however

howeveradverb

American /haʊˈɛv.ɚ/ British /haʊˈev.ə/

not gradable

very commondefining vocabulary

However either brings in something that goes against what was said before, or means in whatever way or to whatever degree.

butused to add a statement that goes against or limits what has just been said
However introduces a contrast with the sentence before it and is more common in writing than in speech. It is usually set off by commas and can begin the sentence, sit after the first phrase, or come at the end. It is not a conjunction: it starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon, where but would join the two clauses with a comma.
sentence adverb [sentence adverb] not gradable [not gradable]
- The car is old. However, it still runs well.
- Sam wanted to come; however, he had to work. (after a semicolon)
- Most of the guests, however, stayed until the end. (in the middle of the sentence)
- Prices have gone up. The shop is as busy as ever, however. (at the end)
Synonyms nevertheless (nevertheless is more formal); still; though (though at the end of a sentence is informal: It's expensive, though.)
Compare but (but joins two clauses inside one sentence; however starts a new sentence or a clause after a semicolon, and can also sit in the middle or at the end of one)
no matter howto whatever degree; no matter how
Here however goes right before an adjective, an adverb, or much, many, few, or little, and the clause says that the result is the same whatever the degree.
not gradable [not gradable]
- However hard she tried, she couldn't open the jar.
- We'll get there, however long it takes.
- However much you pay, you can't buy more time.
- Everyone is welcome, however little experience they have.
Collocations
phrase however much, however many, however hard, however long, however often
in any wayin any way that someone chooses
not gradable [not gradable]
- You can arrange the chairs however you want.
- However you travel, the trip takes a whole day.
- Do it however you like, as long as it's finished by Friday.
Collocations
phrase however you like, however you want, however you look at it

Word family

Usage

In questions, however (often written as two words, how ever) shows surprise: However did you manage that? In careful writing a comma usually follows however when it begins a sentence, and commas go around it in the middle: The plan, however, failed.

Common mistakes

I like the house, however it's too expensive. I like the house. However, it's too expensive.
However is an adverb, not a conjunction, so it cannot join two clauses with only a comma; end the first sentence, or use but.

However, but the price was too high. However, the price was too high.
However and but both introduce a contrast, but not together: choose one.

However I try hard, I can't do it. However hard I try, I can't do it.
In the no matter how sense, the adjective or adverb comes right after however.

For translators

Meaning across languages These three senses are often three different words in other languages: a word for but or nevertheless, a phrase for no matter how, and a phrase for in whatever way.

Grammar trap However is an adverb, not a conjunction: it cannot join two clauses with only a comma. Many languages have one word for both jobs; in English, but joins clauses inside a sentence, and however starts a new sentence or a clause after a semicolon, or sits in the middle or at the end of one, usually set off by commas.

Pronunciation trap The stress is on the second syllable, ev; the first syllable is how, with the same vowel as in cow.