Is HOWEVER a conjunction
Is However a conjunction? 5 facts (when, why & examples)
Yes, “however” is a conjunction. Here are five facts about this word:
- “However” is used to show a contrast or exception to what was just stated. Example: “I usually don’t like vegetables. However, I love roasted brussels sprouts”.
- “However” can be used in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence. Example: “I love chocolate cake. However, I try not to eat it too often”. or “However, I try not to eat chocolate cake too often because it’s not very healthy”.
- “However” is often used in more formal writing and speech. Example: “The company’s profits have increased significantly. However, there are concerns about their environmental impact.”
- “However” can be replaced by other conjunctions such as “but”, “although”, or “nevertheless”. Example: “I love chocolate cake, but I try not to eat it too often”.
- “However” can also be used as an adverb to mean “in whatever manner or way” or “to whatever extent”. Example: “However you choose to do it, make sure you do it well”.
“However” at the beginning of a sentence
When used at the beginning of a sentence, “however” is a conjunction that indicates a contrast or exception to what was previously stated. It can be a useful tool for writers and speakers who want to add emphasis or nuance to their message. Starting a sentence with “however” can help to create a sense of anticipation or surprise, as the listener or reader expects a shift in the direction of the discussion. It is important to note that when “however” is used in this way, a comma should be placed after it to indicate the break between the two clauses. For example, “However, I still think we should go to the beach today”. In this sentence, the word “however” indicates a contrast to what was previously stated, and the comma helps to indicate the separation between the two clauses.
Why is ‘however’ a conjunctive adverb?
The word “however” is considered a conjunctive adverb because it functions as a connector between two independent clauses in a sentence. As a conjunctive adverb, “however” serves to link two ideas together by indicating a contrast or exception between them. Unlike other conjunctions, such as “and” or “but,” “however” is not used to join words or phrases, but rather to connect entire thoughts or sentences. Additionally, as an adverb, “however” can modify the entire clause that follows it, providing further emphasis on the contrast or exception being made. This makes “however” a versatile tool for writers and speakers who want to add depth and complexity to their language, and highlights the importance of understanding the different types of conjunctions and their functions in English grammar.
When is ‘however’ not considered as conjunction?
While “however” is most commonly used as a conjunction, there are certain situations in which it may not be considered one. For example, when “however” is used to mean “in whatever way or manner,” it is functioning as an adverb and not a conjunction. In this context, “however” is not linking two independent clauses, but rather modifying the verb or the entire sentence. Another situation in which “however” may not be considered a conjunction is when it is used as a transitional phrase at the beginning of a sentence, rather than between two clauses. In this case, “however” serves as a signal to the listener or reader that a contrast or exception is coming, but it does not necessarily link two independent clauses together. While these uses of “however” may not fit the strict definition of a conjunction, they are still important components of English grammar and can add depth and nuance to written and spoken language.
Examples of ‘however’ not considered as conjunctions
While “however” is typically used as a conjunction, there are several examples where it is not considered as one. One such example is when “however” is used to mean “in whatever way or manner.” For instance, “However hard he tried, he could not lift the weight.” In this case, “however” is modifying the verb “tried” and not linking two independent clauses. Another example of “however” not being used as a conjunction is when it is used as a transitional phrase at the beginning of a sentence. For instance, “However much we may disagree, we must work together to find a solution.” In this case, “however” serves as a signal to the listener or reader that a contrast or exception is coming, but it does not link two independent clauses together. These examples show the versatility of the word “however” and its ability to function as both a conjunction and an adverb in different contexts.
Independent clauses for “however” usage
When using “however” as a conjunction, it is important to connect two independent clauses in a sentence. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence, expressing a complete thought with a subject and a predicate. For example, “She wanted to go to the beach” and “He preferred to stay home” are both independent clauses. To use “however” as a conjunction between these two independent clauses, you could say, “She wanted to go to the beach; however, he preferred to stay home.” In this case, “however” serves to connect the two independent clauses and indicate a contrast or exception between them. Using “however” in this way can help to create a more complex and nuanced sentence structure, making writing or speech more interesting and engaging.
