Download Article
Download Article
If you’re not sure that you’re using «however» in the right way, that’s because there are many ways to use it correctly. It can be easy to get confused, as each use of «however» has its own punctuation, and its own place in the sentence. Once you learn the distinctions, however, you’re unlikely to forget them.
-
1
Begin a contrasting statement with «However,». To introduce a sentence that contradicts or contrasts with the previous sentence, start it with «However,…» This will alert your reader that a shift is forthcoming. Always put a comma after the «However,» and follow it with a complete sentence.[1]
- You might write, «I was very excited to be invited to lunch. However, I had already made plans.»
- Another example could be, «The pattern was certainly original. However, the new wallpaper did not match the furniture at all.»
-
2
Join two contrasting sentences using «; however,». When you have two full sentences that are in opposition or contrast to one another, but are closely connected, join them with a semicolon, the word «however,» and a comma. This shows that the second sentence is in opposition in some way to the first.[2]
- Start with two sentences that contain opposition: «I would love to join you for lunch. I am too busy.»
- Join them in this way: «I would love to join you for lunch; however, I am too busy.»
- This will make the connections between the sentences obvious, and help your writing sound more cohesive.
Advertisement
-
3
Use «, however,» as an aside. To interrupt a sentence that is already in progress, insert «however» between two commas. Like other uses of «however,» this implies a contrast to the previous content, but in a way that makes the contrast sound a little less crucial.[3]
- Put «, 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 two-part verb: «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.»
Advertisement
-
1
Use it to mean «regardless of how,» or «in whatever way.» When «however» is a relative adverb, it is used to express a lack of limits. It can be used to start a sentence, or inserted after a comma in a dependent clause.[4]
- You could say, «However you look at it, we owe Puerto Rico significant aid.»
- You may also write, «I’ll make it to lunch, however the day goes.»
- Check that you are using it correctly by replacing it with the phrases «regardless of how» or «in whatever way.»
-
2
Pair it with an adjective or adverb. «However» can be used to express «to whatever extent» when paired with an adjective or adverb.[5]
- You can write, «I’ll call you from Tokyo, however much it costs.»
- Another example could be, «However doomed the relationship, an open heart is its own reward.»
-
3
Start a question with «how ever» to express surprise. Use «how ever» to mean «in whatever way» when you wish to show surprise with the action described. As the «ever» is used as an intensifier, the words should be separated.[6]
- You might write, «How ever did you find my address?»
Advertisement
-
1
Make sure your semicolons and commas are in the right place. When you use «however» as a conjunctive adverb, remember that the semicolon comes before «however,» and the comma comes after. Remember that two commas are not enough to contain a «however.» [7]
- Incorrect: «Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however; they aren’t weather-appropriate.»
- Incorrect: «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.»
-
2
Watch for fragments. It’s easy to write fragment sentences when you start them with, «However.» If a sentence begins, «However, …» it needs to be followed by an independent clause! Check all your sentences that contain it to make sure they are complete.[8]
- Incorrect: «However, the sky in April.» This sentence has no verb, so it’s not complete.
- Correct: «However, the sky in April was clouded.» This sentence has a subject and verb, so it’s complete.
-
3
Check that you are saying what you mean. When using «however» as a relative adverb, a lot of the meaning will depend on the grammar. If you forget some punctuation, or put it in the wrong place, you could say something you don’t mean. Notice how the meaning changes depending on where the punctuation is placed:[9]
- «Carrots are naturally delicious however they have been cooked.»
- «Carrots are naturally delicious; however, they have been cooked.»
- If you mean that carrots are good in every form, the first option is correct.
- If you mean that carrots are good raw, but not when cooked, the second option is correct.
-
4
Don’t over use «However,» especially to start sentences. Restrict yourself to just a few uses per page. If you are beginning a sentence with «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 lend variety and specificity to your paper, such as:[10]
- Rather
- Instead
- Yet
Advertisement
Add New Question
-
Question
What’s the proper use of could and would?
The simplest answer is that «could» is the past tense of «can,» and «would » is the past tense of «will» or «shall.» It’s more involved than that, however, and your best option is to look up those words in a dictionary.
-
Question
What is the proper use of «hence»?
«Hence» means «therefore»: «The situation scared me; hence the weapon I carried.» It also means «in the future»: «It occurred three years hence» (three years from now).
-
Question
Can we use «but» and «however» interchangeably?
They are similar but not identical in meaning and thus are not interchangeable. One difference is that you can start a sentence with «however» but not with «but.» (There are other differences, too.)
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
-
An intensifier is an adverb that gives force or emphasis.[11]
-
Relative adverbs introduce a clause by modifying an previous word, phrase, or clause.
