The word however is a conjunctive adverb, which means that it’s used to link two sentences. Linking or transition words like this are important in academic writing because they show how the ideas you present in your work are connected.
Without transition words, your essays and assignments will be a series of disjointed phrases, making it difficult for readers to understand your arguments. Because however is such a useful word though, it’s easy to overuse it and end up with dull, repetitive writing. In this post, we’ll show you some alternatives, so your writing won’t become however heavy!
You use however when you are introducing a contrasting or opposing idea:
Chocolate is very high in sugar; however, it is a popular snack.
Those shoes are expensive; however, they look fabulous.
I think kittens are adorable. I am, however, allergic to them.
You can avoid repetitive use of however by replacing it with one of the following words or phrases:
● But
● Although
● Still
● Nevertheless
● Notwithstanding
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
● Nonetheless
● Yet
● On the other hand
● Despite this or in spite of this
All of these have a broadly similar meaning to however, in that they express opposition or limitation. In most of our above examples, you could simply replace however with one of the listed alternatives:
Chocolate is very high in sugar; nevertheless, it is a popular snack.
Those shoes are expensive; still, they look fabulous.
In some cases though, the alternatives only work if you structure the sentences differently:
I think kittens are adorable, but I am allergic to them.
However is a useful word, because it links phrases or sentences and indicates a change in your line of reasoning. If you want to avoid repetitive use of however in your writing, be sure to choose an alternative word or phrase that has the same meaning, that is, a transition word that introduces a contrasting idea.
For more tips on vocabulary, grammar, and spelling, check out our blog. And if you need someone to review your work for errors, our proofreaders can help. You can even try out our service for free by uploading a trial document.
Δ
5-minute read
Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...
6-minute read
If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...
9-minute read
Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...
8-minute read
Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...
7-minute read
Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...
4-minute read
Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...