Cool MateIn any case vs Nevertheless
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
In any case
Top 2,000 (common)
Nevertheless
Top 2,000 (common)B2adverb
| In any case | Nevertheless | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪn ˈɛnɪ keɪs//🇺🇸 //ɪn ˈɛni keɪs// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌnevəðəˈles/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌnevərðəˈles/"]/ |
| Meaning | No matter what happens | In spite of that; however. |
| Example | We might not have enough time, but in any case, we should try to finish. | There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | in any case, in any event, in any situation, used in any circumstance | nevertheless, she persisted, nevertheless, it remains, nevertheless, we continue |
| Antonyms | - | therefore, consequently |
| Common mistakes | Used too formally in casual conversations., Confused with 'in any event' which has a slightly different nuance. | Used interchangeably with 'however' without understanding context differences., Omitted or misused in informal speech., Confused with 'nonetheless'. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used to signal a conclusion or transition in conversation. Suitable for both spoken and written English; not overly formal. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: In any case vs Nevertheless
What's the difference between In any case and Nevertheless?
In any case: No matter what happens Nevertheless: In spite of that; however.
Can you show an example of each?
In any case: We might not have enough time, but in any case, we should try to finish. Nevertheless: There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try.
Can I use In any case and Nevertheless interchangeably?
Not always. In any case and Nevertheless 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.