however

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   Used to add a statement that contrasts with or limits what was just said.

   Grammar: Usually set off by commas: It's cheap; however, it's slow.

   Patterns

   • However, clause
   • clause; however, clause

   The plan looked perfect; however, nobody had checked the budget.

   I enjoyed the film. The ending, however, felt rushed.

   Prices are rising. However, wages have stayed the same.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   To whatever degree; no matter how.

   Grammar: Comes before an adjective or adverb: however hard you try.

   Patterns

   • however + adjective
   • however much

   However tired you feel, you must finish the homework.

   The door stayed shut, however hard she pushed.

   However much you offer, I won't sell.

3. 3adverbnot comparable

   In whatever way; by any means.

   Grammar: Used to give someone freedom: do it however you like.

   Patterns

   • however you want
   • however it works

   Cook the eggs however you prefer.

   Arrange the chairs however works best.

   However you got here, I'm glad you came.

4. 4adverbnot comparableinformal

   Used in questions to express surprise, meaning how on earth.

   Grammar: Sometimes written as two words: how ever.

   Patterns

   • However did you ...?

   However did you find this place?

   However will we get home in this storm?

   However did she manage without help?

Common combinations

however, ...

However, the results were not as clear as hoped.

; however,

The plan is simple; however, it's expensive.

however much

However much I study, I forget the dates.

however hard

However hard he tried, the engine wouldn't start.

however you like

Decorate the room however you like.

Synonyms and how they differ

nevertheless

Nevertheless is more formal and emphasizes that the second point holds despite the first.

but

But is shorter and informal, and it joins clauses without the punctuation however requires.

still

Still is conversational and often sits at the front of a sentence to stress persistence.

yet

Yet is slightly literary and joins two contrasting ideas more tightly.

Word family

how adverb

in what way

however much phrase

no matter how much

whatever determiner

no matter what

howsoever adverb

a formal, old-fashioned variant of however

Commonly confused: however or how ever?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “however”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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