Sparky: Iowa was great! I loved the cows and pigs.

Mr.Maru: Um, yeah. I thought it was a little boring.

Sparky: It was quiet. However, it was very relaxing, though.

Mr.Maru: I didn't think so. There wasn't anything to see there.

Sparky: The scenery wasn't really beautiful. Nevertheless, there were a few nice sunsets.

Mr.Maru: You are a little formal today.

Sparky: No, I'm not. I'm relaxed because Iowa is relaxing. I know you didn't have any fun. Despite that, you shouldn't be angry at me.

What is the difference between 'however' and 'still'? What is the difference between 'nonetheless' and 'nevertheless'? Is there a difference? How about 'despite that' and 'still'?

How to use 'however', 'nonetheless' and 'nevertheless'

These terms are used to introduce a sentence that contrasts the first. It is used at the beginning of the sentence. For example,

He wasn't hungry. Nonetheless, he ate the cookies. (He wasn't hungry, but he ate the cookies.)
He didn't have a lot of money. However, he saved his money and bought a diamond ring for his girlfriend. (Although he didn't have a lot of money, he saved his money and bought a diamond ring for his girlfriend.)

'Nevertheless' vs. 'nonetheless'

There is not a big difference between these two words, but the word 'nevertheless' is usually very formal. You can use it (nevertheless) in speeches and formal letters. For example,

It's difficult. Nevertheless, we can do it!

How to use 'still' and 'mind you'

These terms are used to add extra information that is an after thought. You do not need the information. For example,

The city was very small. Still, they had everything we needed.
It rained during our vacation. Mind you, we did go during the rainy season.

The words 'despite this/that', 'in spite of this/that', 'yet' and 'still' can be used to add information that is surprising. This is usually used to complain about someone. For example,

A: She smokes two packs of cigarettes a day. In spite of that, she is marathon runner.
B: Whoa! That sounds difficult.

A: He wants to speak English well and yet he never studies, does his homework or take notes in class.
B: He needs to study more.

Are you ready for a quiz?

Teacher Stumpers Quiz

1) It was a terrible vacation. _______, it was better than work.

A) However,
B) Still,
C) Yet,

2) Dear Americans, the economy is not doing so well. _________, if we work hard, we will succeed!

A) Nevertheless

B) Nonetheless
C) Still

3) It was snowing hard all day. _______, our plane took off without a problem.

A) However
B) In spite of this
C) Still

Answers

1) B) - The sentence 'it was better than work' is extra information.

2) A) - The best answer is 'nevertheless' because this is a formal speech.

3) B) - It was surprising that the plane took off without a problem.

Corrected Dialog

Sparky: Iowa was great! I loved the cows and pigs.

Mr.Maru: Um, yeah. I thought it was a little boring.

Sparky: It was quiet. However Still, it was very relaxing, though.

Mr.Maru: I didn't think so. There wasn't anything to see there.

Sparky: The scenery wasn't really beautiful. Nevertheless Nonetheless, there were a few nice sunsets.

Mr.Maru: You are a little formal today.

Sparky: No, I'm not. I'm relaxed because Iowa is relaxing. I know you didn't have any fun. Despite that But, you shouldn't be angry at me.

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