3 ways to wear though

2023 Author: Sybil Carroll | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:08

If you are not completely sure that you are using the expression "however" in the correct way, it is because there are many ways to use it. It is easy to get confused, since in each case there is a different punctuation, and its own place in the sentence. Once you recognize the differences, however, it will be very difficult for you to forget them.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use "However" to introduce a contrast or contradiction

Step 1. Start a comparative argument with "However,"

To introduce a sentence that compares or contradicts a previous sentence, start with "However, …". This will alert the reader that a change is coming. Always put a comma after "However", and complete the sentence.

You may write, "I was very excited to attend lunch. However, I had already made plans."
Another example might be, "The design was certainly original. However, the wallpaper didn't match the furniture at all."

Step 2. Join two comparison sentences using "; however,"

When you have two complete sentences that oppose or contrast each other, but are connected, you can join them with a semicolon, the word "however" and then a comma. This shows that the second sentence is in a sense opposite to the first.

Start with two sentences that are opposite: "I'd love to join you for lunch. I don't have time."
Put them together like this: "I'd love to join you for lunch, but I don't have time."
This will make the connections between sentences visible, and help your text to be more coherent.

Step 3. Use ", however," as a paragraph

To interrupt a sentence that is already in progress, insert "however" between two commas. Like other uses of "however", it implies a contrast with the previous content, but in a way that the contrast is not as important.

Place ", however," after the subject of the second sentence: "I don't make it to lunch. You, however, are going to love that restaurant."
Use it to break the action into two parts: "I can't go to lunch. I could, however, join you next week."
Write it at the end of the second sentence: "I can't go to lunch. I could join you next week, though."

Method 2 of 3: Using "However" as a prepositional phrase

Step 1. You can use it for as the equivalent of "despite" or "despite"

It is possible to use "However" in a prepositional function to mean "despite" or "despite". It is usually followed by a noun or an infinitive.

For example, you can say "Despite not being hungry, the child has eaten all his food."
You can also say "We have not achieved the objectives, despite our efforts."
Check that you are using it correctly by replacing it with the phrases "despite" or "despite".

Step 2. Use it followed by an infinitive

When it is followed by an infinitive, it may or may not be preceded by the article, although it is not usual for it to have it.

For example: "Despite (being) hungry, the child has eaten all his food."

Step 3. It can be preceded by “what”

Although rare, it is possible that it could be followed by a subordinate clause that begins with the relative “what”. For example, you can say "Micronutrients are vital for plants, even though the amount they absorb is small." In cases like this, it is preferable to use "despite".

Warning: should not be used followed by the preposition "of". For example, “False witnesses came against me and yet from Knowing this fact, his statement was accepted.

Method 3 of 3: Review Common Errors

Step 1. Make sure you put the commas and semicolons in the correct places

When you use "however" as a conjunctive verb, remember that the semicolon comes immediately before the "however", and the comma comes after. Note that two commas are not enough to contain this use of "however".

Wrong: "Yes, your new shoes match your outfit, however; they are not appropriate for the weather."
Wrong: "Yes, your new shoes match your outfit, however, they are not appropriate for the weather."
Correct: "Yes, your new shoes match your outfit; however, they are not appropriate for the weather."

Step 2. Be careful with the fragments

It's easy to write a piecemeal sentence when you start with "however." If you start this way, you need to continue with a subordinate clause! Check that all sentences are complete.

Incorrect: "However, the sky in April." This sentence has no verb, so it is incomplete.
Correct: "However, the sky in April was cloudy." This sentence has a subject and a verb, so it is complete.

Step 3. Make sure you say what you really want to say

When you use "however" as an adverb, much of the meaning depends on the grammar. If you forget a punctuation, or put it out of place, you could say something that you did not intend. Notice how the meaning changes depending on where the punctuation is placed:

"Carrots are naturally delicious even though they have been cooked."
"Carrots are naturally delicious, yet they have been cooked."
If you want to say that carrots taste good either way, the first option is the right one.
If you want to say that carrots taste good raw, but not when cooked, the second option is correct.

Step 4. Don't abuse "however", especially to start sentences

Restrict its use to just a few times per page. If you are beginning a sentence with "However," ask yourself if it would not be more convenient to connect the previous sentence with a semicolon and a comma. Use different connecting adverbs to give variety and specificity to your writing, such as: