Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Always write 'nevertheless' as one single word; 'never-the-less' and 'never the less' are incorrect in modern English.
- Rule 1: 'Nevertheless' is always one word without hyphens or spaces. Example: 'It rained; nevertheless, we went.'
- Rule 2: Use it to show contrast, similar to 'however' but more formal. Example: 'He was tired; nevertheless, he finished.'
- Rule 3: It usually requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it. Example: '...late; nevertheless, ...'
Overview
but や however を使うだけでなく、よりニュアンスの細かい言葉を使い分けることが求められます。その代表格が、今回解説する nevertheless です。nevertheless は、日本語で言うところの「それにもかかわらず」「それでもなお」に相当する接続副詞（conjunctive adverb）です。この単語の役割は、前述された事実や状況（譲歩）を認めつつ、それとは対照的な、あるいは驚くべき結果や事実を導き出すことにあります。例えば、「プロジェクトに多くの遅延が発生した」というマイナスの事実に対し、「それでもなお、チームは期限通りに納品した」というプラスの結果を繋ぐ際に非常に効果的です。nevertheless は常に「1語」で書かれるということです。タイトルにある never-the-less（ハイフンあり）や never the less（3語に分ける形）は、現代英語においては誤り、あるいは非常に古風な表現とみなされます。日本語でも「それにもかかわらず」を「それ・にも・かかわらず」とバラバラに書かないのと同じように、英語でも一つのまとまった単語として認識することが、正しいライティングの第一歩です。however との違いは何？」「カンマやセミコロンはどう打つの？」といった疑問を、私たちの母国語である日本語の感覚と比較しながら、深く掘り下げていきましょう。nevertheless の本質的な機能は、「譲歩（concession）」と「逆接（contrast）」の融合にあります。日本語の「〜が、」や「しかし」といった単純な逆接よりも、一歩踏み込んだ強い意志や、状況の克服を感じさせる言葉です。nevertheless です。日本語の助詞「〜のに」に近い感覚ですが、文を一度切ってから新しく始める、あるいはセミコロンで繋ぐという「副詞」としての使い方が特徴です。nevertheless を使うとき、頭の中では以下のような論理展開が行われています。- 事実A（前提）: 困難な状況、否定的な事実、あるいは予想される結果の根拠。
- 接続詞 (
nevertheless): 「Aという事実は認める。しかし、それはBを妨げない」という橋渡し。 - 事実B（結果）: Aから予想される結果とは逆のこと、あるいは驚きの事実。
The evidence was circumstantial; nevertheless, the jury found the defendant guilty.nevertheless が受けることで、「有罪判決」という意外な結果（事実B）を際立たせています。however は単に「A、しかしB」と対比させるだけですが、nevertheless には「障害を乗り越えて」というニュアンスが強く含まれます。ビジネスシーンや学術的なレポートで、困難な状況下での成功や、予期せぬデータの出現を説明する際に好んで使われるのはこのためです。nevertheless は接続副詞であるため、文の中での位置と、それに伴う句読点（punctuation）のルールが非常に重要です。日本語にはセミコロン（;）の文化がないため、ここは特に意識して覚える必要があります。; とカンマ , をセットで使います。- 構造:
[文A]; nevertheless, [文B]. - 例文:
The market is highly competitive; nevertheless, our company managed to increase its share.
- 構造:
[文A]. Nevertheless, [文B]. - 例文:
The weather was terrible. Nevertheless, the outdoor event was a huge success.
nevertheless を二つのカンマで挟みます。- 構造:
[主語], nevertheless, [動詞...]. - 例文:
The decision, nevertheless, proved to be the right one in the long run.
- 構造:
[文B], nevertheless. - 例文:
It was a risky strategy; they decided to proceed, nevertheless.
A; nevertheless, B | セミコロン＋カンマ | 最もフォーマル、論理的結びつきが強い |Nevertheless, B | 直後にカンマ | 前の文全体を受けて強調する |Subject, nevertheless, Verb | 前後をカンマで挟む | 文にリズムと強調を与える |B, nevertheless. | 直前にカンマ | 補足的なニュアンス、やや口語的 |nevertheless は非常にフォーマルな響きを持つ言葉です。そのため、時と場合（TPO）を選んで使うことで、あなたの英語はぐっと知的に聞こえます。but よりも、論理的な nevertheless が好まれます。特に、反対意見を認めた上で自分の主張を通したい時に有効です。- 例:
The initial costs are high. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits justify the investment.
