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
NAME: ________________________ DATE: ________________________
GRAMMAR WORKSHEET
HOWEVER
 However is used to show that an idea contrasts with a
previous statement. It can come either at the beginning of
a sentence or in the middle. Note the examples below –
and how commas and semi-colons are used.
Examples:
“It’s late. However, I’m not tired.”
“It’s late; however, I’m not tired.”

 Use ‘however’ to write sentences below. Use your own ideas.

1. Hamburgers taste great. ( However, ….)

________________________________________________________________

2. Exercise is important. ( … ;however, ….)

________________________________________________________________

3. I was late for my class. ( However, ….)

I woke up early. However, I was late for my class.
________________________________________________________________

4. The exam was difficult. ( …; however, ….)

The exam was difficult; however, he passed it successfully.
________________________________________________________________

5. Mr. Adamson was sick. ( However, ….)

Mr. Adamson was sick. However, he went to work.
________________________________________________________________

6. Cell phones are useful. ( …; however, ….)

Cellphones are useful; however, you shouldn't use them all the time.
________________________________________________________________

7. Most people watch TV. ( However, ….)

Experts recommend to read books. However, most people watch TV.
________________________________________________________________

8. Money is important. (…; however, ….)

Money is important; however, she prefers love.
________________________________________________________________

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GRAMMAR WORKSHEET ALL Things Grammar

Grammar Focus However

Level Intermediate

ANSWER KEY My Notes

Answers will vary.

Some possible answers:

1. Hamburgers taste great. However,

they have a lot of calories.
2. Exercise is important; however, enough
rest is also important.
3. I was late for my class. However, my
teacher was also late.
4. The exam was difficult; however, I passed
got an A+.
5. Mr. Adamson was sick. However, he’s
better now.
6. Cell phones are useful; however, people
shouldn’t use them when they drive.
7. Most people watch TV. However, many
people watch too much TV.
8. Money is important; however, it can’t buy
happiness.

Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use. © www.allthingsgrammar.com

NAME: ________________________ DATE: ________________________

GRAMMAR QUIZ
HOWEVER
 Complete the sentences below to score your knowledge of However.
1. My classmate can speak Spanish. 10. I usually feel quite nervous before
However, she … an exam. However, I …
a) can’t speak Portuguese. a) didn’t feel nervous before this exam.
b) studied Spanish in school. b) didn’t eat lunch after the exam.

2. He finished his homework in only 11. We were very happy when we moved.
ten minutes. However, he … However, …
a) made lots of mistakes. a) it cost a lot of money to move.
b) is a college student. b) our friends helped us to move.

3. I went shopping yesterday. 12. My friend usually knows everything.

However, … However, she …
a) I bought eggs and milk. a) answered my question.
b) I forgot to bring my money. b) couldn’t answer my question.

4. After I watched the movie, I felt 13. I really enjoy studying English.
sad. However, I … However, I …
a) watched a funny movie later. a) also want to study Swedish.
b) ate popcorn during the movie. b) study it in school.

5. I walked by the dog while it was 14. The dentist can’t see me on Monday.
asleep. However, it … However, he …
a) was a small dog. a) can see me on Tuesday.
b) woke up and bit my leg. b) is busy on Monday.

6. We all worked on the car and fixed 15. I gave my friend a gift on his
it. However, … birthday. However, …
a) the car was white. a) I wrapped the gift in colorful paper.
b) the car broke down again later. b) he didn’t like it.

7. He said that his password was a 16. I looked for my cat, but couldn’t find
secret. However, … It. However, …
a) he told me the password. a) I felt very sad when I couldn’t find it.
b) he never tells it to anyone. b) it came back after three days.

8. I helped him with his work. 17. We had a great time at the beach!
However, … However, it …
a) he said, “Thank you.” a) started to rain.
b) he didn’t say, “Thank you.” b) was sunny and warm.

9. The final exam wasn’t easy. 18. I ran to my class because I was late.
However, I … However, …
a) got an A+. a) I don’t like to be late.
b) failed the exam. b) my teacher was also late.

17 – 18 = Excellent 15 – 16 = Good 14 or Less = Study More!

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GRAMMAR QUIZ ALL Things Grammar
Grammar Focus However
Level Intermediate

ANSWER KEY My Notes

1. A 10. A
2. A 11. A
3. B 12. B
4. A 13. A
5. B 14. A
6. B 15. B
7. A 16. B
8. B 17. A
9. A 18. B

Grades as
percentages
18 / 18 = 100%
17 / 18 = 94
16 / 18 = 89
15 / 18 = 83
14 / 18 = 78
13 / 18 = 72
12 / 18 = 67
11 / 18 = 61
10 / 18 = 56
9 / 18 = 50
8 / 18 = 44
7 / 18 = 39
6 / 18 = 33
5 / 18 = 28
4 / 18 = 22
3 / 18 = 17
2 / 18 = 11
1 / 18 = 6
0 / 18 = 0%

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