But to all vs Nevertheless vs Yet

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

But to all

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Nevertheless

Top 2,000 (common)B2adverb

Yet

Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Most common: Yet
 But to allNeverthelessYet
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //bʌt tə ɔːl//🇺🇸 //bʌt tu ɔl//🇬🇧 /["/ˌnevəðəˈles/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌnevərðəˈles/"]/🇬🇧 /["/jet/"]/🇺🇸 /["/jet/"]/
MeaningAn expression used to introduce a contradiction or contrast.In spite of that; however.up to now; at this time
ExampleBut to all who doubted, we proved them wrong.There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try.I haven't finished my homework yet.
RegisterNeutralNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B2A2
Part of speechadverbadverb
Collocationsbut to all who, but to all people, but to all friendsnevertheless, she persisted, nevertheless, it remains, nevertheless, we continuenot yet, yet to come, will you yet
Antonyms-therefore, consequentlyalready
Common mistakesUsed incorrectly as a conjunction instead of an expression., Confused with similar phrases like 'but for all'.Used interchangeably with 'however' without understanding context differences., Omitted or misused in informal speech., Confused with 'nonetheless'.Confused with 'but' in meaning., Omitting 'not' in negative sentences., Using 'yet' in statements instead of questions or negatives.
Usage notesUsed to emphasize a contrasting idea; suitable for formal writing but also common in conversations.Often used to introduce a contrasting statement or to show that something is true despite what has just been said. It's more common in written English, and may seem too formal in casual spoken contexts.Used to indicate that something has not happened up to the present moment. Common in negative sentences and questions. Avoid using in formal writing as it may sound too casual.

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But to all
Yet

Frequently asked questions: But to all vs Nevertheless vs Yet

What's the difference between But to all, Nevertheless, and Yet?

But to all: An expression used to introduce a contradiction or contrast. Nevertheless: In spite of that; however. Yet: up to now; at this time

Which is more common: But to all, Nevertheless, and Yet?

Yet is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: But to all, Nevertheless, and Yet?

Nevertheless is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Can you show an example of each?

But to all: But to all who doubted, we proved them wrong. Nevertheless: There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try. Yet: I haven't finished my homework yet.

Can I use But to all, Nevertheless, and Yet interchangeably?

Not always. But to all, Nevertheless, and Yet are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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