: The second test was easy, however. This is possible in writing too. Choose the position that makes the contrast clear; it is not limited to the beginning of the sentence.
The first test was hard. The second, however, was easy.
The first test was hard. The second, however, was easy.
The connector is inside the sentence, between two commas.
The offer sounded generous. It was, nevertheless, not enough for us.
The offer sounded generous. It was, nevertheless, not enough for us.
After the verb was, between commas.
Choose a clear contrast structure
For a short message, it is useful to choose one basic pattern: Although it was cold, we went out or It was cold. However, we went out. Do not add however mechanically just because you want to express an additional “but.”
This is advice for clarity, not a ban on all combinations. For example, Although it was cold, we nevertheless went out is a grammatically strengthened concessive structure. But it was, however, useful is also possible in an appropriate context, although it can often be said more briefly.
Although it was cold, we swam in the sea.
Although it was cold, we swam in the sea.
One connector — although.
It was cold. However, we swam in the sea.
It was cold. However, we swam in the sea.
The same idea in two sentences.
Contrast, not result or addition
Choose the connector according to the relationship between the ideas. However and nevertheless show that the second idea conflicts with the first. A result is expressed by therefore or as a result, while addition is expressed by moreover or in addition.
The check is simple: did we expect the opposite? If so, it is contrast.
He trained all night. However, he failed the exam.
He trained all night. However, he failed the exam.
Contrast with the expectation.
He trained all night. Therefore, he was ready for the exam.
He trained all night. Therefore, he was ready for the exam.
Result.
He trained all night. Moreover, he made detailed notes.
He trained all night. Moreover, he made detailed notes.
Addition.
Three ways to say “despite this”
The same concessive meaning can be expressed in three ways, and each has its own structure. Although introduces a subordinate clause, despite requires a noun or -ing form, while however and nevertheless introduce a separate sentence.
Their rules are discussed in detail in the neighboring lessons on this topic. Here, it is important only to recognize what follows the connector in your sentence: a clause, a noun, or a separate sentence.
Although the ferry was late, we caught the bus.
Although the ferry was late, we caught the bus.
A clause after although.
Despite the late ferry, we caught the bus.
Despite the late ferry, we caught the bus.
A noun phrase after despite.
The ferry was late. However, we caught the bus.
The ferry was late. However, we caught the bus.
A separate sentence with however.
The connector in your own text
However refers to a previous idea or one already known to the people you are speaking with. It can begin a new paragraph or reply if this context is clear. There is no fixed rule of “one or two per paragraph”; repeat linking words only where they help create a connection.
When writing, first state the fact or disadvantage, then add the connector, followed by what contrasts with it. This makes the contrast easy to read.
Our flat is small. However, it is bright, and the neighbours are friendly.
Our flat is small. However, it is bright, and the neighbours are friendly.
Disadvantage — connector — advantage.
The service was slow. Nevertheless, the waiter apologised and the food was hot.
The service was slow. Nevertheless, the waiter apologised and the food was hot.
Development of the idea after the connector.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:The train was late, however, we caught the ferry.
Correct:The train was late. However, we caught the ferry.
A comma does not separate two independent sentences, and however is not a conjunction; a full stop or a semicolon is needed.
Incorrect:He was tired, nevertheless he kept running.
Correct:He was tired. Nevertheless, he kept running.
Nevertheless is not a conjunction either: use a full stop or a semicolon before it, not a comma.