This list covers 14 conjunctions that start with N, running from “Nor” to “No matter”. It includes single words, two-part pairs, and short phrases, and some sound formal while others are casual. You can use them to link ideas, show contrast, give a reason, or add emphasis in everyday speech and in writing.

Conjunctions are words or phrases that join words, clauses, or sentences and show how the ideas connect. Some are very old: “natheless” appears in medieval poetry, even though almost nobody says it today.

Below you’ll find the table with the conjunction, its definition, an example usage, and a description.

Conjunction: The word or phrase itself, so you can quickly find the connector you want to look up or use.

Definition: A short, plain-language meaning that tells you what type of conjunction it is and what job it does in a sentence.

Example usage: A sentence showing the conjunction in context, so you can see the word order and punctuation and copy the pattern in your own writing.

Description: A brief note on tone, formality, and usage rules, helping you decide when the conjunction fits and how to avoid common mistakes.

Conjunctions

ConjunctionDefinitionExample usage
NorA coordinating conjunction that adds a second negative idea after a first negative one.She doesn’t eat meat, nor does she drink milk.
Neither…norA correlative conjunction pair that joins two negative options, meaning not one and not the other.Neither the manager nor the staff knew about the change.
NeverthelessA conjunctive adverb meaning in spite of what was just said.The test was hard; nevertheless, most students passed.
NonethelessA conjunctive adverb meaning despite that fact.The weather was awful; we had a great time nonetheless.
None the lessA two-word variant of “nonetheless,” meaning even so.The plan was risky, but it was none the less worth trying.
NotwithstandingA formal conjunction or preposition meaning despite or in spite of.Notwithstanding the delays, the project finished on budget.
Not only…but alsoA correlative conjunction pair that adds emphasis by linking two related ideas.She is not only smart but also very funny.
No sooner…thanA correlative pair showing that one event happened immediately after another.No sooner had we sat down than the rain started.
Now thatA subordinating conjunction meaning because of the fact that something has just become true.Now that the kids are asleep, we can talk.
NowA conjunction-like use of the word meaning since or seeing that, often to introduce a reason or a shift.Now you are here, we can start the meeting.
NamelyA conjunctive adverb used to introduce a specific example or explain what was just stated.Only one thing was missing, namely the key.
NathelessAn archaic conjunctive adverb meaning nevertheless.The knight was weary, natheless he pressed on.
Not thatA conjunction phrase used to qualify or soften a statement just made.He’s late again, not that I’m surprised.
No matterA conjunction phrase meaning regardless of, usually followed by a question word.No matter how hard she tried, the door wouldn’t open.

Descriptions

Nor
Nor is one of the classic coordinating conjunctions. It links two negative statements and usually triggers inverted word order in the clause that follows it.
Neither…nor
This pair rules out both choices at once. The verb usually agrees with the noun closest to it, so it takes a little care in formal writing.
Nevertheless
Nevertheless introduces a contrast with the previous statement. It is more formal than “still” or “but” and is usually followed by a comma.
Nonetheless
Nonetheless works almost exactly like “nevertheless.” It can sit at the start, middle, or end of a clause to show that something holds true despite an obstacle.
None the less
This spelling is less common than the single-word form, especially in American English. It carries the same sense of contrast and is mostly seen in formal or older writing.
Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding is common in legal and official writing. It signals that one fact does not prevent another from being true, and it can come before or after the thing it refers to.
Not only…but also
This pair presents two points and gives extra weight to the second. In writing, the two parts should follow the same grammatical structure to keep the sentence balanced.
No sooner…than
This construction stresses how quickly two events followed each other. The first part usually takes inverted word order, and it is paired with “than” rather than “when.”
Now that
Now that gives a reason based on a new situation. It often appears in everyday speech and links a recent change to what happens next.
Now
Used this way, now links a current situation to the main clause. It is more casual than “now that” and is sometimes treated as an informal conjunction.
Namely
Namely clarifies a general statement by naming the exact items or details. It is usually preceded by a comma or semicolon and followed by a comma.
Natheless
Natheless is an old word you will mostly find in older poetry and literature. It means the same as “nevertheless,” and it is rarely used in modern English.
Not that
Not that adds a short comment which limits or corrects the main point. It is common in conversation and gives a sentence a slightly dry or ironic tone.
No matter
No matter introduces something that will not change the result. It is typically followed by words like “what,” “how,” “when,” or “where,” to show that the condition is irrelevant.
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