Advertisement
References
About This Article
Article SummaryX
To use «however,» use it at the beginning of a contrasting statement, followed by a comma. For example, you could say, «I liked my lunch. However, it was too expensive.» You can also use «however» in the middle of a sentence to contrast two things. For example, you could say, «I can’t make it. You, however, should be able to.» Or, you can use «however» to mean «in whatever way.» For example, you could say, «However you look at it, it’s bad.» For more tips from our English co-author, like how to use «however» in other ways, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 433,708 times.
Reader Success Stories
-
«Thank you for the wonderful information.»
Did this article help you?
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Annabelle Johns II
Score: 4.7/5
(58 votes)
Look for words or phrases that introduce a contrast, such as however, but, instead of, on the other hand, on the contrary, whereas, in contrast, unlike, although, and even though. Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different.
What are some contrast words?
like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.
Is the word but a contrast word?
The conjunctions but and although/though connect ideas that contrast. Whereas is also used but it is not as common: The new city hall is amazing but it’s going to cost a lot.
Is however a compare or contrast word?
Comparison and Contrast Words
These are words that are used to point out similarities and differences between two items. Comparison words include words like likewise, equally, just as and many more. … This is where words like however, conversely, but, still and others.
What are 3 signal words for compare and contrast?
Compare And Contrast Transition Words: Defined And Explained
- In the same way.
- In like manner.
- Likewise.
- Similarly.
- By the same token.
19 related questions found
What is contrast in grammar?
contrast — n. a difference between people or things that are being compared. concession — n. grammar. a clause which begins with «although» or «even though» and which expresses an idea that suggests the opposite of the main part of the sentence.
Why you shouldn’t use the word but?
Using but in a sentence generally serves to negate or distill all the positive statements you made before it. Sometimes we don’t even consciously register that when we hear the word but, our brains translate it into this: But = Here’s the catch…
How do you avoid the word but?
“Yet” can often replace “but” in a sentence without changing anything else, as both are coordinating conjunctions that can introduce a contrast. Alternatively, you could use one of these subordinating conjunctions: Although (e.g., I like Brian May, although I find his hair ridiculous.)
How do you use the word but correctly?
But can be used in the following ways:
- As a conjunction (connecting two phrases or clauses): She’s 83 but she still goes swimming every day.
- As a preposition (followed by a noun): There’s been nothing but trouble since he came.
- As an adverb: We can but hope that things will improve.
Is therefore a contrast word?
but, even so, conversely, differently, however, in contrast, in spite of, in the same way, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still,yet. To Show a Result. accordingly, as a result, consequently, for that reason, hence, then, therefore, thus.
What linking words can be used to show contrast?
We can use linking words like ‘however’, ‘although’ and ‘despite’ to do this.
- Although. We can use ‘although’ at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. …
- Despite / in spite of. We use ‘despite’ or ‘in spite of’ before a noun or a gerund. …
- However.
What is contrast examples?
Contrast often means “opposite”: for example, black is the opposite of white, and so there’s a contrast between black ink and white paper. But contrast can also happen when the two things are just very different. For example, cats and dogs are definitely a contrast, but they’re not opposites.
What is the opposite of in contrast?
Opposite of looking at something from a contrasting perspective. likewise. similarly. equally. also.
What is a different word for Whereas?
Find another word for whereas. In this page you can discover 23 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for whereas, like: while on the contrary, while, although, considering that, though, since, when, when in fact, insomuch as, however and because.
Should I use the word but?
‘But’ is a conjunction used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned. This is fine, except when ‘but’ is used in complex situations where communication is sensitive. For example: in apologies, critique, and other nuanced personal communication.
What word class is but?
A conjunction (also called a connective) is a word such as and, because, but, for, if, or, and when. Conjunctions are used to connect phrases, clauses, and sentences. The two main kinds are known as coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
Can I use However instead of but?
«But» is a conjunction, and «however» is a conjunctive adverb. Confused yet? Don’t be! Simply put, «but» would use a comma to split two sentences, while «however» would use a semicolon or full stop to split the same sentence.
What is the correct meaning of the world?
1a : the earthly state of human existence. b : life after death —used with a qualifier the next world. 2 : the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it. 3 : individual course of life : career. 4 : the inhabitants of the earth : the human race.
How do you show contrast in writing?
Use a comma or semicolon (;) with ‘but’. ‘But’ is the most common way to show contrasting ideas. They continued on their journey, in spite of the pouring rain.
How do you describe contrast?
1 : to show noticeable differences Red contrasts with black. 2 : to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them Contrast the styles of these two authors. 1 : something that is different from another Today’s weather is quite a contrast to yesterday’s.
What is the noun of contrast?
noun. noun. /ˈkɑntræst/ 1[countable, uncountable] a difference between two or more people or things that you can see clearly when they are compared or put close together; the fact of comparing two or more things in order to show the differences between them contrast (between A and B)
What is signal words in English?
