Hello there, English learner! 👋
Excellent question about the words “nonetheless” and “still.” Both can express contrast or surprise, and they often seem similar—but they’re used in slightly different ways. Let’s break it down clearly so you’ll know when and how to use each one correctly!

🗝️ Quick Summary

📚 1. Still – Ongoing or Unexpected Continuation

✅ Meaning:

• Something continues despite expectations.
• It can also mean even so or regardless—usually more casual than “nonetheless.”

🗣️ Examples (contrast use):

• It was raining, but we still went hiking.
• She was tired, but she still finished the project.

🧠 Other uses of still:

• He is still sleeping. (continuing action)
• Do you still live in New York?

👉 “Still” is very versatile: can show continuation or contrast, depending on the context.

📚 2. Nonetheless – Despite That / However

✅ Meaning:

• Shows contrast: “In spite of what was just said…”
• More formal or written than “still” or “even so”

🗣️ Examples:

• The plan was risky. Nonetheless, they went through with it.
• He was inexperienced. Nonetheless, he did a great job.

👉 “Nonetheless” = despite that, nevertheless, even so

🔁 Side-by-Side Comparison

📌 Notice that “nonetheless” is often used to start a new sentence in more formal writing.

🎯 Tone and Formality

📝 Practice: Choose “still” or “nonetheless”

1. She was nervous. ______, she gave an excellent speech.
2. It was late, but they ______ kept talking.
3. The test was hard. ______, most students passed.
4. He’s 80 years old, but he ______ goes jogging every day.
5. The hike was dangerous. ______, they completed it.

✅ Answers:

1. Nonetheless
2. still
3. Nonetheless
4. still
5. Nonetheless

💡 Learning Tip:

Pro Tip:

• Use “still” when you’re showing something continues or happens despite a challenge (often in speech).
• Use “nonetheless” when you want a formal, sentence-connecting contrast (especially in writing).