Does the comma go before however or after

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether you need a comma before or after the word however? If so, you aren’t alone. This is a minor point of grammar that is often questioned, debated, and searched. It can sometimes even be difficult to find a good answer online.

We are going to fix that in this post. Let’s get to the bottom of whether however and a comma go together always, never, or sometimes.

When to Use a Comma With However

The word however is a conjunction and a conjunctive adverb. This means that it signals a connection between two independent clauses in a sentence. It also can connect the ideas in two or more sentences or show relationships between ideas within a main clause. Similar examples would be the words consequently and furthermore.

We would not use however as a coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses. For example, the following would be incorrect:

I generally dislike vegetables, however I sometimes eat carrots.

Compare that with this correct usage of a coordinating conjunction:

I generally dislike vegetables, but I sometimes eat carrots.

Because however is a conjunctive adverb, it can separate these same two independent clauses if it is preceded by a semicolon:

I generally dislike vegetables; however, I sometimes eat carrots.

We could also choose to separate the two independent clauses with a period. The word however and a comma would then begin the second independent clause:

I generally dislike vegetables. However, I sometimes eat carrots.

In each instance, you can see how the word however joins or bridges related thoughts or ideas.

When However Is Used to Insert a Break in Thought

Occasionally writers will use the word however not to bridge ideas but to interrupt their own thoughts.

Example

I don’t think schools should encourage blind obedience to authority. My professor, however, feels strongly that I should arrive at his class on time every week.

In this application, however is still functioning as an adverb, but rather than join related thoughts or ideas, it acts as a parenthetical thought similar to on the other hand and nevertheless. In this case we would use a comma both before and after however. When however is used this way, you’ll note that it typically supports a thought or statement of contrast.

So How Should I Use Commas With However?

You can use a comma or commas with however when:

• it bridges related thoughts separated by either a period or a semicolon.
• you are inserting however in a parenthetical or contrasting context.

While these guidelines might not address every instance or occasion of however you encounter, they will certainly help you navigate common daily usage.

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‘However’ is a useful word, however you look at it. [Sorry – Ed.] But readers of our e-bulletin, Write Away, often ask us to clarify the right ways to use it.

However we can help, say we.

Meaning ‘but’

The most common way of using ‘however’ is to mean ‘but’. This usually comes at the beginning of a sentence, and is followed by a comma.

The calendar claimed the month was May. However, the temperature felt more like November.

For this use, it’s also correct to put it in the middle of the sentence, with commas either side.

It was May. It was, however, very nippy.

Or you can put it at the end, after a comma.

I am normally wearing shorts by this time of year. I’m afraid of pneumonia, however.

But it is wrong to use ‘however’ between two parts of a sentence that make sense by themselves.

I look forward to this time of year, however today I have goosebumps is grammatically incorrect. You can use ‘but’ here instead, because it is a conjunction (or joining word). ‘However’ is not a conjunction when it means ‘but’.

I look forward to this time of year. However, today I have goosebumps is grammatically correct.

You can also use a semi-colon instead of the full stop – note you’ll still need that comma after ‘however’:

I look forward to this time of year; however, today I have goosebumps.

Meaning ‘no matter how’

Another, less common, meaning for ‘however’ is ‘no matter how’. You can use it in the middle of a sentence without a comma after it.

I couldn’t bring myself to give up my thermal vest, however tired I was of being teased for it.

You can also put it at the beginning of your sentence, without a comma afterwards.

However you like me to dress, I’ll do the opposite.

Be wary of not accidentally putting a comma after ‘however’ in this instance, or you could end up saying something quite different.

However, you like me to dress, I’ll do the opposite. [Note: if you do ever want to assert that, while there are people who prefer you clothed, you will always choose to defy them, then that second comma should really be a semi-colon. Or a full stop.]

Meaning ‘in whatever way’

In this form ‘however’ can be at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, with no punctuation around it.

I’m kidding. I’ll dress however you’d like me to. It’s your mum’s birthday party.

How do I want to travel to Hawaii? However you want. You’re paying.

Alternatives

When you’re writing a long document, and you need to link from one paragraph to another, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-using ‘however’ (meaning ‘but’). Here are some good alternatives to keep your writing varied and fresh:

•      Nevertheless
•      On the other hand
•      But
•      Yet
•      Despite
•      In contrast/comparison.

If you’re ever in doubt about how to use a particular word, or if you have any other business writing questions, our free 64-page guide to better writing The Write Stuff will help. Click here to download your free copy.