Review the concept of a signal word: a word or phrase that gives an idea about what we might expect to come next, just like road signs or traffic signals that let drivers know what’s coming up.
В этой статье мы рассмотрим английские союзы, которые выражают противопоставление, контраст. В русском языке они соответствуют уступительным и противительным союзам по значению.
Также, разберемся, в чем разница между although, though, however и сходными по значению предлогами in spite of/despite, и в каком конкретном случае целесообразнее использовать то или иное слово.
Although
|
Союз although используется для выражения противопоставления или контраста. Переводится на русский язык: хотя, не смотря на. Although обычно ставится в начале или в середине предложения, а за ним следуют подлежащее и сказуемое. |
 |
Примеры предложений
|
|---|
Though
|
Союз though выступает эквивалентом although и имеет аналогичный перевод, но менее формален. |
 |
Примеры предложений
|
|
|---|---|
| Гораздо чаще в разговорной речи though встречается в конце предложения и переводится: однако, все же, тем не менее. В этом случае его нельзя заменить на although. |  |
Примеры предложений
|
|
 |
 |
However
|
Союз however (однако, тем не менее)используется для противопоставления информации двух частей предложения, либо двух отдельных предложений. На письме however всегда выделяется запятой. Этот союз более характерен для формального стиля речи. |
 |
Примеры предложений
|
|---|
In spite of / Despite
|
In spite of / despite (не смотря на, вопреки, не взирая на) также выражает противоречие, но в отличии от although, употребляется перед существительными, местоимениями, герундием.
|
 |
Примеры предложений
|
|---|
Watch the video:
Пройти бесплатный урок английского языка
Ваша заявка принята
Наш менеджер свяжется с Вами в ближайшее время
При отправке возникла ошибка
Отправить еще раз
Many words connect sentences, clauses, and phrases. But only contrast linking words can express two different ideas. The previous sentence uses the linking word of contrast but two connect it with the first sentence.
Learn the different linking words of contrast in the article and how to use them in sentences. I’ll show you how to position them in sentences and whether to use a comma.
What Are Contrast Words?
Linking words for contrast or contrast words are words that show contrasting ideas. These English linking words connect two statements that are different from each other. For instance, one may be a positive idea, while another is a negative idea.
Here’s a list of contrast words in English.
- Although
- Even though
- Though
- Yet
- However
- Despite
- But
- Despite
- In spite of
- While
- On the other hand
How to Use Contrast Words in a Sentence
Let’s look at the different contrast words and how to use them in sentences.
But/However
However is a sentence starter that shows a contrast between two separate sentences. Place the contrast word at the start of the second sentence, the end, and after the subject. Below are some examples of sentences.
- I love this city. However, the roads are too narrow.
- I love this city. The roads, however, are too narrow.
- I love this city. The roads are narrow, however.
But is more informal than however. Don’t put a comma after it; instead, put a comma before it when it’s used to connect two independent clauses. For example:
- I love this city. But the words are too narrow.
- I love this city, but the roads are too narrow.
Although/Even Though
While however doesn’t connect two clauses, we use although and even though at the beginning of a complete sentence with subject and verb. You can also use them in the middle of a sentence. Here are some examples.
- Although the book was long, I enjoyed reading it the entire weekend.
- I enjoyed reading the book the entire weekend, although it was long.
Though
Though is a looking word found between two phrases. It means despite this or but in the English language. For example:
- I feel down today. I’m still attending the event, though.
- She will be my professor this semester, though I don’t know which subject.
Yet
Use the linker yet when expressing an idea that is surprising because it contradicts what has been mentioned earlier. For example:
- I helped her, yet she betrayed me.
- He’s already 94 years old, yet somehow, he is still fit and healthy.
Despite/In Spite Of
These linking words of contrast are used to contrast ideas. We can also place a noun phrase or an -ing form of the verb after them. For example:
- Despite her suggestions, Mike still played by his own rules.
- In spite of being the top artist in the country, she still feels lonely.
Despite the Fact That/In Spite of the Fact That
Statements like despite the fact that and in spite of the fact that are similar to despite and in spite. But these phrases have a subject and verb after them. For example:
- I enjoyed the party despite the fact that we arrived late.
- He was grateful in spite of the fact that he lost the competition.
While/Whereas/Unlike
While, whereas, and unlike show two things that differ. Use whereas and while with two complete clauses and unlike with a noun. Consider these sentences.
- Joan is happy, while John is excited.
- Whereas Kat looks excited in this photo, Sheila seems upset.
- Unlike Michael, Miguel excels in performing arts.
On the Other Hand
The contrast linking word on the other hand compares two different ways, facts, or ideas of the same situation. Here are some examples.
- On one hand, I want to be an engineer. But on the other hand, I also like my current education degree.
