sin embargo/no obstante
However/Nevertheless
Sin embargo and no obstante both mean 'however' or 'nevertheless' and are used to connect contrasting ideas.
How It Works
Sin embargo and no obstante are conjunctive adverbs used to introduce a contrast or opposition. They function similarly to the English 'however,' 'nevertheless,' or 'nonetheless.'
Key Points:
- Formality: While both are more formal than the basic conjunction pero, no obstante is considered more formal and literary than sin embargo. You will encounter sin embargo frequently in articles, reports, and formal conversation, whereas no obstante is more common in academic, legal, or literary texts.
- Punctuation: They typically connect two independent clauses or sentences. They are usually preceded by a period (.) or a semicolon (;) and followed by a comma (,).
- El viaje fue largo y agotador. Sin embargo, valió la pena. (The trip was long and tiring. However, it was worth it.)
- Teníamos poco tiempo; no obstante, logramos terminar el proyecto. (We had little time; nevertheless, we managed to finish the project.) - Comparison with 'Pero': Pero is the most common way to say 'but'. It usually joins two clauses within the same sentence and is less emphatic. Sin embargo and no obstante create a stronger separation between the two contrasting ideas, often starting a new sentence.
- 'No obstante' as 'in spite of': An advanced use of no obstante is similar to 'a pesar de' (in spite of/despite). In this structure, it can be followed by a noun or an infinitive.
- No obstante el mal tiempo, salimos a pasear. (Despite the bad weather, we went out for a walk.)
In summary, use sin embargo as your default formal connector for 'however.' Use no obstante when you want to adopt a more elevated or literary tone.
Examples (5)
- Estudió mucho para el examen. Sin embargo, no aprobó.
He studied a lot for the exam. However, he didn't pass.
Word by Word: He studied much for the exam. Without embargo, not he passed.
- El proyecto era arriesgado. No obstante, decidieron invertir en él.
The project was risky. Nevertheless, they decided to invest in it.
Word by Word: The project was risky. Not hindering, they decided to invest in it.
- Me encanta el chocolate; sin embargo, intento no comerlo todos los días.
I love chocolate; however, I try not to eat it every day.
Word by Word: To me delights the chocolate; without embargo, I try not to eat it all the days.
- Los datos iniciales eran prometedores. No obstante, la investigación posterior reveló varias inconsistencias.
The initial data were promising. Nevertheless, subsequent research revealed several inconsistencies.
Here, 'no obstante' is used in a formal, academic context to connect two contrasting findings.
- La película recibió malas críticas. Sin embargo, a mí me pareció excelente.
The movie received bad reviews. However, I thought it was excellent.
Word by Word: The movie received bad reviews. Without embargo, to me it seemed excellent.
Common Mistakes
Using 'pero' and 'sin embargo' together redundantly.
Quería ir a la fiesta, pero sin embargo estaba muy cansado.Quería ir a la fiesta, pero estaba muy cansado. / Quería ir a la fiesta; sin embargo, estaba muy cansado.'Pero' and 'sin embargo' both express contrast. Using them together is redundant. Choose one based on the sentence structure and desired formality. 'Pero' is more common within a single sentence, while 'sin embargo' often connects two separate sentences or clauses.
Using incorrect punctuation.
Llovió todo el día sin embargo salimos a caminar.Llovió todo el día. Sin embargo, salimos a caminar.These connectors are typically set off by commas. When they link two full sentences, they should be preceded by a period or semicolon and followed by a comma.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'sin embargo' and 'no obstante' effectively, you should already be comfortable with basic sentence structure and simple ways to express contrast, such as using 'pero'. These formal connectors function as advanced alternatives to 'pero' and are used to link two opposing ideas in a more sophisticated or written style.
- y/o/pero/porqueBasic Conjunctions
Understanding basic conjunctions like 'pero' (but) is essential before learning more formal adversative connectors like 'sin embargo' and 'no obstante'.
Foundations - a/de/en/con/sinBasic Prepositions
The connector 'sin embargo' is built using the preposition 'sin', so familiarity with basic prepositions is required.
Foundations - no + VerbBasic Negation
The connector 'no obstante' incorporates the negation 'no', making basic negation a functional prerequisite.
Foundations
Related Patterns
- en cambio/por el contrarioIn Contrast
These also express contrast, but more in the sense of 'on the other hand' or 'in contrast'. They highlight a difference or an alternative, whereas 'sin embargo' introduces a point that opposes or qualifies the previous statement.
Level 5 - a pesar de que/pese a queDespite (Concessive)
These mean 'despite the fact that' and introduce a concessive clause. They are related in meaning as they both deal with an obstacle, but they are grammatically different. 'No obstante' can sometimes be used with a similar meaning ('in spite of').
Level 5 - por lo tanto/por consiguiente/en consecuenciaConsequence Connectors
These are connectors of consequence ('therefore', 'as a result'). They express a logical result, which is the opposite function of adversative connectors like 'sin embargo', which express a logical contrast.
Level 5 - así que/de forma queResult Connectors
Similar to 'por lo tanto', 'así que' ('so', 'therefore') introduces a result or consequence, contrasting with the function of 'sin embargo' which introduces an obstacle or unexpected outcome.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice sin embargo/no obstante in Bubblegum
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