cependant, pourtant or toutefois

French Language

cependant, pourtant or toutefois

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DerekJ 14/04/2008, 7:38
I'm trying to work out how I would choose any of the following.... "cependant, pourtant,  toutefois" to express "however". In other words, how would I decide which of them to use for any given circumstance.  I know there are also other words and expressions that can also express the general sentiment but it's the differentiation between these 3 words that interest me.

Any thoughts please?

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Derek

Re: cependant, pourtant or toutefois

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Clair 14/04/2008, 9:31
They are almost interchangeable and all express a contradiction or a restrictive nuance, as do however, nevertheless, yet...
There's also néanmoins and tout de même.

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Clair, a Real Virtual French Person

Re: cependant, pourtant or toutefois

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DerekJ 14/04/2008, 10:47
Thanks a lot Clair. I was unsure about whether there were subtle differences on when you might use one versus the other but thanks for the clarification about the interchangeability and it sounds like I wouldn't be getting it badly wrong regardless of which one I used.

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Derek

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