- I enjoy jazz music, but on the other hand, my friend loves rock music.
Practice Using Contrast Linking Words
Contrast linking words join contradicting ideas, whether they’re clauses, sentences, or phrases. These words may have similar uses but different meanings and placements in sentences.
Some contrast words like although and however can be at the beginning of a sentence. Meanwhile, on the other hand, although, and other words can be in the middle of a sentence.
Каждый из нас стремится к тому, чтобы как можно четче выражать мысли и доносить до собеседника свой месседж.
Мы соединяем идеи, дополняем, приводим примеры и, конечно, противопоставляем.
Сегодня поговорим о двух словах, которые служат для того, чтобы выражать противопоставление или контраст. Это слова but и however.
Хотя по значению они идентичны, это разные части речи, и их употребление в предложении во многом отличается.
Начнем со всем знакомого слова but, которое переводится, как «но» или «однако». Если есть две идеи, A и Б, причем идея A – главная, а идея Б противопоставляется ей, то, чтобы показать этот контраст, ставим между ними but с запятой. But – это союз, он связывает два предложения: главное и второстепенное, и находится всегда в начале второго:
I love fruit, but I do not like oranges. – Я люблю фрукты, но я не люблю апельсины.
The shirt was quite expensive, but he decided to buy it. – Рубашка была довольно-таки дорогая, но он решил ее купить.
But, как правило, не ставят в начале предложения, хотя многим очень хочется это сделать.
Для английских предложений типично использовать сочетание but not, если во втором предложении по сути повторяется часть первого, только с отрицанием. Поэтому после but not никогда не будет подлежащего и сказуемого, а только та часть, которая контрастирует с главным предложением:
We would like to go on holiday but not in winter. – Мы бы хотели поехать в отпуск, но не зимой.
He showed me some of his works but not all of them. – Он показал мне некоторые из своих работ, но не все.
Выражение противопоставления – основная функция союза but. Есть у него и другие функции, но они заслуживают отдельного урока.
Как же заменить слово but? Не использовать же его всякий раз?
Конечно нет, потому что таким же значением – выражение контраста – обладает и слово however (но, однако). При использовании however нужно помнить о двух вещах: о произношении и пунктуации.
Произношение: /haʊˈɛvə/. Слово часто произносят неправильно. Заметьте, что буквы w и v передают два абсолютно разных звука, о различиях между которыми я рассказывала в этой статье. Потренируйтесь проговаривать слово however вслух, обращая внимание на то, как вы произносите w и v.
С точки зрения пунктуации however обладает своими особенностями, потому что это не союз, а наречие.
Когда идея Б представлена в отдельном предложении, however чаще всего стоит в начале предложения с идеей Б и отделяется запятой. Помимо начальной позиции, можно поставить however в середине или в конце предложения. Но не забывайте отделять его запятыми.
Если идеи А и Б находятся в одном предложении, и противопоставляются при помощи however, тогда перед ним должна стоять точка с запятой, а после – запятая.
Рассмотрим на примерах разные позиции слова however:
I was very busy yesterday. However, I found time to meet with my colleagues. /
I was very busy yesterday; however, I found time to meet with my colleagues. /
I was very busy yesterday. I found time to meet with my colleagues, however. –
Вчера я был очень занят, однако/ но я нашел время встретиться с коллегами.
The weather was hot. However, she was wearing a warm sweater. /
The weather was hot; however, she was wearing a warm sweater. /
The weather was hot. She, however, was wearing a warm sweater. /
The weather was hot. She was wearing a warm sweater, however. –
Была жаркая погода, однако/но она была в теплом свитере.
Вот все, что вам нужно помнить о словах but и however, которые используется для выражения контраста.
Конечно, запомнить и законспектировать теоретические основы – легко. А выражать мысли вслух – это совсем другая задача, с которой справляется далеко не каждый.
Делать это грамотно мы учимся на разговорном курсе, где мы обсуждаем самые различные темы, спорим, дискутируем и активно практикуемся в говорении на английском языке.
100% занятия посвящено вашей речи, а 99% вашей речи на занятии – на английском, никакого русского! Преподаватель корректирует, и помогает работать над ошибками и улучшать речь.
Ну как тут не заговорить? 
Для всех, кто желает прокачать свой устный английский, подойдет Разговорный курс английского по Скайп в онлайн-школе ENGINFORM.
А чтобы вы узнали обо всех преимуществах для себя – мы проводим серию бесплатных пробных занятий, где познакомитесь лично с нашими преподавателями и уже начнете говорить на английском.
Записывайтесь, пробуйте английский по Скайп, приступайте к регулярным занятиям и удивляйте всех своими успехами!
До встречи на занятиях!
Увидели ошибку в тексте? Выделите её и нажмите на появившуюся стрелку или CTRL+Enter.