However vs Nevertheless vs Nonetheless vs Notwithstanding vs Whereas: Clear Differences Explained
IELTS Vocabulary Confusion: However vs Nevertheless vs Nonetheless vs Notwithstanding vs Whereas
Do you often pause mid-sentence wondering whether to use however, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, or whereas? 🤯 You’re not alone! These five words are common in English but can be tricky because they all connect ideas — yet each has its own meaning and style. The wrong choice can make your sentence sound awkward or even change its meaning. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences with easy explanations, real-life examples, quick tips, and answers to the most common questions - so you can choose the right word every time. By the end, you’ll feel confident using them in speaking and writing.
IELTS Vocabulary Confusion: learners often mix these words. This matters for writing and speaking scores. The right connector shows clear thinking. IELTS checks cohesion and lexical resource. [1]
Why these words cause confusion
All five link ideas. But they work in different ways.
- However = common, flexible. Use at sentence starts or mid-sentence.
- Nevertheless = more formal. Shows contrast with a slightly stronger tone.
- Nonetheless = close to nevertheless. Slightly less common but safe in essays.
- Notwithstanding = formal and legal-sounding. Often needs a noun or phrase after it.
- Whereas = compares two facts or ideas. Use inside complex sentences.
Grammar guides and IELTS advice stress using linking words correctly. Do not overuse them. Use a variety instead. [1]
Quick definitions and simple rules
However
Means “but” or “on the other hand.” Use it to show contrast. It can begin a sentence: However, I felt hopeful. Cambridge notes it is suitable for many styles. [3]
- The plan looked perfect. However, it failed in practice.
- I studied hard for the test. However, I missed two questions.
Nevertheless & Nonetheless
Both mean “in spite of that.” Use them at the start of a clause. They are slightly more formal than however. They are often interchangeable. [3]
- Nevertheless: I was tired after work. Nevertheless, I joined the meeting.
- Nevertheless: The shop was closed. Nevertheless, we found food nearby.
- Nonetheless: The hike was difficult. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the view.
- Nonetheless: She had little time to prepare. Nonetheless, she did an excellent job.
Notwithstanding
This is formal. It often follows or precedes a noun phrase. Example: Notwithstanding the rain, the match continued. It can seem rigid for speaking. [2]
- Notwithstanding the delays, the project was completed.
- Notwithstanding his lack of experience, he was hired for the role.
Whereas
Use to compare two facts. It links clauses. Example: I like tea, whereas my friend prefers coffee. It signals contrast between two ideas. [2]
- She enjoys classical music, whereas he prefers jazz.
- Australia has a small population, whereas India has a large one.
How IELTS uses linking words (evidence)
IELTS rates Coherence and Cohesion. Examiners look for clear links between ideas. Choose connectors that fit your tone and grammar. [1]
Research on cohesion shows that correct linking improves readability and helps examiners follow your argument. Classic work on cohesion remains a core reference for teachers. [4]
Practical differences with short examples
- However (contrast, flexible):
“The plan looked good. However, it failed in practice.”
- Nevertheless (formal contrast):
“He was tired. Nevertheless, he finished the report.”
- Nonetheless (similar to nevertheless):
“The road was closed. Nonetheless, we found a way.”
- Notwithstanding (formal, follows noun phrase):
“Notwithstanding the delays, the project was completed.”
- Whereas (compare two facts):
“She likes hiking, whereas he prefers museums.”
Remember: match the connector to the sentence structure.
Comparative Table of However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Notwithstanding, and Whereas
| Word | Meaning | Formality Level | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| However | Shows contrast, like “but” | Neutral | The plan seemed fine. However, it failed in practice. |
| Nevertheless | In spite of that; despite what was just said | Formal | He was tired. Nevertheless, he completed the work. |
| Nonetheless | Same meaning as “nevertheless” | Formal | The road was closed. Nonetheless, they arrived on time. |
| Notwithstanding | In spite of (often followed by a noun/phrase) | Very Formal / Legal | Notwithstanding the delay, the project succeeded. |
| Whereas | Contrasts two facts or situations | Neutral | I like tea, whereas my brother prefers coffee. |
Try These Short Practice Exercises
Speaking exercise 1 — Quick contrast (2 minutes)
Say this aloud: “I wanted to relax. However, I had to study.” Then replace however with nevertheless and say it. Notice the tone change.
Speaking exercise 2 — Compare two things (3 minutes)
Make two sentences about your day. Join them with whereas. Example: “I worked late, whereas my sister finished early.” Try three versions.
Listening exercise — Spot the linker (5 minutes)
Listen to a short news clip or podcast (pick any 1–2 minute clip). Write down any linking words you hear. Count how many times you hear however or nevertheless.
Writing exercise — Swap words (10 minutes)
Write a short paragraph (5–7 sentences) about a small problem you solved. Use however once, nevertheless or nonetheless once, and whereas once. Check for grammar and flow.
Try this now!
Key tips to remember
- Use variety: don’t repeat the same connector all the time.
- Match tone: use formal connectors for essays.
- Watch structure: some connectors need a noun phrase.
- Practice aloud: speaking helps internalize correct usage.
Mini reference guide
Short summary you can print or copy:
- however = flexible contrast
- nevertheless / nonetheless = formal contrast
- notwithstanding = formal, often with noun phrase
- whereas = compare two facts
References
- IELTS. IELTS Academic format: Writing. 2024–2025. IELTS official site. https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test/ielts-academic-format-writing. [1]
- British Council. Contrasting ideas. LearnEnglish. (2022). https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/c1-grammar/contrasting-ideas. [2]
- Cambridge Dictionary / Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Definitions: nevertheless & nonetheless. Cambridge Dictionary Online. https://dictionary.cambridge.org. [3]
- Halliday, M. A. K. & Hasan, R. Cohesion in English. 1976. (Classic reference on cohesion and cohesion devices.) Available via archive.org collections and library copies. https://archive.org/details/cohesion-in-english-english-language-series-m.-a.-k.-halliday-ruqaiya-hasan. [4]
Common Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I use however?
Use however to show contrast between two ideas. It is flexible: start a sentence with it (However,) or place it mid-sentence with commas. Example: “The idea was good. However, it did not work.”
2. Are nevertheless and nonetheless the same?
Yes — they both mean “in spite of that.” They are slightly more formal than however. Use either in essays to sound precise.
3. Is notwithstanding appropriate for speaking?
Notwithstanding is formal and sometimes legal-sounding. It's fine in formal writing but less natural in everyday speaking.
4. How is whereas different from the others?
Whereas is used to compare two facts or situations. It links clauses like: “I like tea, whereas my friend prefers coffee.”
5. Can I use these words more than once in an IELTS essay?
Variety is best. Use different connectors to show a wide range of vocabulary. Do not repeat the same word too many times in one essay.
6. Which connector is safest for band score improvement?
Use a mix: however for general contrast, and nevertheless/nonetheless for formal contrast. Show correct grammar and varied linking words.
7. Any quick tip to practice these words?
Try speaking and writing short examples. Replace one connector with another and notice how meaning and tone change.
8. Where can I find more reading or official guidance?
Check official IELTS pages and trusted grammar resources like the British Council, Cambridge Dictionary, and Purdue OWL.
