However Do You Punctuate “However”!?
The word however is a funny, tricksy word. It serves many purposes and is punctuated differently for each. Let’s examine it closely.
When it’s used as an intensive form of how, the word however does not have any special puncutation associated with it. Example: Miss Mary jumped up, startled. “However did you get into the house?” she demanded.
When however is used as a conjunction to link two sentences, it should be preceded by a semi-colon and followed by a comma. Example: Miss Mary was very angry with me for sneaking up on her; however, she was impeccably polite when she inquired whether I would have tea.
When however interrupts a thought, it is set off by commas. Example: Miss Mary did not invite me, however, to enjoy a mint julep with her.
I hope this clears up any misunderstandings about how to punctuate this versatile word.
5 Comments
What about starting a sentence with however? Happy Thanksgiving.
Some grammarians are agin’ it…
But I say, as long as you make sure it’s a complete sentence, properly punctuated, there is no reason that a sentence cannot start with however, even in its conjunctive use.
As one who left school in 1945 at the age of 14, with no qualifications, I stand in awe of your erudition.
On a small point : would this also be correct? Miss Mary was very angry with me for sneaking up on her. However, she was impeccably polite when she inquired whether I would have tea.
I shall make a point of reading your post assiduously, to improve my own use of English.
Yes, to separate the two sentences and place a comma after the introductory “However” in the second sentence is correct.
‘However’ can also be a funny word when used by a comedian. Do remember or have you ever heard standup comedian Professor Irwin Corey’s routine? After being introduced as “Professor,” the rumpled little man comes on stage, stands behind a podium, and with a goofy, but serious expression on his face, begins his “lecture” with “However.” Sparks my funny bone every time.