If you're not sure if you're using the word "however" the right way, it could be because there are many ways to use it correctly. It's easy to get confused, because every use of the word "however" has its own punctuation, as well as its location in the sentence. However, once you learn the difference, you are unlikely to forget it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Word "However" to Introduce Contrast and Contradiction
Step 1. Begin the opposite statement with the word "However,"
To introduce a sentence that contradicts or contradicts the previous sentence, start with the word "However, …". This will warn the reader that a change is about to occur. Always use a comma after the word "However," and follow it with a complete sentence.
- You might write, "I was very excited to be invited to lunch. However, I had already made plans."
- Another example is, "The pattern was certainly original. However, the new wallpaper did not match the furniture at all."
Step 2. Combine two opposing sentences using the word "; however,"
When you have two complete sentences that contradict or contradict each other, but are closely connected, combine them with a semicolon, the word "however," and a comma. This indicates that the second sentence is opposite to the first sentence in a certain way.
- Start with two sentences that have opposite meanings: "I would love to join you for lunch. I am too busy."
- Combine it this way: "I would love to join you for lunch; however, I am too busy."
- This will make the relationships between sentences clearer and help make your writing sound more cohesive.
Step 3. Use the word ", however," as a sideline
To interrupt a sentence in progress, insert the word "however" between two commas. Like other uses of the word "however," it implies a contrast to previous content, but in a way that makes the contrast sound less important.
- Put the word ", however, " after the subject of the second sentence: "I can't make it to lunch. You, however, are going to love that restaurant."
- Use it to divide a verb into two parts: "I can't make it to lunch. I could, however, join you next week."
- Put it at the end of the second sentence: "I can't make it to lunch. I could join you next week, however."
Method 2 of 3: Using the Word "However" as a Relative Adverb
Step 1. Use it when you want to say "anyway," or "any way."
"The word "however" which is a relative adverb is used to express a lack of boundaries. It can be used to start a sentence, or be inserted after a comma in a bound clause.
- You can say, "However you look at it, we owe Puerto Rico significant aid."
- You could also write, "I'll make it to lunch, however the day goes."
- Check that you're using it correctly by substituting words for the phrases "regardless of how" or "in whatever way."
Step 2. Pair it with an adjective or adverb
The word "however" can be used to express "to what extent" when paired with an adjective or adverb.
- You could write, "I'll call you from Tokyo, however much it costs."
- Another example is, "However doomed the relationship, an open heart is its own reward."
Step 3. Begin the question with the word "how ever" to show surprise
Use the word "how ever" if you want to say "any way" when you want to express surprise at the action being described. Since the word "ever" is used as a reinforcer, the two words should be separated.
You may write, "How ever did you find my address?"
Method 3 of 3: Checking for Common Errors
Step 1. Make sure your semicolon and comma are in the right place
When you use the word "however" as a conjunctive adverb, remember that a semicolon comes before the word "however," and a comma comes after it. Remember that two commas are not enough to contain the word "however."
- Wrong: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however; they aren't weather-appropriate."
- Wrong: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however, they aren't weather-appropriate."
- Correct: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit; however, they aren't weather-appropriate."
Step 2. Pay attention to the fragments
It's easy to write fragment sentences if you start with the word "However." If it starts with the word "However, …" a sentence needs to be followed by an independent clause. Check all your sentences containing the word to make sure they are complete.
- Wrong: "However, the sky in April." This sentence does not have a verb, so it is incomplete.
- Correct: "However, the sky in April was clouded." This sentence has a subject and a verb, so it is complete.
Step 3. Check that you said what you meant
When using the word "however" as a relative adverb, its meaning depends a lot on grammar. If you forget to use punctuation or put it in the wrong place, you may be saying something you didn't mean. Notice how the meaning changes depending on where the punctuation marks are placed:
- "Carrots are naturally delicious however they have been cooked."
- "Carrots are naturally delicious; however, they have been cooked."
- If you want to say that carrots are good to eat in any form, the first choice is correct.
- If you mean that carrots are good to eat raw, but not when cooked, then the second option is correct.
Step 4. Don't overuse the word "However," especially to start sentences
Limit yourself to using only a few times per page. If you start a sentence with the word "However," ask yourself if it would make more sense to connect it to the previous sentence using a semicolon and a colon. Use different conjunctive adverbs to add variety and specificity to your paper, such as:
- Rather
- instead
- Yet
Tips
- Relative adverbs introduce a clause by modifying the previous word, phrase, or clause.
- Intensifier is an adverb that gives strength or emphasis.
