The term «however» has been around as a valid word in English for centuries. However (no pun intended), its usage in texts is still not straightforward and could throw even some established writers in a minor state of delirium. The constant comparison between conjunctions such as «but» and «and» only complicates things further.
The adverb «however» means «to whatever extent or degree». It’s typically used in sentences to merge two independent clauses (or potential sentences) to make a single, compound sentence. The term could be used in the middle of a sentence, with or without punctuation. It can also begin a statement.
Using «however» in texts is not as straightforward as it seems. There are quite a few things to consider, and the fact that the word can assume different meanings based on how and where it gets placed in a text adds to the confusion. Read on to get a more in-depth look at the term, how to use it in texts the correct way, and lots more.
«However» – Meaning
The word «however» means «in whatever way or manner». It also means or could be used in place of «on the other hand», «on the contrary», «despite», «how in the world», etc, in texts. A few other synonyms or related terms of the word include «even so», «nevertheless», «howbeit», «notwithstanding», «withal», etc.
The term has been used in English as an adverb since the 14th century. Modern English has also been around since then. In other words, the word was born right alongside the variant of English people currently use.
Talking about the past, «however» also meant «although». But that meaning is now considered archaic or incorrect.
Using «However» in Texts
Generally, «however» is used in a sentence to say something that contrasts with or is different from a previous statement.
The word is usually incorporated into texts as an adverb or conjunction (kind of), and the punctuation or comma usage varies accordingly.
When used as an adverb (usually before another adverb or an adjective), «however» usually begins a sentence. For example:
- However hard he tried, he couldn’t convince her.
When used as a «conjunctive adverb», the term brings together two simple sentences or independent clauses to form a new sentence. The two clauses are invariably opposing or in contrast with each other. For example:
- The manufacturer claimed the phone was splash-resistant; however, it still wasn’t keen to officially market it as a «waterproof» offering.
When two independent clauses come together to make a compound sentence, «however» is used with a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) right after.
«However» is not your standard «conjunction». Proper conjunctions such as «but», «and», «since», etc., do not require a semicolon. They certainly do not need a comma right after them.
The conjunctions usually have just one comma before them when used somewhere in the middle of a sentence. When they are not merging two dependent clauses or one independent and one dependent clause, even the solitary comma could be missing.
When «however» is used as a conjunction or conjunctive adverb, the semicolon plays the «conjunction» role equally, if not more than «however».
But «however» does exhibit a relationship between two clauses as more rhetorical or semantic than grammatical. It’s, therefore, preceded with a semicolon. But when «however» is not used as a «conjunction» or doesn’t link two independent clauses, it has no preceding semicolon.
Here are a couple of sentences that further explain the same. The first sentence uses «however» as conjunction. The following sentence breaks the same compound sentence into two individual sentences, keeping the «however» and communicating its purpose/significance.
- The iPhone 12 Mini is the «compact flagship» device buyers have been yearning for; however, the phone’s sales have been poor, which may not inspire an iPhone 13 Mini or whatever Apple would have likely named the next generation of the phone.
- The iPhone 12 Mini is the «compact flagship» device buyers have been yearning for. However, the phone’s sales have been poor, which may not inspire an iPhone 13 Mini or whatever Apple would have likely named the next generation of the phone.
When used at the start of a sentence, «however» has just a comma after it. For example:
- However, there was no need for her to apologize.
In the above sentence, «however» represents a contrast. But because it’s used in a simple sentence or the text right before it is unknown, it may be difficult for sentences beginning with «however» to stand on their own or convey complete meaning.
It’s, therefore, advised not to start sentences with «however» and resort to compound sentences instead. Besides the «sentence fragmentation» issue, using «however» at the very beginning makes the term seem a lot more significant than the actual sentence it’s a part of.
But using «however» at the start of a sentence is not controversial if it doesn’t have a comma after it, or it doesn’t seem like it’s the continuation of or based on a sentence immediately prior. For example:
- However long it takes, I’ll wait for it to complete.
When «however» is not used at a sentence’s start and does not bring two independent clauses together, it is accompanied by two parenthetical commas. For example:
- It is, however, tough to say a well-made replica Rolex apart from the real deal.
- It is, however, unlikely the prices will continue to rise.
Can «However» Be Used without Commas?
It’s not rare to see «however» used without commas, regardless of whether it’s positioned at a sentence’s beginning or in the middle of a text. For example:
- However hard she tried, she couldn’t resist the temptation the cake presented and eventually broke her fast.
- I’ll stay put however long it takes.
