Can You Start Sentence With However

Have you ever been told that starting a sentence with "however" is grammatically incorrect? Perhaps an English teacher sternly advised against it, or you've read conflicting opinions online. Many writers avoid it altogether, fearing the wrath of grammar purists. But is this aversion truly justified? Let's embark on a journey to dissect this common grammatical query, exploring the nuances, historical context, and practical applications of beginning sentences with "however."

The use of "however" at the beginning of a sentence is a subject of much debate and, often, unwarranted criticism. While some grammar guides and style manuals discourage it, claiming it weakens the flow or sounds too informal, the truth is far more nuanced. "However," used judiciously at the start of a sentence, can be a powerful tool for creating transitions, indicating contrast, and guiding the reader through your argument. The key lies in understanding its function, avoiding overuse, and ensuring clarity. This article delves deep into the proper usage of "however" at the beginning of sentences, providing practical advice and dispelling common myths.

Main Subheading

At its core, "however" is a conjunctive adverb, meaning it connects two independent clauses while also indicating a relationship between them. This relationship is typically one of contrast, concession, or qualification. Think of it as a bridge that links two separate ideas, highlighting their differences or providing a counterpoint. The controversy surrounding its use at the start of a sentence likely stems from a desire for more formal and structured writing, where transitions are explicitly linked to the preceding clause within the same sentence.

Traditionally, it's true, "however" found its place nestled within a sentence, often following a semicolon or comma, effectively acting as a soft pivot. For instance, "The study showed promising results; however, further research is needed." This construction maintains a clear and immediate connection between the two clauses. However, language evolves, and stylistic preferences shift over time. The rigidity of grammatical rules often gives way to more flexible approaches, particularly in contemporary writing. It's essential to understand the historical context, but equally important to recognize how language adapts to modern communication needs.

Comprehensive Overview

Definitions and Grammatical Foundations: To understand the debate, we must first define "however" accurately. As mentioned, it's a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction like "and," "but," or "or." Coordinating conjunctions can directly link two independent clauses with a comma, creating a compound sentence. Conjunctive adverbs, on the other hand, require a stronger punctuation mark, such as a semicolon, or can be used to begin a new sentence. This distinction is crucial because it clarifies why "however" at the start of a sentence isn't grammatically incorrect; it simply functions differently.

Historical Context: The aversion to starting sentences with "however" can be traced back to prescriptive grammar rules prevalent in the 20th century. These rules, often based on subjective stylistic preferences rather than strict grammatical principles, aimed to enforce a specific standard of writing considered more formal and academic. Many style guides of that era cautioned against using "however" at the beginning of a sentence, arguing that it could create a choppy or disjointed effect. However, this perspective has softened over time, with many modern style guides acknowledging that such usage is acceptable when done thoughtfully.

The Function of 'However': The primary function of "however" is to signal a contrast or a shift in thought. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it provides a clear signal to the reader that what follows will present a different perspective or a counterargument to what was previously stated. This can be particularly useful in argumentative essays, research papers, or any form of writing where you need to present multiple sides of an issue. It allows the writer to create a clear separation between ideas while still maintaining a logical flow.

Clarity and Emphasis: One of the key benefits of starting a sentence with "however" is that it can add emphasis to the contrasting idea. By placing it at the forefront, you immediately draw the reader's attention to the shift in thought. This can be especially effective when you want to highlight a surprising or unexpected contrast. However, this technique should be used sparingly. Overusing "however" at the beginning of sentences can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable, diminishing its impact.

Alternatives and Synonyms: While "however" is a versatile word, it's not always the best choice for every situation. There are many alternatives and synonyms that can be used to achieve a similar effect, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Some common alternatives include "nevertheless," "nonetheless," "yet," "still," "on the other hand," "in contrast," and "despite this." Choosing the right word can help to make your writing more precise and engaging. For example, "nevertheless" might be a better choice when you want to emphasize the resilience of something despite an obstacle, while "on the other hand" might be more appropriate when presenting two opposing viewpoints.

Trends and Latest Developments

Modern Style Guides: Contemporary style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook, have adopted a more lenient stance on the use of "however" at the beginning of sentences. They generally acknowledge that it's acceptable, as long as it's done purposefully and doesn't lead to awkward or repetitive writing. This shift reflects a broader trend towards more flexible and pragmatic approaches to grammar, recognizing that effective writing is often more about clarity and impact than adhering to rigid rules.

Data-Driven Insights: Corpus linguistics, the study of language based on large collections of real-world texts, provides further evidence that starting sentences with "however" is a common and accepted practice. Analyzing vast databases of written English reveals numerous examples of skilled writers using "however" effectively at the beginning of sentences. This data challenges the notion that such usage is inherently incorrect or stylistically inferior.

