however
/haʊˈevə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /haʊˈevər/ (ame, ipa) · /hau̇-ˈe-vər/ (ame, mw)
however — adverb
1. Precedes an adjective or an adverb in a sentence where the speaker says a situat
Precedes an adjective or an adverb in a sentence where the speaker says a situation stays true regardless of degree or amount.
However hard Eitan trained, he never managed to beat his older sister at chess.
however + adj (hard) + subject + verb pattern
You should apply for the scholarship, however small your chance of getting it seems.
however + adj in concessive clause after comma
However carefully Lisa wrapped the vase, it still arrived cracked.
Ramón refuses to give up, however many setbacks he faces.
- no matter how
more common in everyday speech; interchangeable with 'however' in this sense
- regardless of how
slightly more formal, often emphasises determination
文法句型
However + [adj/adv] + [subject] + [verb]
用法筆記
The clause that contains 'however' (the concessive clause) can appear at the beginning or the end of the sentence. When it comes first, the main clause follows a comma. The adjective or adverb must come immediately after 'however'.
常見錯誤
2. Used in questions to express strong surprise, disbelief, or bewilderment about h
Used in questions to express strong surprise, disbelief, or bewilderment about how something happened or could be true.
However did Sahil manage to finish the entire marathon in under three hours?
however + did + subject + verb for surprise question
However did Aylin find her lost ring in that huge park?
However could you have known about the surprise party when nobody told you?
However did Romi persuade her parents to let her study abroad for a whole year?
- how on earth
similar level of surprise, more common in British English
- how in the world
common in both US and UK English; clearer than 'however' for this sense
文法句型
However + did/could + subject + verb?
用法筆記
Restricted to questions. In formal writing, 'how in the world' or 'how on earth' are preferred over 'however' for this sense because 'however' at the start of a question can confuse readers expecting the concessive meaning.
常見錯誤
3. Refers to the manner or method of doing something, saying that the result does n
Refers to the manner or method of doing something, saying that the result does not depend on which particular way is chosen.
Adina sets up the exhibition booth however the organizers instruct.
however + subject + verb for method/manner
However you decorate the hall, leave enough space for the band.
however + subject + verb at start of sentence
Stephanie edits the report tables however her supervisor prefers.
The librarian said they could borrow the equipment however they liked.
- no matter how
more conversational; the preferred form in everyday speech
- whichever way
more specific to method/choice rather than manner
文法句型
However + subject + verb
用法筆記
Closely related to sense 1 (TO WHATEVER DEGREE): the difference is that sense 1 focuses on quantity or degree, while sense 3 focuses on method or manner. In many sentences the two overlap — 'however you do it' can mean both 'no matter how carefully' (degree) and 'no matter which method' (manner).
4. Links two ideas by presenting the second one as different, opposite, or unexpect
Links two ideas by presenting the second one as different, opposite, or unexpected in light of the first — similar to 'but' but placed more flexibly within the sentence.
The restaurant had a long wait. However, Soraya got a table for Friday night.
However + comma at start of sentence
Élise had studied hard for weeks. Her test results, however, were disappointing.
mid-sentence position with commas on both sides
Paul loves the city's energy. Some days, however, he misses the quiet of the countryside.
The job offered a generous salary. The commute, however, was over two hours each way.
- nevertheless
more formal and emphatic; often used in academic writing
- nonetheless
very similar to 'nevertheless'; slightly less common
- but
less formal; cannot appear mid-sentence; used in everyday speech
- yet
slightly more formal than 'but'; carries a nuance of something unexpected
文法句型
[Statement]. However, [contrasting statement].
[Statement]. [Subject], however, [verb].
用法筆記
Comma placement is essential: when 'however' begins a sentence, place a comma after it ('However, ...'). When it appears mid-sentence, put a comma before and after it ('..., however, ...'). Do NOT use 'however' to join two independent clauses with only a comma — that creates a comma splice. Use a semicolon or start a new sentence instead: ❌ 'I was tired, however I kept working.' ✅ 'I was tired. However, I kept working.' ✅ 'I was tired; however, I kept working.' This sense is more formal than 'but' — in casual conversation, 'but' is preferred.
常見錯誤
however — conjunction
1. Describes any possible method or approach by which something may occur — functio
Describes any possible method or approach by which something may occur — functions as a conjunction connecting a clause of manner to a main clause.
However the judges decide to score the performance, Eitan promised to stay positive.
conjunction linking two clauses
However the negotiations play out, the company plans to move forward with the merger.
However the story ends, Liang is determined to finish writing it this month.
However the search team approaches the rescue, every second will matter.
- no matter how
far more common in everyday English; the standard choice for conversation and informal writing
文法句型
However + clause + main clause
用法筆記
This conjunction sense is largely literary in modern English. In everyday speech, 'no matter how' or 'regardless of how' is preferred. The clause introduced by 'however' can come either first or second.
2. In spite of the fact that something is true — used to introduce a clause that se
In spite of the fact that something is true — used to introduce a clause that seems to contradict the main clause but does not prevent it from being true.
Sahil refused to accept the award, however deserving the committee thought he was.
however + adj + subject + verb as conjunction (='although')
However much Aylin wanted to trust her friend, she knew the story was false.
However cold the winter gets, Élise refuses to wear a wool coat.
However reluctant Hoa felt, she agreed to lead the team meeting.
- although
standard modern choice; simpler and more natural in most contexts
- even though
adds emphasis; very common in both speech and writing
- though
can appear at the end of a clause; more conversational
文法句型
However + [adj/adv] + subject + verb, main clause
用法筆記
Considered archaic or highly literary. In modern English, 'although' or 'even though' are used almost exclusively for this meaning. When used as a conjunction, 'however' must be followed by an adjective or adverb — similar to adverb sense 1 but functioning as a conjunction that joins two clauses.