- 例:
He faced many rejections during his job hunt. Nevertheless, he never lost hope.
- 例:
The movie received poor reviews from critics; nevertheless, it became a box office hit.
- 例:
I understand your concerns. Nevertheless, I believe we must proceed with the plan.
never-the-less や never the less と書いてしまうnevertheless もその一つですが、現代英語では完全に一語です。日本語の「こんにちは」を「今日・は」と書かないのと同じだと考えてください。- ❌ Wrong:
The team was tired, never-the-less they won. - ✅ Right:
The team was tired; nevertheless, they won.
nevertheless のような接続副詞で文を繋ぐ場合、カンマだけでは不十分です。- ❌ Wrong:
It was raining, nevertheless we went out. - ✅ Right:
It was raining; nevertheless, we went out. - 解説: 英語では、独立した二つの文を繋ぐには「接続詞（but, andなど）」を使うか、「セミコロン」を使う必要があります。
neverthelessは副詞であり、接続詞ではないため、セミコロンの助けが必要なのです。
nevertheless を使うと、少し堅苦しすぎたり、ドラマチックすぎたりして聞こえることがあります。日本語で友達に「それにもかかわらず、私は行くよ」と言うと、少し大げさですよね？そのような場合は but や still を使うのが自然です。- ❌ Too stiff: (To a friend)
I'm tired; nevertheless, I'll go to the party. - ✅ Natural:
I'm tired, but I'm still going to the party.
nevertheless に似た意味を持つ言葉はいくつかあります。これらを正しく使い分けることで、表現の幅が広がります。Nevertheless vs. HoweverHowever: 最も一般的で汎用性が高い。「しかし」程度のニュアンス。Nevertheless: よりフォーマルで、「困難な状況にもかかわらず」という「重み」がある。
Nevertheless vs. Nonethelessnevertheless の方が一般的によく使われます。nonetheless も「1語」で書くルールは同じです。Nevertheless vs. In spite of / DespiteNevertheless: 接続副詞。後ろに「主語＋動詞（文）」が続く。In spite of / Despite: 前置詞句。後ろには「名詞」または「動名詞（-ing）」が来る。
But | 接続詞 | A, but B. | カジュアル〜標準。最も一般的 |However | 接続副詞 | A; however, B. | フォーマル。論理的な対比 |Nevertheless | 接続副詞 | A; nevertheless, B. | 非常にフォーマル。譲歩と克服 |Despite | 前置詞 | Despite [名詞], B. | 文ではなく「名詞」を繋ぐ |nevertheless と nonetheless に違いはありますか？nevertheless の方が使用頻度が高いため、まずは nevertheless をマスターすることをお勧めします。but や anyway、still などを使う方が自然です。日本語でも、日常会話で「然（しか）るに」や「それにもかかわらず」を多用しないのと同じ感覚です。But を書くのと、Nevertheless を書くのはどう違いますか？But は避けるべきとされることもありますが（特に非常に厳格なアカデミックライティングでは）、現代では一般的です。しかし、But は少し唐突でカジュアルな印象を与えます。Nevertheless, で文を始めると、「前の状況を十分に考慮した上で、それでもなお……」という、より思慮深く、重みのある響きになります。never + the + less という三つのパーツが組み合わさっていると考えると覚えやすいですよ。「決して（never）それ（the）より少なく（less）ない」→「前の事実に負けていない」というイメージで捉えてみてください。書くときはハイフンを入れず、一気に書き切るのがコツです！nevertheless は、一見すると難しそうな長い単語ですが、その背景にある「譲歩」と「克服」のニュアンスを理解すれば、これほど頼もしい言葉はありません。皆さんの英語のライティングやスピーチに、ぜひこの「大人の表現」を取り入れてみてください。一歩ずつ、着実に頑張っていきましょう（頑張りましょう）！Spelling and Structure of 'Nevertheless'
| Type | Correct Form | Incorrect Form | Punctuation Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Single Word
|
nevertheless
|
never-the-less
|
No punctuation inside
|
|
Single Word
|
nevertheless
|
never the less
|
No spaces inside
|
|
Transition
|
; nevertheless,
|
, nevertheless ,
|
Semicolon before, comma after
|
|
Sentence Starter
|
Nevertheless,
|
Nevertheless
|
Capitalized with comma after
|
Meanings
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has just been said.
