How to Use “However” in Your Writing
When writing, it’s important to use transitional words and phrases to effectively convey your ideas. One common transitional word is “however,” which can help present contrasting or contrasting ideas. Follow these guidelines to effectively use “however” in your writing:
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Choose the right placement: “However” is typically used to link two contrasting ideas within a sentence. It can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the desired effect. Consider the following examples:
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At the beginning of a sentence: “However, I disagree with that statement.”
- In the middle of a sentence: “I, however, disagree with that statement.”
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At the end of a sentence: “I disagree with that statement, however.”
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Use a comma: When “however” is used in the middle of a sentence, it should be set off by commas. This helps separate the contrasting information from the rest of the sentence. For example: “I, however, think differently.”
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Understand its meaning: “However” indicates a contrast or contradiction to a previous statement. It is important to ensure that the ideas being contrasted are related and make sense within the context of your writing.
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Example: “The weather forecast predicted rain; however, the sun continued to shine.”
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Avoid overusing it: While “however” is a useful transitional word, using it excessively can make your writing repetitive. Instead, try to vary your transitional words to maintain coherence in your writing.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively use “however” to convey contrasting ideas in your writing, making your arguments more persuasive and engaging for your readers.