- You cannot add ingredients however you want to.
- However you see it, it’s not good news.
When used in sentences without a comma, «however» usually denotes «irrespective of», «regardless», «whichever/whatever way», etc.
Comparing «However» with «But» and «And»
To understand how «however» is not the same as «but» and «and», here are a few example sentences:
- The company made a net profit of 5% in the second quarter of 2018, but it’s not necessarily great news for the firm, which made 10% in net profit in the same period the previous year.
- The company made a net profit of 5% in the second quarter of 2018; however, it’s not necessarily great news for the firm, which made 10% in net profit in the same period last year.
Though punctuation usage between the two varies, both «however» and «but» bring together contradicting or negative statements. The conjunction «and», on the other hand, is not used to bring together differing views.
To use «and» in the sentence above, the sentence’s message must be upended. For example:
- The company made a net profit of 5% in the second quarter of 2018, and it’s set to make more in the coming quarter.
Possibly, the only similarity between «but» and «and» (besides the two being conjunctions) is the punctuation usage. Both do not have commas after them, and they also usually have just a comma right before when merging two independent clauses instead of a semicolon, unlike «however».
Example Sentences with the Term «However»
The following are sentences incorporating the term «however» in different ways, with or without commas:
- However, there were several challenges.
- I like the dress; however, it’s available in just one color.
- I have lots of things to do tonight; however, I am going out with her because I promised her I’d come.
- The CEO was quite confident of the product’s success. The board, however, wasn’t mighty convinced.
- Diamond mining is hugely profitable; however, there are quite a few risks involved in the trade.
- I am happy you are back. However, I hope you do not try to justify what happened last night.
- We are not going to cancel this trip under any circumstances. However, we hope the expenses do not go out of hand.
- We let them decorate their personal spaces however they choose to.
- Let her do it however she likes.
- I shall help you however I can.
- Some protestors, however, want the president to be a lot more aggressive in his stance.
- However, retail store owners resisted the ordinance and threatened to increase the price, cut employee salaries, and even shut some of their marquee stores.
- The team, however, made it to the top of the table after starting slow.
- However you sing it, it does not sound correct.
- The car was quite old and outdated. However, it managed to take us home safely.
Conclusion
«However» is a relatively versatile term, as far as its meaning is concerned and how it gets incorporated into sentences. It also can be placed in various positions in a sentence, with the punctuation changing accordingly.
Whether you use the term at the very beginning of a sentence, in the middle of it, and with or without a comma or a semicolon, the word «however» is not a conjunction.
It’s purely an adverb that can do conjunction duties when the need arises or when two independent clauses are a bit too loaded or complex for traditional conjunctions like «but» and «and» to glue or shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to put «however» in the middle of a sentence?
Of course, it is! This is one of the main uses of the word, however, it can also be used at the beginning of a sentence. (See what I did there?)
Do you put a comma before or after «however»?
If «however» is used in the middle of a sentence, then you put a comma both before and after the word. If used at the beginning of a sentence, you would obviously only use a comma after «however».
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.
однако, как, как бы ни, каким образом, однако, тем не менее, впрочем, как бы ни
наречие ↓
- как бы ни; какой бы ни
however you do it, the result is the same — как бы это ни делалось, результат будет тот же 
however that may be — как бы то ни было
however hard he tried he didn’t succeed — как он ни старался, у него ничего не вышло
we are against interference, however slight — мы против вмешательства, каким бы незначительным оно ни было
союз ↓
- как, как только, как угодно
do it however you can — делайте, как сможете
arrange your hours however you like — располагайте своим временем (так), как вам заблагорассудится
- тем не менее, однако; несмотря на это
however, this is not common — тем не менее, это случается не так часто
he didn’t go to the theatre, however — и всё же он не пошёл в театр
I cannot, however, approve of it — я, однако, не могу этого одобрить
междометие ↓
- как?, как же?, каким образом?
however did you manage to do it? — как вам (вообще) удалось сделать это?
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
however large — сколь угодно большой
however much — сколько бы ни…; сколько бы ни
however the result — тем не менее
Примеры с переводом
You can do it however you like.
Можете сделать это как угодно.
Do it however you like.
Сделайте это как угодно.
I will help however I can.
Я помогу, чем только смогу.
However he did it, it was very clever.
Не знаю, как он это сделал, но это было очень умно.
However did he get that job?
Как же он получил эту paботу?
I really want the car, however much it costs.
Я очень хочу машину, как бы дорого мне это не стоило.
We have to finish, however long it takes.
Нам придётся закончить(дело), сколько бы времени ни потребовалось.
ещё 9 примеров свернуть
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1
however
however [haυˊevə]
1) как бы ни
2)
разг.
как, каки́м о́бразом
2.
cj
одна́ко, тем не ме́нее, несмотря́ на (э́)то
Англо-русский словарь Мюллера > however
-
2
however
Персональный Сократ > however
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3
however
Англо-русский синонимический словарь > however
-
4
however
1. [haʋʹevə]
1. как бы ни; какой бы ни
however you do it, the result is the same — как бы это ни делалось, результат будет тот же
however hard he tried he didn’t succeed — как он ни старался, у него ничего не вышло
we are against interference, however slight — мы против вмешательства, каким бы незначительным оно ни было
1)
как?, как же?, каким образом?
however did you manage to do it? — как вам (вообще) удалось сделать это?
2)
как, как только, как угодно
do it however you can — делайте, как сможете
arrange your hours however you like — располагайте своим временем (так), как вам заблагорассудится
2. [haʋʹevə]
тем не менее, однако; несмотря на это
however, this is not common — тем не менее, это случается не так часто
he didn’t go to the theatre, however — и всё же он не пошёл в театр
I cannot, however, approve of it — я, однако, не могу этого одобрить
НБАРС > however
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5
however
1. adv как бы ни; какой бы ни
however you do it, the result is the same — как бы это ни делалось, результат будет тот же
2. adv разг. как?, как же?, каким образом?
they must be told the truth, however unpalatable it may be — им надо сказать правду, как бы неприятна она ни была
3. adv разг. как, как только, как угодно
4. cj тем не менее, однако; несмотря на это
however, this is not common — тем не менее, это случается не так часто
Синонимический ряд:
1. although (adj.) although; in spite of; nevertheless; nonetheless; notwithstanding; regardless
2. anyhow (other) anyhow; anyway; anywise; by hook or by crook; in any way; somehow; somehow or other; someway
3. how (other) how; how in the world; how on earth
4. nevertheless (other) after all; after all is said and done; all the same; at any rate; be that as it may; but; despite; even so; further; howbeit; in any case; in any event; in spite of everything; moreover; nevertheless; nonetheless; notwithstanding; per contra; regardless; still; still and all; still and all (US); though; withal; yet
English-Russian base dictionary > however
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6
however
[hau’evə]
adv
однако, тем не менее
Later, however, he wrote her a letter. — Позже, однако, он написал ей письмо.
USAGE:
(1.) Связующее наречие however обычно стоит в начале предложения или перед основным глаголом и отделяется запятой: It is raining hard. However, we have to go out Идет сильный дождь. Однако нам надо идти. /Несмотря на это, нам надо идти. (2.) However может стоять перед прилагательным, но в этих случаях оно имеет усилительное значение, которое переводится как бы ни…, несмотря на то, что…: She always goes swimming, however cold the water is. Она всегда купается, как бы холодна ни была вода. (3.) See so, adv
English-Russian combinatory dictionary > however
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7
however
однако
(1). Связующее наречие however обычно стоит в начале предложения или перед основным глаголом и отделяется запятой:It is raining hard. However, we have to go out — Идет сильный дождь. Однако/несмотря на это нам надо идти.
(2). However может стоять перед прилагательным, но в этих случаях оно имеет усилительное значение:
She always goes swimming, however cold the water is — Она всегда купается, как бы холодна ни была вода.
(3). See so, .
English-Russian word troubles > however
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8
however
[haʊ’evə]
1) Общая лексика: впрочем, все-таки, и все-таки, как, как бы ни, как ни, какой бы ни, несмотря на, несмотря на то, несмотря на это, однако, при этом , сколько бы ни, тем не менее, всё же, независимо от , вместе с тем, же, все равно, с другой стороны, и всё же
3) СМИ: а вот…
Универсальный англо-русский словарь > however
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9
however
The new dictionary of modern spoken language > however
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10
however
[hauˈevə]
however как бы ни however sj однако, тем не менее, несмотря на это
English-Russian short dictionary > however
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11
however
Англо-русский технический словарь > however
-
12
however
1) вместе с тем; (а) между тем; и все же
2) (вводи, слово) правда,…
3) поскольку
Production pit slurries, however, with their A, provide… Но поскольку буровые растворы промысловых амбаров имеют А, они…
English-Russian dictionary of scientific and technical difficulties vocabulary > however
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13
however
English-Russian big medical dictionary > however
-
14
however
[haʊ`evə]
как бы ни
однако, тем не менее, несмотря на (э)то
Англо-русский большой универсальный переводческий словарь > however
-
15
however
как бы ни
однако, тем не менее, несмотря на (э)то
* * *
1 (0) все же; и все же; и все-таки; тем не менее
2 (d) все-таки; однако
* * *
* * *
[how·ev·er || haʊ’evə(r)]
как бы ни, как, каким образом, однако
как бы ни, какой бы ни, тем не менее, однако, несмотря на это, несмотря на то, впрочем* * *
в-ведь
ведь
ж
же
но
однако
* * *
1. нареч.