Concessive Transition
In spite of that; notwithstanding.
“The hike was dangerous; nevertheless, the group decided to continue.”
“I know you're busy; nevertheless, I must ask for your help.”
Sentence Modifier
Used at the end of a sentence to add a contrasting thought.
“It was a small mistake, but it was a mistake nevertheless.”
“The food was cold, but we enjoyed the evening nevertheless.”
Synonym for Nonetheless
Used interchangeably with 'nonetheless' to vary vocabulary.
“The price is high; nevertheless, the quality is worth it.”
“The results were inconclusive; nevertheless, they suggest a trend.”
Reference Table
| 単語 | 役割 | フォーマル度 | 例文 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
`nevertheless`
|
対比を表す接続副詞
|
高い
|
It was raining. Nevertheless, he went for a run.
|
|
`nontheless`
|
対比を表す接続副詞
|
高い
|
The task was difficult. Nonetheless, she completed it.
|
|
`however`
|
対比を表す接続副詞
|
高い/普通
|
He wanted to go. However, he was too busy.
|
|
`but`
|
対比を表す等位接続詞
|
普通/低い
|
I was tired, but I finished the work.
|
|
`still`
|
逆境でも続くことを示す副詞
|
普通/低い
|
He lost the first game, but he still won the match.
|
|
`even so`
|
対比を表すフレーズ
|
普通
|
The instructions were unclear. Even so, I figured it out.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The quarterly results were disappointing; nevertheless, we shall maintain our current investment strategy. (Business strategy)
The results weren't great; nevertheless, we're going to keep investing. (Business strategy)
The results were bad, but we're still going to invest anyway. (Business strategy)
Results were trash, but we're still sending it. (Business strategy)
Nevertheless vs. But
Nevertheless を使うべき？
1つの単語として書いてる？
対比や驚きを表してる？
Nevertheless を理解しよう
それにもかかわらず
- 同義語 nonetheless, however
- 役割 Conjunctive Adverb
使い方
- フォーマル度 High
- 反対語 Therefore
正しい？間違い？
正しい形 👍
- • nevertheless
- • nonetheless
- • however
間違い 👎
- • never-the-less
- • never the less
- • nonetheless-es
レベル別の例文
I am sick. Nevertheless, I work.
I am sick. Nevertheless, I work.
It is cold. Nevertheless, I like it.
It is cold. Nevertheless, I like it.
The book is long. Nevertheless, it is good.
The book is long. Nevertheless, it is good.
He is small. Nevertheless, he is strong.
He is small. Nevertheless, he is strong.
The hotel was expensive. Nevertheless, we stayed there.
The hotel was expensive. Nevertheless, we stayed there.
She didn't study much. Nevertheless, she passed the exam.
She didn't study much. Nevertheless, she passed the exam.
I don't like coffee. Nevertheless, I drank it to stay awake.
I don't like coffee. Nevertheless, I drank it to stay awake.
The movie was scary. Nevertheless, I watched the whole thing.
The movie was scary. Nevertheless, I watched the whole thing.
The company is facing financial difficulties; nevertheless, it will not lay off any staff.
The company is facing financial difficulties; nevertheless, it will not lay off any staff.
The research was limited in scope; nevertheless, the findings are significant.
The research was limited in scope; nevertheless, the findings are significant.
I understand your concerns. Nevertheless, we must proceed with the plan.
I understand your concerns. Nevertheless, we must proceed with the plan.
He had many injuries; nevertheless, he managed to finish the marathon.
He had many injuries; nevertheless, he managed to finish the marathon.
The proposal was rejected by the board; nevertheless, the team remained optimistic about future revisions.
The proposal was rejected by the board; nevertheless, the team remained optimistic about future revisions.
There are several flaws in the logic; nevertheless, the overall argument remains persuasive.
