Quick Definition
However is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said. It can also mean in whatever way or to whatever extent.
What Does However Mean?
However is a compound formed from how (Old English hu) and ever (Old English æfre). The word has been used in English since the 14th century, originally meaning "in whatever way". The contrast meaning — equivalent to "but" or "on the other hand" — developed later and became dominant in formal written English from around the 17th century.
Today, however serves two distinct roles. As a conjunctive adverb it signals contrast between two ideas: "The plan looked promising. However, it soon ran into problems." As a subordinating adverb it means "no matter how" or "in whatever way": "However you approach the question, the answer is the same."
Understanding the difference between these two uses — and knowing exactly where to place the comma — is essential for clear, professional English writing at B2 level and above.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| The film was long. However, I enjoyed it. | A2 — simple contrast between two sentences |
| The task was difficult; however, she completed it on time. | B1 — semicolon + however + comma (formal linking) |
| The results were better than expected. The cost, however, remained very high. | B1 — however as a mid-sentence parenthetical |
| The new policy has been widely praised; however, critics argue it does not go far enough to address the underlying causes. | B2 — academic / journalistic register |
| However carefully the data were collected, a degree of sampling error is unavoidable in any large-scale survey. | C1 — however meaning "no matter how", academic prose |
Collocations
| Collocation / Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| however + adjective/adverb (+ subject + verb) | However difficult the exam, try your best. |
| however + you + look at it | However you look at it, the decision was wrong. |
| however + small / large / brief | Any improvement, however small, is welcome. |
| ; however, | The price rose; however, demand remained stable. |
| . However, | She passed. However, her score was low. |
| The + noun + , however, + verb | The manager, however, disagreed. |
| however + much | However much you practise, nerves are natural. |
| however + little | However little time you have, plan your answer. |
| however + hard / long / carefully | However hard she tried, she could not convince him. |
| however + that may be | However that may be, the deadline stands. |
Usage Notes
Key rules for using however correctly
- Sentence-initial: Start a new sentence and place a comma after however — However, the plan failed.
- After a semicolon: Use a semicolon before however and a comma after — The plan was good; however, it failed.
- Mid-sentence parenthetical: Surround however with commas — The plan, however, failed.
- "In whatever way" use: No comma after however — However you try, it won't work.
- Register: However is more formal than but. Prefer it in essays, reports, and professional emails. In casual speech, but or though is more natural.
- Avoid overuse: Using however in every paragraph weakens its effect. Vary with nevertheless, yet, that said, or on the other hand.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
The price was high, however the quality was poor. (comma splice — however is not a conjunction)
The price was high; however, the quality was poor. (semicolon before, comma after)
However, she tried, she could not open the door. (wrong comma when however means "no matter how")
However hard she tried, she could not open the door. (no comma after however in this structure)
She failed the test. But however, she tried again. (redundant — use one or the other, not both)
She failed the test. However, she tried again. (use however alone)
Related Words
Practise This Word
Frequently Asked Questions about “however”
What does however mean?
However has two main meanings. First, it is used as a conjunctive adverb to introduce a contrast or concession: 'The results were poor; however, the team did not give up.' Second, it means 'in whatever way' or 'to whatever extent': 'However hard he tried, he could not open the door.' Both meanings signal that something unexpected or limiting follows.
Is however a conjunction or an adverb?
However is primarily a conjunctive adverb (also called an adverbial connector). It links two independent clauses and signals contrast, but it is not a coordinating conjunction like 'but' or 'yet'. When used to mean 'in whatever way', it functions as a subordinating adverb. In both cases, however is technically an adverb.
Where does the comma go with however?
When however introduces a contrast between two sentences, it is preceded by a full stop or semicolon and followed by a comma: 'She studied hard. However, she did not pass.' or 'She studied hard; however, she did not pass.' When however appears mid-sentence as a parenthetical, it is surrounded by commas: 'The plan, however, was never approved.' A comma before however (without a semicolon) creates a comma splice, which is a grammatical error.
What is the difference between however and but?
Both however and but introduce contrast, but they are used differently. But is a coordinating conjunction that joins two clauses within a single sentence: 'She tried but failed.' However is a conjunctive adverb used to begin a new sentence or follow a semicolon, and it sounds more formal: 'She tried. However, she failed.' However also has the additional meaning of 'in whatever way', which but does not share.
Can you start a sentence with however?
Yes, you can begin a sentence with however, and it is grammatically correct to do so. When starting a sentence with however, place a comma directly after it: 'However, the results were disappointing.' This usage is common in formal writing, academic essays, and journalism. Starting a sentence with however is perfectly acceptable and widely used in standard British English.
What is the difference between however and nevertheless?
Both however and nevertheless introduce a contrast or concession, but nevertheless is slightly stronger and more formal. Nevertheless implies that despite significant obstacles or strong reasons to the contrary, something still happened: 'The conditions were terrible; nevertheless, they continued.' However is more neutral and versatile and is used more frequently in everyday formal writing.
What is the difference between however and although?
Although is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause within the same sentence: 'Although the task was difficult, she completed it.' However is a conjunctive adverb used to connect two independent clauses or sentences: 'The task was difficult. However, she completed it.' They express similar meanings but require different sentence structures.
How do you use however to mean 'in whatever way'?
When however means 'in whatever way' or 'to whatever extent', it introduces a subordinate clause: 'However you look at it, the answer is the same.' or 'However difficult the question, try to answer it.' In this use, however is similar to 'no matter how' and is often followed by an adjective or adverb. No comma is placed after however in this construction.
What is the etymology of however?
However is a compound formed from 'how' (Old English 'hu') and 'ever' (Old English 'æfre'). The combination has been used in English since the 14th century, originally meaning 'in whatever way'. The contrast meaning ('but' / 'on the other hand') developed later and became the dominant use in modern formal writing from around the 17th century onwards.
How can I practise using however in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise contrast connectors including however in context. The Flash Cards tool can help you memorise the difference between however, nevertheless, although, and despite. Writing short paragraphs that include a contrast — for example describing a problem and then a solution — is an excellent way to practise using however naturally.