Learn English – how to use “however”

word-usage

As I understand, the word "however" is synonymous to "but", except that it can only be used, to grossly simplify, at the beginning of sentences, like this:

"It was red. However, it was hard to see."

I am also coming to believe that it may be inserted in the middle of a phrase, if that phrase is near the beginning:

"It was red. It was, however, not easy to see."

Finally, I believe it is incorrect to use it as a substitute of "but", like this:

"It was red, however it was hard to see."

Is any of what I am saying here correct, if not, what are?

Best Answer

"However" is a rather versatile word, and its placement in a sentence can have a difference in meaning.

  • It can go at the start:

However, a sentence can change in meaning depending on word placement.

This "however" is similar to a "despite this/that" and should always be followed by a comma.

  • It can go at the end:

A sentence can change in meaning depending on word placement, however.

This is a variation on the first structure. The "however" could be replaced with a "though". It should always be preceded by a comma.

  • It can go in the middle (or elsewhere):

A sentence, however, can change in meaning depending on word placement.

Again, this is similar to the first construction. It can be more emphatic. Like the second, it is used similarly to a "though". It should be preceded and succeeded by a comma.

  • It can go in the middle (or elsewhere) with a different intention:

Sentences convey meaning; however, this meaning can change depending on word placement.

This "however" is used like a "but" and the general practice is to precede it with a semicolon and end it with a comma.

So you can be quite flexible with the use of "however"; however, (see what I did there?) it is not a bad idea to limit how often you use it to avoid repetition.

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