There are several flaws in the logic; nevertheless, the overall argument remains persuasive.
The climate is harsh; nevertheless, many unique species have adapted to survive there.
The climate is harsh; nevertheless, many unique species have adapted to survive there.
Public opinion was against the law; nevertheless, the government decided to implement it.
Public opinion was against the law; nevertheless, the government decided to implement it.
The data set was somewhat skewed; nevertheless, the correlation between the variables was undeniable.
The data set was somewhat skewed; nevertheless, the correlation between the variables was undeniable.
His prose is often dense and difficult to parse; nevertheless, he is considered one of the greatest novelists of the century.
His prose is often dense and difficult to parse; nevertheless, he is considered one of the greatest novelists of the century.
The treaty was far from perfect; nevertheless, it provided a necessary framework for peace.
The treaty was far from perfect; nevertheless, it provided a necessary framework for peace.
The symptoms were mild; nevertheless, the doctor ordered a full battery of tests to rule out serious illness.
The symptoms were mild; nevertheless, the doctor ordered a full battery of tests to rule out serious illness.
The philosophical implications are profound; nevertheless, the practical application of the theory remains elusive.
The philosophical implications are profound; nevertheless, the practical application of the theory remains elusive.
The witness's testimony was riddled with contradictions; nevertheless, the prosecution relied on it heavily.
The witness's testimony was riddled with contradictions; nevertheless, the prosecution relied on it heavily.
The architectural style is arguably dated; nevertheless, the building possesses an undeniable historical charm.
The architectural style is arguably dated; nevertheless, the building possesses an undeniable historical charm.
The market is highly volatile; nevertheless, savvy investors can still find opportunities for growth.
The market is highly volatile; nevertheless, savvy investors can still find opportunities for growth.
間違えやすい
Learners think they have different meanings or that one is 'more' correct.
Learners use them interchangeably without realizing 'nevertheless' is more emphatic.
Learners try to use 'nevertheless' as a preposition.
よくある間違い
I am tired, never the less I study.
I am tired. Nevertheless, I study.
He is poor but never-the-less happy.
He is poor but nevertheless happy.
Never the less, it is good.
Nevertheless, it is good.
I like it nevertheless.
I like it, nevertheless.
The car is old, nevertheless it works.
The car is old; nevertheless, it works.
It was raining nevertheless we went.
It was raining; nevertheless, we went.
None the less, I agree.
Nonetheless, I agree.
The results were bad, nevertheless, we continued.
The results were bad; nevertheless, we continued.
He was never the less a good man.
He was nevertheless a good man.
Nevertheless the rain, we went out.
Despite the rain, we went out.
The theory is sound, nevertheless.
The theory is, nevertheless, sound.
文型パターン
The ___ was ___; nevertheless, ___.
___ is ___. Nevertheless, ___.
It was a ___, but a ___ nevertheless.
Real World Usage
I haven't worked in retail before; nevertheless, my communication skills are excellent.
The sample size was small. Nevertheless, the results provide a basis for further study.
We missed the deadline; nevertheless, we will ensure the quality is not compromised.
The peace talks failed; nevertheless, both sides agreed to meet again next month.
The contract was signed; nevertheless, the clause remains subject to review.
I have $5 in my bank account. Nevertheless, I am buying this latte.
迷ったら全部くっつける！
Always write it as nevertheless.
硬すぎ注意！
but や still の方が自然に聞こえるよ。 "I'm tired, but I'll go."nonetheless で言い換え
nonetheless に変えてみて。意味も使い方も同じだよ！ "It's difficult; nonetheless, it's fun."説得の魔法の言葉
I agree; nevertheless, we must wait.
Smart Tips
Replace every second 'but' with 'Nevertheless' at the start of a new sentence to sound more academic.
Always hit 'ignore' or 'fix'—it should always be one word.
Put 'nevertheless' at the very end of the sentence for a dramatic effect.
Just pick one and stick with it. They are twins!
発音
Stress Pattern
The primary stress is on the third syllable: nev-er-the-LESS.
The 'th' sound
The 'th' is voiced, like in 'the' or 'this'.
Rising-Falling
Nevertheless, (rising) ... we won (falling).
The rising intonation on 'nevertheless' signals that a contrast is coming.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Never-the-less is a mess; Nevertheless is a success!
