Content

• Steps
• Advice

If you are not confident that you are using "however" (which means however) correctly, there are many ways to use it correctly. You can easily get confused because each way of using "however" has its own punctuation and position in the sentence. However, once you understand the differences, you will keep them in mind.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use "However" to introduce contrast and opposite

1. 

   Start an opposite sentence with "However,". To write a sentence that contrasts or contrasts with the previous one, begin the sentence with "However, ..." This writing will warn the reader that the redirection is beginning. Always put a comma after "However," and follow it with a complete sentence.
   • You can write, "I was very excited to be invited to lunch. However, I had already made plans." (I was happy to be invited to lunch. However, I have plans already).
   • Another example is, "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.)

2. 

   
   
   Combine two opposite sentences with "; however,". When you have two complete sentences that have opposing or contrasting meanings but are linked together, combine them with semicolons, words "however," and commas. This shows that the second is in contrast to the first.
   • 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 want to go to lunch with you; however, I'm very busy).
   • This will help make connections between sentences clear and your writing style more consistent.

3. 

   
   
   Use ", however," as a random comment. To break an ongoing sentence, insert "however" between two commas. Like the other uses of "however," this refers to the contrast with the previous content, but makes the opposition less serious.
   • Put ", however," after the topic of the second sentence: "I can make it to lunch. You, however, are going to love that restaurant." (I can't go to lunch. However, you'll love that restaurant)
   • Use it to conjugate verbs with two parts: "I can bong make it to lunch. I could, however, join you next week." (I can't go to lunch. However, I can accompany you next week).
   • Place it at the end of the second sentence: "I can ba make it to lunch. I could join you next week, however." (I can't go to lunch. However, I can accompany you next week).
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Method 2 of 3: Use "However" as a relational adverb

1. 

   
   
   Use "However" with the meaning of "no matter how," or "in any way". When "however" is a relational adverb, it shows the limitlessness. You can use it to start a sentence, or insert a comma in the dependent clause.
   • You can say, "However you look at it, we owe Puerto Rico significant aid." (No matter your opinion, we owe Puerto Rico great support.)
   • You can also write, "I'm 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 "no matter how" or "in any way".

2. 

   Combine it with an adjective or an adverb. "However" can be used to represent "to any extent" when combined with an adjective or an adverb.
   • You can write, "I'm calling you from Tokyo, however much it costs." (I'll call you from Tokyo, no matter how expensive).
   • Another example is, "However doomed the relationship, an open heart is its own reward." (No matter how bad a relationship, an open heart is a reward).

3. 

   Start a question with "how ever" to express surprise. Using "how ever" means "how" when you want to show surprise to the action described. When "ever" is used as an emphasis, the words should be separated.
   • You could write, "How ever did you find my address?" (How did you find my address?)
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Method 3 of 3: Check for common errors

1. 

   Make sure the semicolon and comma are in place. When you use "however" as a linking adverb, remember that the semicolon is before "however," and the comma is after. Remember that the two commas between "however" are not correct.
   • Sai: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however; they aren va weather-appropriate." (Yes, your new shoes go well with the suit, however; they don't suit this weather)
   • Sai: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however, they aren va weather-appropriate." (Yes, your new shoes go well with the suit, however, they don't suit this weather).
   • Right: "Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit; however, they aren va weather-appropriate." (Yes, your new shoes match the suit well; however; they don't fit this weather).

2. 

   Check for incomplete sentences. When starting sentences with, "However," it is often easy to write incomplete sentences. If a sentence begins with "However, ..." it must be followed by an independent clause! Check all sentences that have however to make sure they are complete.
   • Sai: "However, the sky in April." (However, April sky). This sentence has no verb, so it is incomplete.
   • Right: "However, the sky in April was clouded." (However, the sky in April is cloudy.) This sentence has a subject and a verb, so it is complete.

3. 

   Make sure you are expressing what you mean. When using "however" as a relational adverb, the meaning depends on the grammar. If you forget the punctuation, or put the punctuation in the wrong place, you may misinterpret. Check to see how the meaning changes depending on where the punctuation is used:
   • "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 are cooked.)
   • If you want to say that carrots of any type are delicious, the first approach is correct.
   • If you want to say that raw carrots are delicious but not when cooked, the latter is correct.

4. 

   
   
   Don't use "However," too much at the beginning of a sentence. Limit the frequency of using "However," per page. When starting a sentence with "However," you should be wondering if the sentence makes sense in conjunction with the previous sentence using a semicolon and a comma. Use other linking adverbs to add variety and distinction to your post, such as:
   • Rather (Instead)
   • Instead
   • Yet (Yet)
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Advice

• Relational adverbs introduce a proposition by changing the meaning of a previous word, phrase, or clause.
• An emphasis is an adverb that is intended to affirm or emphasize.