In Portuguese, however, it is a conjunctive phrase, which helps to convey the idea of contradiction to another idea or action that is presented in a certain sentence. Although, does not prevent that this action takes place or develops.
Nevertheless it can be used as a Adverse Coordinated Conjunction or Adverbial Conjunction Consessive. Both conjunctions also express an opposition of idea between one sentence and another, such as: but, although, even if, even.
To find out whether the conjunction is nevertheless adversative or concessive adverbial, it is necessary to observe the use of tense and the verbal mode. It is also possible to evaluate the appropriate replacement for the context. See the examples:
- Example 1: “Notwithstanding court decisions, the candidate maintains his candidacy for congress.”
In this case, it is nevertheless used as a concessive adverbial conjunction and can be replaced by: despite, however, even, even if, in spite, between others.
despite court decisions, the candidate maintains his candidacy for congress.
- Example 2: “He drove at a speed above the one allowed by law, however, he failed to arrive on time.”
In this case, it is nevertheless used as an adversative coordinated conjunction and can be replaced by: but, although, Yet, However, However, still…
Drove at a speed above that allowed by law, although failed to arrive in time.
- Example 3: “Despite being tired, he traveled.”
In this case, it is nevertheless used as a concessive adverbial conjunction and can be replaced by: despite, though, even if, though, in spite of, among others.
Even if was tired, traveled.
- Example 4: “Drugs cause great harm in people's lives, although their use continues to grow over time.”
In this case, it is nevertheless used as an adversative coordinated conjunction and can be replaced by: but, however, yet, however, yet, however, yet...
Drugs cause great harm in people's lives, Yet its use continues to grow over time.
- Example 5: “Despite the apology, he continued to ignore his sister.”
In this case, it is nevertheless used as a concessive adverbial conjunction and can be replaced by: despite, though, even though, despite, among others.
Despite the apology, he continued to ignore his sister.
However it is also a term widely used in legal texts. It is used to express that a given situation happened contrary to what was expected.
See too:
- meaning of however;
- meaning of however;
- meaning of however;
- meaning of while;
- meaning of therefore;
- meaning of thus;
- What is concessive?;
- What is conjunction?;
- Figures of Language.
