Discourse Marker: 'However' (Contrast)

however signals a contradiction or a surprising turn of events. Imagine you are ordering food. You want the steak. You realize it is too expensive. You use however to bridge those two thoughts. Unlike but, however can move around in a sentence. You can put it at the start, in the middle, or at the end. This flexibility is its superpower. It allows you to change the rhythm of your speech. It also changes which part of the sentence you want to emphasize. Just remember that it usually requires specific punctuation to work. Without the right commas or semicolons, it can get messy. Think of punctuation as the glue that keeps however in place.

1. 1To use however correctly, follow these three common patterns:
2. 2Starting a new sentence: [Sentence 1]. However, [Sentence 2].
3. 3Example: "The weather was terrible. However, the party continued."
4. 4Joining two independent clauses: [Clause 1]; however, [Clause 2].
5. 5Example: "I studied for weeks; however, I still felt nervous."
6. 6Placing it in the middle: [Subject], however, [Rest of sentence].
7. 7Example: "The manager, however, disagreed with the plan."

Use however when you want to sound professional and clear. It is great for job interviews when discussing challenges. You might say, "I lacked experience; however, I learned the software quickly." It is also useful in academic writing to show different viewpoints. If you are giving directions, use it to warn someone. "The path is short; however, it is very steep." Use it when you want to slow down the pace of your argument. It gives the reader a moment to breathe before the contrast hits. It is the "tuxedo" of transition words—save it for when you want to impress.

Do not use however as a direct replacement for but inside a single comma. This is a common trap! For example, "I like tea, however I hate coffee" is grammatically incorrect. This is called a comma splice. Also, avoid using it in very casual text messages. Sending "I am late; however, I am coming" to a close friend might sound a bit robotic. It can feel too stiff for a quick chat over drinks. Don't use it if the contrast is very weak. If the two ideas aren't actually opposing each other, however will feel out of place. Finally, don't start every single sentence with it. Variety is the spice of life and grammar.

One big mistake is the "punctuation fail." Many people forget the semicolon before however when joining sentences. Another mistake is overusing it in a single paragraph. If you use it three times in four sentences, you'll sound like a legal document. Some people also forget the comma after however when it starts a sentence. This comma is essential for that brief pause. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Think of it like a grammar traffic light. If you miss the signal, the sentence crashes. Another slip-up is using it when you actually mean although. although introduces a dependent clause, while however stands more independently.

But is short, punchy, and informal. You use it to join two ideas quickly. However is more formal and requires more punctuation. Nevertheless is even more formal than however. It implies a sense of "despite what was just said." It is like however on steroids. Although and Even though are used at the start of a clause. They don't need semicolons. For example: "Although it rained, we went out." Compare this to: "It rained; however, we went out." Notice how the structure changes? While can also show contrast, but it often suggests things happening at the same time. however is strictly about the logical turn.