Knowing about conjunctions can enhance your skills when learning English. “However,” for instance “however” is an important word to know (and possibly one of the most commonly used). It is often used at the beginning of a phrase or in the middle of a sentence, so let’s look at how to accomplish this!
The adjective “however” means “to whatever extent or degree”. It’s usually employed in sentences to join two distinct clauses (or possible sentences) to create a single compound sentence. The word can be used an in the middle of sentences without or with punctuation. It may also be used to start an expression.
The use of “however” in texts is not as simple as it appears. There are many factors to take into consideration in addition to the fact that the word could take on different meanings depending on the context and how it appears in a text can add more confusion. Learn more about the term to gain an even more detailed understanding of the meaning of the word, the best way to incorporate it into texts in the right way and more.
Do you know how to begin a sentence with “However”?
I am frequently asked whether it’s OK to use the word “but” at the start of sentences and if it is a yes, it’s OK to begin sentences with. It’s just important to know when you should use a comma and when to use a semicolon.
Is There a Rule Against “However”?
If there’s not enough information to cause you to stop every time you use it, however. You’re still not convinced; in his book 1926, A Dictionary of Modern English Usage, H. W. Fowler efficiently organizes his arguments about the use of the word “but” into four significant categories while addressing the issue of when, however, is prematurely in sentences, when it’s too late and whether nonetheless isn’t unnecessary (spoiler not to mention that he believes that it is).
We don’t know when the restriction, however, was imposed. Still, an article published in Chicago Daily Tribune from 1920 contains a quote from an intermediate section that reads, “a purist tells us that one should never begin a sentence with, however,” therefore, it’s been used for more than a century.
Do You Need a Comma When Using However as an Adverb or Conjunction?
If you’re using it as an adverb or conjunction, It doesn’t need commas. Let’s examine the examples that fall within three different kinds of meaning.
- Using However to Mean No Matter How, In Whatever Way, or In Whatever Manner
Whatever way you tweak these numbers, they don’t make sense. (adverb)
The numbers aren’t accumulating regardless of how you alter them. (adverb)
Whatever way you look at them, the results are disastrous. (adverb)
The results are not good. However, you interpret them. (adverb)
I’ll help you however you require it. (conjunction)
Consume the food in the way the food is served. (conjunction) - Using However to Mean To Whatever Extent or Degree
The dog he loves so much that he’ll find ways to keep it, no matter how his roommate is complaining. (adverb)
Whatever she’s feeling today, she’ll be content the next day. (adverb) - Using However to Mean By Whatever Means
They don’t care about how you do it. They want to make money. (adverb)
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you finish the task quickly! (adverb)
However, as for the question of, however…
Consider this: “He likes to eat salad; however, he loves sushi.” In this scenario, “however” is being utilized as an adverb that can mean “on the other hand” instead of as an expression of conjunction. A conjunction “however” means “in whatever manner or way”, such as, for example, “She is willing to lead however she can,” however, it is most commonly employed as an adverb which could have different meanings. Because in the example above, “however” as an adverb has the same meaning as “on the other hand”, along with “but” as a conjunction, it’s natural that the two words can be interchanged in that sentence.
Using only a comma “however” in the middle of the sentence instead of the semicolon before and the comma after (as in”but “but” version and as even though “however” was also being used as an auxiliary) isn’t as effective. What you get is: “He likes to eat salad. However, he loves sushi.”
The Best Way to Utilize Semicolons “However”
If you’d like to avoid beginning a sentence using the word “but,” it’s easy to do. Pick a semicolon to use to join your two principal clauses. What I am referring to is that instead of using the period at the beginning of the sentence, before the word, use an apostrophe instead.
Consider this line in Robert Pirsig’s intro to The publication Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: “What follows is based on actual events. But it is not meant to be considered part of the vast collection of facts about the orthodox Zen Buddhist practice.” Pirsig could just as easily have added a semicolon place of the punctuation mark and added, “What follows is based on actual events, however it shouldn’t in any be a part of that vast collection of information that is factual about the orthodox Zen Buddhist practice.”
Crafting Better Sentences: Use “However” Carefully
Many writers overuse the word “but” since they think it’s more professional. However, the truth is that but is a word that can be clunky and is best used with care. Here are some helpful tips.
- Your preferred word is, however, which is usually more effective. Professional writers typically test first. If you desire to employ after trying, you’re not sure, then go ahead.
- Perhaps you were taught by a teacher who believed you couldn’t start sentences using but. That’s nonsense. There’s no law that professional writers begin sentences with the word “but” every time. Learn to get over it (and go through your bookshelf, and you’ll find I’m not wrong! ).
- The most common method of using it is to use it as the first phrase of the sentence. In the majority of cases, it needs the use of a comma