Buzz
If you're uncertain about using 'however' (meaning 'tuy nhiên') correctly, it's because this word can be applied in multiple ways, each with its own punctuation rules. The confusion often stems from the unique placement and punctuation required for each usage. However, once you grasp these distinctions, they become easy to remember.
Steps
Use 'However' to Introduce Contrast and Opposition
Start a contrasting sentence with 'However,'. To craft a sentence that contrasts or opposes the previous one, begin with 'However,…' This signals to the reader that a shift is coming. Always follow 'However,' with a comma and a complete sentence.
- For example, you could write, 'I was thrilled to be invited to lunch. However, I had already made other plans.'
- Another example is, 'The design was undoubtedly unique. However, the new wallpaper clashed with the furniture entirely.'
Combine two contrasting sentences using '; however,'. When you have two complete sentences with opposing or contrasting meanings but are still connected, join them with a semicolon, the word 'however,' and a comma. This shows that the second sentence contrasts with the first.
- Start with two opposing sentences: 'I would love to join you for lunch. I am too busy.'
- Combine them like this: 'I would love to join you for lunch; however, I am too busy.'
- This makes the connection between the sentences clearer and your writing more consistent.
Use ', however,' as a casual remark. To interrupt an ongoing sentence, insert 'however' between two commas. Like other uses of 'however,' this implies contrast with the previous content but makes the opposition less severe.
- Place ', however,' after the subject of the second sentence: 'I can't make it to lunch. You, however, are going to love that restaurant.'
- Use it to split a two-part verb: 'I can't make it to lunch. I could, however, join you next week.'
- Place it at the end of the second sentence: 'I can't make it to lunch. I could join you next week, however.'
Use 'However' as a Relative Adverb
Use 'However' to mean 'no matter how' or 'in whatever way.' When 'however' functions as a relative adverb, it conveys a sense of limitlessness. You can use it to start a sentence or insert it after a comma in a dependent clause.
- You could say, 'However you look at it, we owe Puerto Rico significant aid.'
- You could also write, 'I’ll make it to lunch, however the day goes.'
- Test its accuracy by replacing it with 'no matter how' or 'in whatever way.'
Combine it with an adjective or adverb. 'However' can be used to express 'to whatever extent' when paired with an adjective or adverb.
- You could write, 'I'll call you from Tokyo, however much it costs.'
- Another example is, 'However doomed the relationship, an open heart is its own reward.'
Start a question with 'how ever' to express surprise. Use 'how ever' to mean 'in what way' when you want to convey astonishment about the action described. When 'ever' is used for emphasis, the words should be separated.
- You could write, 'How ever did you find my address?'
Check for Common Mistakes
Ensure semicolons and commas are correctly placed. When using 'however' as a conjunctive adverb, remember that a semicolon precedes 'however,' and a comma follows. Note that two commas around 'however' are incorrect.
- Incorrect: 'Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however; they aren't weather-appropriate.'
- Incorrect: 'Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit, however, they aren't weather-appropriate.'
- Correct: 'Yes, your new shoes do match your outfit; however, they aren't weather-appropriate.'
Check for sentence fragments. When starting a sentence with 'However,' it's easy to write incomplete sentences. If a sentence begins with 'However, …' it must be followed by an independent clause! Review all sentences with 'however' to ensure they are complete.
- Incorrect: 'However, the sky in April.'
- Correct: 'However, the sky in April was clouded.'
Ensure you're conveying the intended meaning. When using 'however' as a relative adverb, the meaning depends on grammar. If punctuation is missing or misplaced, you might express the wrong idea. Check how meaning changes based on punctuation placement:
- 'Carrots are naturally delicious however they have been cooked.'
- 'Carrots are naturally delicious; however, they have been cooked.'
- If you mean carrots are delicious in any form, the first usage is correct.
- If you mean raw carrots are delicious but not when cooked, the second usage is correct.
Avoid overusing 'However,' at the beginning of sentences. Limit the frequency of starting sentences with 'However,' on each page. When beginning a sentence with 'However,' ask yourself if it connects logically to the previous sentence using a semicolon and comma. Use other conjunctive adverbs to add variety and uniqueness to your writing, such as:
- Rather
- Instead
- Yet
Tips
- A relative adverb introduces a clause by modifying the meaning of a preceding word, phrase, or clause.
- An intensifier is an adverb used to affirm or emphasize.