как бы ни
2. союз
однако, тем не менее, несмотря на (э)тоНовый англо-русский словарь > however
-
16
however
English-Russian dictionary of technical terms > however
-
17
However?
Как? Каким образом?
Difficulties of the English language (lexical reference) English-Russian dictionary > However?
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18
however
[hau’evə]
1.нареч.
как бы ни; какой бы ни
2.
союз
однако, тем не менее, несмотря на (э)то
Syn:
Англо-русский современный словарь > however
-
19
however
одна́ко; всё-таки, тем не ме́нее
The Americanisms. English-Russian dictionary. > however
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20
however
в-ведь
ведь
ж
же
но
однако
English-Russian smart dictionary > however
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См. также в других словарях:
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however — 1. When ever is being used as an intensive after the interrogative adverb how, as in How ever did you do it?, the two words should always be written separately. 2. However, in the meaning ‘nevertheless’, has many possible positions in a clause.… … Modern English usage
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However — How*ev er, conj. Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it. [1913 Webster] In your excuse your love does little say; You might howe er have took a better way. Dryden.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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However — How*ev er, adv. [Sometimes contracted into howe er.] 1. In whetever manner, way, or degree. [1913 Webster] However yet they me despise and spite. Spenser. [1913 Webster] Howe er the business goes, you have made fault. Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. At… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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however — [hou eer′hou ev′ər] adv. [ME hou ever] 1. no matter how; in whatever manner 2. to whatever degree or extent 3. by what means [however did he escape?]: intensive form of HOW1 4. nevertheless; yet; in spite of that; all the same: often used as a… … English World dictionary
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however — index notwithstanding, regardless, unless Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
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however — late 14c., from HOW (Cf. how) + EVER (Cf. ever) … Etymology dictionary
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however — [adv] still, nevertheless after all, all the same, anyhow, be that as it may, but, despite, for all that, howbeit, in spite of, nonetheless, notwithstanding, on the other hand, per contra, though, withal, without regard to, yet; concept 544 … New thesaurus
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however — ► ADVERB 1) used to introduce a statement contrasting with a previous one. 2) in whatever way. 3) to whatever extent … English terms dictionary
-
however — how|ev|er [ hau evər ] function word *** However can be used in the following ways: as a way of showing how a sentence is related to what has already been said: Prices have been rising. It is unlikely, however, that this increase will continue.… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
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however */*/*/ — UK [haʊˈevə(r)] / US [haʊˈevər] adverb, conjunction Summary: However can be used in the following ways: as a way of showing how a sentence is related to what has already been said: Prices have been rising. It is unlikely, however, that this… … English dictionary
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however — [[t]haʊe̱və(r)[/t]] ♦ 1) ADV: ADV with cl You use however when you are adding a comment which is surprising or which contrasts with what has just been said. This was not an easy decision. It is, however, a decision that we feel is dictated by our … English dictionary
However means «even so» or, «on the other hand,» and you use it to introduce a complication or contradiction. You might tell your friend, «I love your cooking. However, I already have plans for dinner tonight.»
The adverb however has a few different meanings. It often shows contrast. You might be training to become a lawyer, however your secret dream is to dance. However also means «in whatever way.» You might say to your father, «However you have to do it, convince Mom to buy me that car!» It also means «to whatever degree.» However certain you are in your gut that Mr. Plum is the murderer, you need to wait for evidence before accusing him.
Definitions of however
-
adverb
in whatever way or manner
“Victory,
however it was brought about, was sweet”“however he did it, it was very clever”
-
adverb
to whatever degree or extent
“The results,
however general, are important”“they have begun,
however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition’s concerns” -
adverb
despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
“although I’m a little afraid,
however I’d like to try it”-
synonyms:
all the same, even so, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, withal, yet
-
adverb
by contrast; on the other hand
“the second,
however, took hours”
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘however’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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Conjunction
Do it however you like.
I will help however I can.
Adverb
I’m all out of eggs; however, I can still make us a nice breakfast.
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘however.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.