Definition

Adverb: Despite what has just been said or considered; nevertheless; anyway. It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems surprising after a previous statement.

Usage

The phrase "all the same" is used to indicate that a fact or situation remains true or relevant even when another fact has been acknowledged. It connects two contrasting ideas, showing that the second point is valid despite the first. - It typically follows a concession or an acknowledgment of a drawback. - It functions as a conjunctive adverb, linking two clauses or sentences.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Position in a sentence: "All the same" is most commonly placed at the beginning of a clause or at the end of a sentence for emphasis.
  • Beginning: All the same, we should proceed with caution.
  • End: It was a foolish idea, but I'm glad I tried it all the same.
• It can be used to politely express a differing opinion or a persistent desire.

Variants and Related Words

• Nevertheless: A more formal synonym.
• Nonetheless: Similar in meaning and formality to "nevertheless."
• Even so: A slightly less formal alternative.
• However: A more general contrastive transition, often used in writing.
• Still: Can be used in a similar concessive way (e.g., ).

Synonyms

Nevertheless, nonetheless, even so, still, yet, regardless, anyway.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Be all the same to (someone): To make no difference to someone; to not matter.
  • It's all the same to me whether we eat now or later.
• One and the same: Used to emphasize that two mentioned things are actually a single thing.
  • The author and the narrator are one and the same.

Adverb

1. despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
   • although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
   • while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
   • he was a stern yet fair master
   • granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go