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Using However

The document discusses different ways to use the word "however" and the proper punctuation for each usage. It can be used as a conjunctive adverb to join two independent clauses with a semi-colon before and comma after. It can also begin a sentence followed by a comma and complete sentence. Overuse of sentences starting with "however" should be avoided. It can also be used as an aside with commas before and after. Finally, "however" can mean "in whatever manner" or "to whatever extent" with a following comma in the first example. Proper punctuation is important to clarify the intended meaning when using this word.

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189 views

Using However

The document discusses different ways to use the word "however" and the proper punctuation for each usage. It can be used as a conjunctive adverb to join two independent clauses with a semi-colon before and comma after. It can also begin a sentence followed by a comma and complete sentence. Overuse of sentences starting with "however" should be avoided. It can also be used as an aside with commas before and after. Finally, "however" can mean "in whatever manner" or "to whatever extent" with a following comma in the first example. Proper punctuation is important to clarify the intended meaning when using this word.

Uploaded by

j0r1z
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using However

‘However’ can be used in a number of different ways and each usage requires
particular punctuation.

using ‘however’ as a conjunctive adverb

‘However’ can be used to join two simple sentences to make a compound sentence.
‘However’ indicates that the relationship between the two independent clauses is one
of contrast or opposition.
The engineers claimed that the bridge was safe; however, they were still
not prepared to risk crossing.

Use a semi-colon (;) before and a comma (,) after however when you are using it to
write a compound sentence.

using ‘however’ to begin a sentence

If ‘however’ is used to begin a sentence, it must be followed by a comma, and what


appears after the comma must be a complete sentence.
However, there was no need to repeat the data entry.

Keep the use of sentences beginning with ‘however’ to a minimum. Overuse makes
‘however’ look more important than the content of the sentence. It may also result in
sentence fragments.
FRAGMENT — However, life in Ancient Egypt three thousand years
ago.
REVISED — However, life in Ancient Egypt three thousand years ago
was much more sophisticated.

A sentence beginning with ‘however,’ is usually closely related to the sentence which
precedes it. In most cases, it is more appropriate to use ‘however’ to form a
compound sentence.
Using ‘however’ as an aside

‘However’ can be used to interrupt a sentence. Use a comma (,) before and a comma
(,) after ‘however’ when you use it in this way.
It is, however, extremely difficult to identify all the relevant variables.

Using ‘however’ to mean ‘in whatever manner’, ‘by whatever means’ or


‘to whatever extent’

However the data were analysed, the results remained consistent.


OR
The results remained consistent however the data were analysed.

Note the comma in the first example. Be careful when using ‘however’ in this way as
the result may be ambiguous.

Compare the following:

The results remained consistent however the data were analysed.


The results remained consistent; however, the data were analysed.

If punctuation is not a strong point, your marker may find it difficult to decide what
you mean.

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f

NEW ENGLAND

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