Cool MateBut to all vs Nevertheless vs On the other hand 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
On the other hand
Yet
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Most common: Yet
| But to all | Nevertheless | On the other hand | Yet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bʌt tə ɔːl//🇺🇸 //bʌt tu ɔl// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌnevəðəˈles/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌnevərðəˈles/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/jet/"]/🇺🇸 /["/jet/"]/ | |
| Meaning | An expression used to introduce a contradiction or contrast. | In spite of that; however. | up to now; at this time | |
| Example | But 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. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | - | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) | - | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb | ||
| Collocations | but to all who, but to all people, but to all friends | nevertheless, she persisted, nevertheless, it remains, nevertheless, we continue | - | not yet, yet to come, will you yet |
| Antonyms | - | therefore, consequently | - | already |
| Common mistakes | Used 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 notes | Used 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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Frequently asked questions: But to all vs Nevertheless vs On the other hand vs Yet
What's the difference between But to all, Nevertheless, On the other hand, and Yet?
But to all: An expression used to introduce a contradiction or contrast. Nevertheless: In spite of that; however. On the other hand: Yet: up to now; at this time
Which is more common: But to all, Nevertheless, On the other hand, and Yet?
Yet is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: But to all, Nevertheless, On the other hand, and Yet?
Nevertheless is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Can I use But to all, Nevertheless, On the other hand, and Yet interchangeably?
Not always. But to all, Nevertheless, On the other hand, 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.