None the Less vs. Nonetheless
“Nonetheless” is the standard closed adverb meaning “despite that” or “nevertheless.” “None the less” is also attested as a spaced form, but the one-word spelling is the straightforward default for the established connective adverb.
Use “nonetheless” for the established contrastive adverb; “none the less” is also attested as a spaced form.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary contrastive adverb meaning “despite that / nevertheless” | nonetheless | Use the established closed form as the straightforward default. |
| attested spaced variant of the same connective | none the less | Recognize it as attested rather than calling it categorically wrong. |
| literal sequence where “none,” “the,” and “less” retain separate roles | none + the + less | Keep the words separate when syntax actually requires their ordinary meanings. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you using the expression as a contrastive connective equivalent to “nevertheless”?
If yes: Use “nonetheless” as the clearest default in ordinary edited prose.
If no: If context genuinely uses the separate words, retain the spaced sequence; dictionaries also attest “none the less” as a variant of the connective.
Caveat: The evidence supports both the established closed adverb and an attested spaced form; do not turn the default preference into a universal ban on every spaced occurrence.
Examples
The timetable was tight; nonetheless, the team finished on schedule.
The one-word adverb marks contrast.
The task was difficult, but none the less achievable.
The spaced form is attested and should not be treated as automatically erroneous.
The result was surprising; nonetheless, it matched the recorded data.
The closed form is a straightforward edited-prose default.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Nonetheless” is the established one-word adverb meaning “despite that.” “None the less” is also attested as a spaced variant/phrase.
Fast Test
For ordinary edited prose using the contrastive adverb, “nonetheless” is the safest default.
Usage Boundary
Do not assume every literal sequence “none the less” must be closed; context can preserve the ordinary meanings of the separate words.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Nonetheless — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct one-word adverb entry for “nonetheless.”
- Nonetheless — Collins English Dictionary (opens in a new tab)HarperCollins · Direct dictionary evidence that “nonetheless” may also be written “none the less.”