The word however has two main meanings in English, and the grammar changes slightly depending on which one you’re using.

Core meanings

  1. **“However” meaning “but / nevertheless” (contrast) **
 * Used to introduce something that contrasts with the previous idea.
 * Typical pattern: new sentence or clause, often with commas.
 * Examples:
   * “I wanted to go; however, I was too tired.”

   * “Sales increased this year. However, costs also went up.”

 * Function: a **conjunctive adverb** (links sentences/clauses, like “therefore”, “nevertheless”).
  1. **“However” meaning “to whatever degree / in whatever way” (degree/manner) **
 * Used before adjectives/adverbs or with clauses.
 * Has the sense of “no matter how” or “in any way that”.
 * Examples:
   * “Do it however you like.”

   * “However you look at it, it’s going to be expensive.”

   * “He wanted to avoid risks, however small.”

Quick usage guide

1. Placing “however” for contrast

You can put “however” in several positions when you mean “but / nevertheless”:

  • At the start of a sentence :
    • “The forecast is bad. However, conditions might improve.”
  • In the middle after a semicolon:
    • “We thought the figures were correct; however, we later found errors.”
  • After the subject for emphasis:
    • “The garden is improving; there is, however, still a lot to do.”

Typical punctuation:

  • Start of sentence: “However, …”
  • After semicolon: “; however, …”
  • Mid-sentence: surrounded by commas (“is, however, still…”).

2. Using “however” for degree or manner

This sense often comes before an adjective/adverb or a clause and doesn’t always need commas.

  • “However + adjective/adverb” = “no matter how …”
    • “However cold it is, she keeps the window open.”
* “However carefully I explained, she still didn’t understand.”
  • “However + clause” (= “in whatever way”):
    • “However you choose to travel, it’s easy to reach the city center.”
* “I’ll help however I can.”

Here, however usually starts the clause and is not followed by a comma when it means “in whatever way” or “to whatever extent”.

Mini FAQ

1. Is “however” a conjunction or an adverb?

  • Grammatically, in modern descriptions, it’s usually classed as an adverb , specifically a conjunctive adverb when used for contrast.
  • In older style guides, it was sometimes discussed as if it behaved like a conjunction, which is why usage advice can conflict.

2. Can I begin a sentence with “However”?

  • Yes, this is standard in contemporary English when you mean “nevertheless”:
    • “He was feeling bad. However, he went to work.”
  • Some older or stricter style guides once discouraged this, preferring mid-sentence use, but major modern references accept it.

3. Can “however” go at the end of a sentence?

  • It can, but this is much less common and sounds stylistic or old-fashioned:
    • “You can use it at the end, however.”

Examples by pattern (quick reference)

  • Contrast (like “but”) :
    • “The year was difficult. However, there were a few good news stories.”
* “He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.”
  • To whatever degree :
    • “She kept the window open, however cold it was outside.”
* “However much I respect him, I can’t agree this time.”
  • In whatever way :
    • “Do it however you like.”
* “However you look at it, it’s going to cost a lot.”

If you tell me a sentence you’re unsure about, I can explain which meaning of however it uses and whether the punctuation fits.