How to Use However

If you’re not confident that you’re using “however” (which means however) correctly, that’s because there are many ways to use it correctly. It’s easy to get confused because each use of “however” has its own punctuation and its own place in the sentence. However, once you understand the differences, you will remember them.

Table of Contents

Use “However” to introduce contrasts and contrasts

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Start an opposite sentence with “However,”. To write a sentence that contrasts or contrasts with the previous one, begin the sentence with “However,…” This will alert the reader that a diversion is beginning. Always put a comma after “However,” and follow it with a complete sentence. ^{[1] X Research Source}

You can write, “I was very excited to be invited to lunch. However, I had already made plans.” (I’m happy to be invited to lunch. However, I already have a plan.)
Another example would be, “The pattern was certainly original. However, the new wallpaper did not match the furniture at all.” (The texture is definitely unique. However, the wallpaper doesn’t match the interior at all.)

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Combine two opposite sentences with “; however,”. When you have two complete sentences that have opposite or contrasting meanings but are linked together, combine them with a semicolon, the word “however,” and a comma. This shows how the second sentence contrasts with the first. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Start with two sentences with opposite meanings: “I would love to join you for lunch. I am too busy.” (I want to have lunch with you. I’m very busy.)
Combine them this way: “I would love to join you for lunch; however, I am too busy.” (I would like to go to lunch with you; however, I am very busy).
This will help make the connection between sentences clear and your writing more consistent.

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Use “, however,” as a random comment. To break an ongoing sentence, insert “however” between two commas. Like other uses of “however,” this implies a contrast to the previous content, but makes the contrast less severe. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Put “, however,” after the subject of the second sentence: “I can’t make it to lunch. You, however, are going to love that restaurant.” (I can’t go to lunch. However, you’ll like that restaurant)
Use it to conjugate two-part verbs: “I can’t make it to lunch. I could, however, join you next week.” (I can’t go to lunch. However, I can go with 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.” (I can’t go to lunch. However, I can go with you next week).

Using “However” as a relative adverb

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Use “However” to mean “no matter how,” or “by any means”. When “however” is a relative adverb, it shows no limitation. You can use it to start a sentence, or insert it after a comma in a dependent clause. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

You could say, “However you look at it, we owe Puerto Rico significant aid.” (Regardless of your opinion, we owe Puerto Rico great support.)
You can also write, “I’ll make it to lunch, however the day goes.” (I’m going to have lunch, no matter what the day is.)
Check for accuracy by replacing it with the phrase “anyhow” or “by any means”.

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Combine it with an adjective or adverb. “However” can be used to express “to what extent” when combined with an adjective or adverb. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

You can write, “I’ll call you from Tokyo, however much it costs.” (I’ll call you from Tokyo, no matter how much it costs.)
Another example would be, “However doomed the relationship, an open heart is its own reward.” (No matter how bad the relationship, an open heart is the reward.)

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Begin a question with “how ever” to express surprise. Use “how ever” to mean “however” when you want to express surprise at the action described. When “ever” is used as a word for emphasis, the words should be separated. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

You can write, “How ever did you find my address?” (How did you find my address?)

Check for common mistakes

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Make sure that the semicolon and comma are in place. When you use “however” as a linking adverb, remember that a semicolon comes before “however,” and a comma after it. Remember that two commas between “however” are not correct. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

False: “Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however; they aren’t weather-appropriate.” (Yes, his new shoes go well with the suit, however; they don’t suit the weather.)
False: “Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however, they aren’t weather-appropriate.” (Yes, his new shoes go well with the suit, however, they are not suitable for this weather.)
Correct: “Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit; however, they aren’t weather-appropriate.” (Yes, his new shoes go well with the suit; however; they are not suitable for this weather.)

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Check for incomplete sentences. When you start sentences with, “However,” it’s easy to write incomplete sentences. If a sentence begins with “However, …” it must be followed by an independent clause! Check all the sentences with however to make sure they are complete. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Wrong: “However, the sky in April.” (However, April sky). This sentence has no verb, so it is incomplete.
Correct: “However, the sky in April was clouded.” (However, the sky in April is cloudy.) This sentence has a subject and a verb, so it’s complete.

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Make sure you are expressing what you mean. When using “however” as a relative adverb, the meaning will depend on the grammar. If you forget punctuation, or put punctuation in the wrong place, you may misinterpret. Check out how the meaning changes depending on where the punctuation is used: ^{[9] X Research Source}

“Carrots are naturally delicious however they have been cooked.” (Carrots are naturally delicious, even if they are cooked.)
“Carrots are naturally delicious; however, they have been cooked.” (Carrots are naturally delicious, but they’re overcooked.)
If you want to say that any type of carrot is delicious, the first use is correct.
If you want to say that raw carrots are delicious but not when cooked, the second usage is correct.

Advice

Relative adverbs introduce a clause by changing the meaning of a previous word, phrase, or clause.
An emphatic word is an adverb that is affirmative or emphatic. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Steps

Use “However” to introduce contrasts and contrasts

Using “However” as a relative adverb

Check for common mistakes

Advice

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