Essential Tips To Start Your Sentence With “However”

Ever heard not to start a sentence with “however”? 

Some people think it’s incorrect, while others say it’s fine. 

Apparently, this word looks small! 

However, it can be very confusing, even though it’s really helpful.

Well! In this write-up, I’ll show you how and when to use “however.” We’ll also learn how to place commas, semicolons, and more. 

By the end, you’ll feel comfortable using “however” correctly and know when it’s best to pick a different word.

So, let’s get started!

Starting sentences with “However”

Do you often read newspapers, books, and other pieces of writing?

Ever notice “however” at the beginning of a sentence?

However, all kinds of writing use this conjunctive adverb.

Actually, it makes your writing clear because it helps connect ideas. 

But the main thing to get here is; it’s all about how you use it and when to add a comma.

Additionally, it should be more helpful for you to use an AI paragraph creator. This tool will write text more clearly and also use conjunctive adverbs efficiently. 

Let me quote some examples here for your better understanding.

• It’s possible to find joy in unexpected places. However, we still had a great time at the party.
• Sometimes, we face situations that don't go as planned. However, we decided to go for a walk despite the rain.
• Apologizing is sometimes the right thing to do after a mistake. However, he quickly apologized for his mistake.
• Determination can be a powerful motivator in tough situations. However, she was determined to succeed no matter the obstacles.
• Even when things seem set in stone, change can still happen. However, it was too late to change the decision.

Using “However” without a comma 

Sometimes, “however” doesn’t need a comma after it. Especially when it doesn’t mean “but” or “nevertheless.”
But putting comma will make the sentence more attractive. 

Hence, if you use “however” in the beginning without placing a comma, it means “in whatever way” or “no matter how.” 

This version of “however” acts more like an adjective, not a connector between two sentences. 

Let’s understand it with an example here:

“However hard you try, you should keep going.” 

Here, “however” means “no matter how.” 

You’ll notice there’s no comma after it because it doesn’t need one. 

The word is simply modifying the sentence, not linking it to the previous one.

Adding a comma after “However” 

You’ll put a comma after “however” when it means “but” or “nevertheless.” 

Especially if it’s at the beginning of your sentence. 

Well! As I’ve mentioned some examples above, let’s see one more. 

“I wanted to go for a walk. However, it started raining.” 

The comma here shows that "however" is changing the idea from the previous sentence to a new point.

This type of "however" gives a small pause. It shows that a different idea is coming.

When not to start with “However”?

Starting a sentence with "however" isn't always wrong!

But there are times when it's better not to use it.

One good example is in formal situations, like writing a; 

• Job application 
• Cover letter 
• Legal documents
• Official reports
• Business proposals

Well! It’s also good to avoid “however” if you’ve used it recently in the same paragraph.

As too many “howevers” can make your writing sound repetitive. So, use a text summarizer to avoid repetition. It will shorten your text and avoid using “however” again and again.

Semicolons to pair perfectly with “However”

A simple trick to avoid starting a sentence with "however" is to use a colon or semicolon instead.

This approach keeps “however” in the same sentence as the idea it connects to. It makes your writing flow better. 

Here’s an example: 

“The weather was perfect; however, we still decided to stay indoors.” 

In this sentence, the semicolon links the two ideas more closely than a period would. 

Just remember to use a semicolon if both parts of the sentence are complete thoughts (main clauses). 

However, semicolons are also used with other transition words like “therefore,” “nevertheless,” and “moreover.” 

Also, remember the difference between to and too. “To” is a preposition, while “too” means also or very.

“However” in the middle of your sentence

You can also place “however” in the middle of a sentence to add importance in the next idea. 

Well! This placement is great if you want to create contrast without interrupting the flow of the sentence too much.

Now let’s take this example: 

“Learning a new language is challenging. It does, however, open up many opportunities.” 

Notice that “however” is surrounded by commas here. It helps to differentiate and creates a small pause. 

Placing "however" in the middle of a sentence highlights the next idea. It doesn't break up the sentence.

This is also a compound complex sentence, where you’re joining two independent clauses with “however.”

Alternatives to “However”

While “however” is a powerful word, sometimes it’s good to mix things up. 

You can try using alternatives like;

Here are some alternatives to "however":

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• But
• Although 
• Yet
• Still
• In contrast 
• Even so
• Regardless

In contrast, it will keep your writing fresh. 

"But" is shorter and easier to use. Some guides even suggest using it because it sounds less formal and makes your writing more direct.

For example:

In place of saying, “However, I had a different opinion,” 

You can say that, “But I had a different opinion.” 

Final remarks

Using “however” correctly can make your writing clear and more interesting. To make it more intriguing, use AI reworder. This tool will improve your text and also make it unique.

Some people avoid it, but I see it as a good way to connect ideas and show contrast. The trick is to use it carefully and not too much. 

You can start a sentence with it, use it without a comma, or pair it with a semicolon. 

Be aware of your audience and tone. If you use it too much, try a simpler word like “but.”