視覚的連想
Imagine a giant bridge made of a single solid stone labeled 'NEVERTHELESS'. If you try to cut it into three pieces (never-the-less), the bridge collapses and you can't cross the river of contrast.
Rhyme
Three words in one, the job is done. No hyphens needed, the rule is heeded.
Story
A student named Ned wanted to write a very fancy essay. He tried to use 'never the less' but his teacher said, 'Ned, that's too many words! Squish them together like a sandwich.' Ned squished them into 'nevertheless' and won the writing prize.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about a difficult goal you have. Use 'nevertheless' in each one to show how you will succeed despite the challenges.
文化メモ
In British and American universities, 'nevertheless' is highly preferred over 'but' at the start of sentences to maintain a formal tone.
Lawyers use 'nevertheless' to acknowledge a point made by the opposing side while immediately dismissing its impact on the case.
Using 'nevertheless' in a text message can often be perceived as sarcastic or overly dramatic because it is so formal.
From the Middle English phrase 'never the lesse'.
会話のきっかけ
The weather is terrible today. Nevertheless, what are you going to do?
Learning English is very difficult. Nevertheless, why do you keep doing it?
Many people say social media is bad for us. Nevertheless, what is one good thing about it?
If you were very tired but had a big party to go to, would you go nevertheless?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
The candidate lost the election. ___, she continued to be a voice for her community.
Nevertheless が正解です。Choose the correct sentence:
nevertheless だけです。他はよくある間違いだよ。Find and fix the mistake:
The book is long and difficult, but it is, never the less, a masterpiece.
never the less を、1単語の nevertheless に修正しましょう。Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesThe team lost the game; ________, they played very well.
It was a difficult task. ________, she completed it on time.
Find and fix the mistake:
The car was old, never the less it was reliable.
It was raining, but we went to the park.
Match the following:
'Never-the-less' is the correct British English spelling.
A: We don't have enough money for the trip. B: I know; ________, I think we should go.
Sort the words:
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe climb was exhausting. ___, the view from the top was worth it.
正しい文章を選んでね：
The team played well. Never-the-less, they lost the game.
The evidence was mostly circumstantial; the jury, ___, returned a guilty verdict.
単語を並べ替えて正しい文を作ってね：
正しい文章を選んでね：
The company is losing money. Never the less, it will not lay off any employees.
「そのタスクは不可能に思えたが、結局彼らは成功した」を 'nevertheless' を使って英語にしてね。
単語と説明を正しく組み合わせてね：
単語を並べ替えて文を作ってね：
His methods were unorthodox. The results, ___, were surprisingly effective.
「試験は難しかったけど、うまくできたと思う」をフォーマルに英語で言ってみて。
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
In modern English, no. You might see it in books from the 1800s, but today it is considered a spelling error.
There is no difference in meaning. They are 100% interchangeable. 'Nevertheless' is slightly more common.
Yes! It is a very common way to start a sentence in formal writing. Just remember to put a comma after it.
Only if you are joining two full sentences into one. If you start a new sentence, you don't need a semicolon.
Usually, yes. In a text, 'but still' or 'anyway' sounds more natural.
Yes. For example: 'It was a difficult day, but we finished the work nevertheless.'
Technically, it is a 'conjunctive adverb.' It acts like a conjunction but follows the grammar rules of an adverb.
Think of it as three words that fell in love and became one: never + the + less.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Sin embargo / No obstante
English 'nevertheless' is one word, while Spanish equivalents are usually two.
Néanmoins / Pourtant
The register of 'néanmoins' matches 'nevertheless' almost perfectly.
Nichtsdestoweniger / Trotzdem
German word order (V2) changes after 'trotzdem', but English word order stays the same after 'nevertheless'.
それにもかかわらず (Sore ni mo kakawarazu)
The Japanese version is a phrase with particles, whereas the English version is a single adverb.
ومع ذلك (Wa ma'a dhalik)
Arabic requires the conjunction 'wa' (and) at the start, which English does not.
尽管如此 (Jǐnguǎn rúcǐ)
Chinese often pairs this with a preceding 'although' (suīrán), while English 'nevertheless' usually stands alone.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
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