More about two independent clauses
In English grammar, an independent clause is a group of words that can function as a sentence on its own. It contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought that can stand alone. For example, “She loves to read” and “He is going to the store” are both independent clauses. When two independent clauses are used together in a sentence, they can be connected using coordinating conjunctions such as “and,” “but,” or “or.” For instance, “She loves to read, but he prefers to watch movies.” In this example, “but” is used as a coordinating conjunction to connect the two independent clauses. It is important to use proper punctuation, such as a comma before the coordinating conjunction, to clarify the relationship between the two independent clauses. Understanding the use of independent clauses and coordinating conjunctions can help writers and speakers to create more complex and varied sentence structures.
Coordinating conjunction
In English grammar, a coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance in a sentence. The most common coordinating conjunctions are “and,” “but,” and “or.” For example, “I like pizza and pasta” and “She wants to go to the park, but he wants to stay home” are both examples of coordinating conjunctions connecting words or independent clauses. Coordinating conjunctions can be used to join similar ideas, contrast ideas, or present choices. It is important to use proper punctuation, such as a comma before the coordinating conjunction when connecting independent clauses, to make the relationship between the clauses clear. Understanding the use of coordinating conjunctions can help writers and speakers create clear and effective sentences.
Conjunctive adverb when two sentences in English language
The word “however” is a conjunctive adverb that can be used to connect two sentences in the English language. It is important to note that “however” should only be used to connect two separate ideas, not two complete sentences that can stand on their own as separate sentences. Incorrect usage of “however” can violate basic grammar rules. For example, saying “I love pizza. However, I prefer hamburgers” is incorrect because both sentences can stand on their own as separate sentences. The correct way to use “however” would be to connect two separate ideas in the same sentence, such as “I love pizza; however, cooking a gourmet pizza is extremely difficult.” Many writers use conjunctive adverbs like “however” to create more complex sentences in everyday speech and writing, but it is important to follow proper grammar rules to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication.
Merriam-Webster on “however”
Merriam-Webster is a well-known American publisher that specializes in producing dictionaries and reference books. They are particularly known for their expertise in the English language and are a go-to resource for people looking to understand the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of words. “However” is a word that is frequently included in Merriam-Webster’s dictionaries, along with information on its various uses and meanings. In fact, Merriam-Webster provides helpful guidance on how to use “however” correctly, including its placement in a sentence and the correct punctuation to use when using it as a conjunctive adverb. By consulting Merriam-Webster and other reputable language references, writers and speakers can ensure that they are using “however” and other words accurately and effectively in their communication.
More examples
As a conjunctive adverb, “however” is typically used to indicate a contrast or exception between two ideas. When using “however” to connect two sentences, it should be placed at the beginning of the second sentence to indicate the relationship between the previous sentence and the upcoming one. For example, “I love pizza. However, I am lactose intolerant and cannot eat cheese.” In this case, “however” is used to indicate that the second sentence provides a contrast to the first sentence. In the middle of a sentence, “however” can function as an adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. According to Merriam-Webster, when “however” is used in the middle of a sentence, it should be preceded and followed by a comma to indicate the relationship between the two ideas. For example, “I love pizza; however, cooking a gourmet pizza is extremely difficult.” In this case, “however” is used to indicate a contrast between the first and second sentences. Understanding the correct way to use “however” can help writers and speakers to create clear and effective sentences.
Conclusion
The term “however” is classified as a conjunctive adverb because it serves as a linking word between two independent clauses in a sentence. Its primary function is to indicate a contrast or exception to what was previously mentioned. If placed at the beginning of a sentence, “however” is used as a conjunction to highlight a contrast or exception to what was stated before. Although these uses of “however” may not align with the precise definition of a conjunction, they are still crucial elements of English grammar, and they can enhance the complexity and subtlety of written and spoken communication.
For some more rules check article Is WHEN a preposition.
