Word Choice for Adverbs Ending Sentences – Proper Adverb Meaning Unnecessary but Not Problematic

adverbsword-choice

Let's directly go to the example. I am writing a sentence

Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary but harmless.

['Call a function' is idiomatic in say C/C++.]

I have a feeling that there could advantageously be an adverb placed at the end of this sentence to make it look more natural. But I am not sure whether it is

Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary but harmless either.

or

Calling this function for multiple times is unnecessary but harmless as well.

or something else.

Can someone please offer advice on this?

Best Answer

You need a concessive/contrastive (word or phrase); these normally come before the adjective at the end of the type of sentence you specify (ie 'It is A but C B' rather than 'It is A but B C'):

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary but/though admittedly harmless.

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary – but/though then again, harmless.

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary, but/though on the other hand harmless.

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary but/though nevertheless harmless.

A less 'abrupt' contrastive/concessive is 'at the same time', suggested by fev:

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary, but/though at the same time harmless.

'After all' is in an informal register (and does often come last in the clause):

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary – but/though harmless after all.

and 'albeit' (without the 'but/though') is very formal:

  • Calling this function multiple times is unnecessary albeit harmless.
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