Popular Opinion: Online forums, writing communities, and style blogs frequently discuss the issue of starting sentences with "however." While opinions vary, there's a growing consensus that it's a matter of stylistic choice rather than grammatical correctness. Many writers and editors acknowledge that it can be a useful tool for creating transitions and emphasizing contrast, as long as it's used judiciously and with a clear understanding of its function. The general sentiment leans toward pragmatism: if it works for the sentence and enhances the overall flow, then it's perfectly acceptable.

Professional Insights: Professional editors and writing coaches often advise writers to focus on clarity and impact, rather than blindly adhering to outdated grammatical rules. They emphasize the importance of understanding the context and audience, and making conscious choices about how to use language effectively. Starting a sentence with "however" can be a powerful tool in the writer's arsenal, but it should be used with intention and skill. The goal is to create writing that is clear, concise, and engaging, regardless of whether it conforms to every traditional grammatical convention.

Tips and Expert Advice

Use Sparingly: The most important tip is to use "however" at the beginning of sentences sparingly. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable, diminishing its impact. A good rule of thumb is to vary your sentence structure and transitional phrases. If you find yourself starting multiple consecutive sentences with "however," consider revising to use alternative transitions or rephrasing your sentences.

Consider the Flow: Before using "however" at the beginning of a sentence, consider the overall flow of your writing. Does it create a smooth and logical transition between ideas? Does it enhance the clarity of your argument? If it feels awkward or disjointed, try moving "however" to within the sentence or using a different transitional phrase altogether. Sometimes, a simple rephrasing can make a significant difference in the overall readability of your text.

Emphasize Contrast Effectively: Use "however" to highlight a significant contrast or shift in thought. This is where it can be most effective. Ensure the contrast is clear and that the "however" effectively signals the change in direction. We want the reader to feel the "however", not gloss over it. For example, contrast can be made by following up a sentence or two of supporting context of an idea with "However, this idea is flawed because...".

Vary Sentence Structure: As previously mentioned, varying your sentence structure is crucial for maintaining reader engagement. If you tend to start many sentences with "however," make a conscious effort to use other transitional phrases and sentence structures. This will make your writing more dynamic and interesting to read. Mix it up with phrases such as 'on the contrary' or 'despite this'.

Read Aloud: A simple but effective technique is to read your writing aloud. This can help you identify awkward phrasing, repetitive patterns, and areas where the flow could be improved. When you read aloud, you're more likely to notice if a sentence starting with "however" sounds unnatural or disrupts the rhythm of your writing. This practice can also help you identify opportunities to use alternative transitional phrases or rephrase sentences for greater clarity.

Know Your Audience: The appropriate use of "however" can also depend on your audience. In formal academic writing, it may be best to use it more sparingly, opting for more traditional transitional phrases. However, in less formal contexts, such as blog posts or creative writing, you have more freedom to experiment with sentence structure and style. Always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when making decisions about grammar and style.

FAQ

Q: Is it grammatically incorrect to start a sentence with "however?" A: No, it is not grammatically incorrect. However, it should be used judiciously and with consideration for the flow and clarity of your writing.

Q: Can starting a sentence with "however" weaken my writing? A: Yes, overuse can weaken your writing by making it sound repetitive and predictable. Vary your sentence structure and transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Q: What are some alternatives to starting a sentence with "however?" A: Alternatives include "nevertheless," "nonetheless," "yet," "still," "on the other hand," "in contrast," and "despite this."

Q: Is it better to place "however" within the sentence? A: It depends on the context. Placing "however" within the sentence can create a smoother transition in some cases, but starting a sentence with "however" can add emphasis to the contrasting idea.

Q: Should I avoid starting sentences with "however" in formal writing? A: In very formal writing, it may be prudent to use it sparingly. However, even in formal contexts, it is acceptable if it enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether you can start a sentence with "however" is not a matter of right or wrong, but rather a matter of stylistic choice and effective communication. While some grammar guides may discourage it, modern style guides and contemporary usage recognize that it can be a valuable tool for creating transitions, emphasizing contrast, and guiding the reader through your argument. The key is to use "however" judiciously, with a clear understanding of its function and impact on the overall flow of your writing. Avoid overuse, vary your sentence structure, and always prioritize clarity and engagement.

Now that you're armed with this knowledge, we encourage you to experiment with "however" in your own writing. But don't just take our word for it. Read widely, analyze how other writers use transitional phrases, and develop your own sense of what works best for your style and audience. We also encourage you to share this article with your friends and colleagues, sparking a discussion about the evolving nature of grammar and style. What are your thoughts on starting sentences with "however?" Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!