However means “but” or “despite this”. It introduces an idea that contrasts with what was said before or limits it. It is a more formal alternative to “but”, which is why it appears so often in essays and work emails. Without a comma and before an adjective or adverb, “however” means “no matter how”: however hard I try.
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Sentence. However, + sentence; clause; however, + clause; subject, however, + verb; however + adjective/adverb + clause
- Public transport reduces traffic in city centres. However, many rural areas still lack regular bus services.
- Online learning is flexible; however, it requires a high level of self-discipline.
- However hard I try, I can't remember people's names at parties.
What changed
First versionThe course is cheap, however it takes a lot of time.
RevisionThe course is cheap; however, it takes a lot of time.
“However” cannot join two parts of a sentence after a comma the way “but” does. It needs a full stop or a semicolon before it and a comma after it: cheap; however, it takes.
“But” joins parts of one sentence and does not need a comma after it: The course is cheap, but it takes a lot of time. “However” works differently: it starts a new sentence or comes after a semicolon, and a comma follows it. If there is no comma after “however” and an adjective comes next, the meaning changes: However tired I am, I read a few pages before bed.
Your turn
Most students liked the new timetable, ___ some teachers found it inconvenient.
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but — The two parts are separated only by a comma, and there is no comma after the gap. This is how “but” joins them. “However” does not fit here: it needs a semicolon before it and a comma after it: timetable; however, some teachers.
Write two sentences about a rule or restriction introduced in your city, at work or at university. In the first, say why it was introduced; in the second, start with However and say what went wrong.
Our city banned cars from the old town to reduce air pollution. However, traffic on the surrounding streets has become much heavier.
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