Even So, Nevertheless, Still

by Vocafy Vérifié

Anglais (US) B2 12 questions Grammaire

Explore how these expressions connect a difficulty with a surprising result, and discover how small changes affect meaning.

1. 1. Complétez le blanc.

   The bus was late. Even ___, we reached the airport on time.

   • though
   • so
   • if

   The expression looks back to a difficulty already mentioned.

   Show solution

   The bus was late. Even so, we reached the airport on time.

   'Even so' means 'despite that.' Unlike 'even though' or 'even if,' it does not need a following clause to complete the expression.

2. 2. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

   Which expression has the same contrast meaning as 'even so' and suits this formal report?

   The equipment is old. Even so, it remains reliable.

   • Consequently
   • Similarly
   • Nevertheless

   The equipment works well despite a possible disadvantage.

   Show solution

   • Nevertheless

   'Nevertheless' expresses concession and often sounds more formal than 'even so' or 'still.'

3. 3. Complétez le blanc.

   The speaker means that the longer distance does not prevent walking.

   The hotel is farther away, but we can ___ walk there.

   • still
   • no longer
   • never

   Walking remains possible despite the obstacle.

   Show solution

   The hotel is farther away, but we can still walk there.

   Concessive 'still' can follow a modal verb: 'can still walk.' Here it shows that the greater distance does not rule out walking.

4. 4. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

   What does 'even so' look back to?

   The cafe was crowded, and service was slow. Even so, the meal was worth the wait.

   • The fact that the meal was enjoyable
   • The crowded cafe and slow service
   • The idea that waiting improved the food

   Look for the difficulties mentioned before the expression.

   Show solution

   • The crowded cafe and slow service

   'Even so' can refer to a whole situation, including several difficulties, rather than just the nearest word or phrase.

5. 5. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

   What does 'still' mean here?

   After twenty minutes, I'm still waiting for the bus.

   • The wait continues.
   • The wait has just begun.
   • The wait is over.

   Focus on whether the action has ended.

   Show solution

   • The wait continues.

   'Still' can describe an action that continues over time. In this sentence, it does not introduce a concession.

6. 6. Complétez le blanc.

   The extra week directly solved the team's time problem.

   The deadline was extended by a week. ___, we had enough time to finish.

   • Nevertheless
   • Even so
   • Therefore

   The second sentence gives a direct result, not a surprising contrast.

   Show solution

   The deadline was extended by a week. Therefore, we had enough time to finish.

   'Therefore' marks a result. 'Nevertheless' and 'even so' would suggest that having enough time was unexpected despite the extension.

7. 7. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

   Which sentence uses standard punctuation around 'nevertheless'?

   • The room was small, nevertheless, it felt comfortable.
   • The room was small; nevertheless, it felt comfortable.
   • Nevertheless the room was small, it felt comfortable.

   Both main statements can stand as complete sentences.

   Show solution

   • The room was small; nevertheless, it felt comfortable.

   'Nevertheless' is a linking adverb, not a conjunction like 'although.' A semicolon can connect the complete statements, with a comma after 'nevertheless.'

8. 8. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

   What does Maya accept, and what does she maintain?

   Leo: "The rent is really high."
   Maya: "I agree. Even so, I think we should take the apartment."

   • She denies that the rent is high and recommends taking the apartment.
   • She accepts that the rent is high and withdraws her recommendation.
   • She accepts that the rent is high but still recommends taking the apartment.

   Agreeing with an objection does not always mean accepting its conclusion.

   Show solution

   • She accepts that the rent is high but still recommends taking the apartment.

   'Even so' lets Maya acknowledge an objection without treating it as a reason to change her decision.

9. 9. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

   What usual expectation does 'still' challenge?

   The hall was almost empty. Still, the speaker gave a lively talk.

   • A speaker might show less energy with very few listeners.
   • A speaker would normally show more energy with fewer listeners.
   • A lively talk would normally begin before any listeners arrived.

   Consider how a very small audience might affect a speaker.

   Show solution

   • A speaker might show less energy with very few listeners.

   A concession can challenge an unstated expectation. Here, the speaker's energy is surprising because the audience is so small.

10. 10. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

    Which conclusion stays within the speaker's claim?

    The plan is ambitious. Nevertheless, its first step is realistic.

    • The entire plan will be easy to carry out.
    • The first step is achievable, even if the overall plan is challenging.
    • The first step is too difficult to attempt.

    Notice which part of the plan receives the positive description.

    Show solution

    • The first step is achievable, even if the overall plan is challenging.

    'Nevertheless' introduces a limited positive point. It does not remove every difficulty in the overall plan.

11. 11. Complétez le blanc.

    Reliable printing matters more to us than saving money.

    The cheaper printer is slow and unreliable. The newer model is expensive. Even so, ___.

    • we'll buy the cheaper model to keep costs down
    • the newer model costs more than the cheaper one
    • we'll invest in the newer model for reliable printing

    The continuation should accept the cost but keep reliability as the priority.

    Show solution

    The cheaper printer is slow and unreliable. The newer model is expensive. Even so, we'll invest in the newer model for reliable printing.

    'Even so' responds to the price objection: the higher cost does not stop the purchase.

12. 12. Choisissez la bonne réponse.

    Which summary keeps both the contrast and the condition?

    The trail is steep. Nevertheless, it's safe as long as hikers stay on the marked path.

    • The trail is steep but safe if hikers stay on the marked path.
    • The trail is steep but safe even when hikers leave the marked path.
    • The trail stops being steep if hikers stay on the marked path.

    The positive claim has a condition; it does not change the slope.

    Show solution

    • The trail is steep but safe if hikers stay on the marked path.

    'Nevertheless' contrasts steepness with safety, but the safety claim remains conditional. A concession does not cancel a condition that follows it.