Another Word for however – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
Using “however” is great for showing contrast, but using it too much can sound formal. Learning another word for “however” helps you connect your ideas in a more natural way. This makes your English sound more fluent and varied.
Meaning of “However”
“However” is a word used to show a contrast or contradiction between two ideas. It means “but” or “on the other hand,” and it often starts a new sentence to introduce a different thought.
Synonyms for “However”
Here are some common synonyms and alternatives for “however”:
- But – The most common and simple way to show contrast. It’s perfect for everyday conversation and is used to connect two ideas in one sentence.
- Though – A softer, more informal word for contrast. It can be used at the end of a sentence, which is very common in speaking.
- Although – Used at the beginning of a clause to introduce a contrasting idea. It is a bit more formal than “but.”
- On the other hand – A useful phrase to introduce a different perspective or an opposite point. It’s great for discussions.
Example Sentences
- I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
- I’m not very hungry. I’ll have a small snack, though.
- Although the movie was long, it was very interesting.
- It’s an expensive car. On the other hand, it’s very reliable.
Mini Dialogue
Lisa: I’d love to live in the city. Although, it can be very noisy.
David: That’s true. It’s exciting, but the countryside is more peaceful. I like the quiet, though.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t say: “I like coffee, however I don’t drink it after 5 PM.” (Using a comma before “however” in the middle of a sentence is a common punctuation error.)
✅ Do say: “I like coffee. However, I don’t drink it after 5 PM.” or “I like coffee, but I don’t drink it after 5 PM.”
Let’s Practice!
Which word best fits this sentence?
“She studied very hard for the test. _______, she didn’t get the grade she wanted.”
(Answer: However – It correctly starts a new sentence to introduce a contrasting result.)
Practice Tip
Try using “but” or “though” in your next conversation to show a contrast instead of “however.”
Final Note
Knowing another word for “however” gives you more flexibility in your English. Use words like “but,” “though,” and “although” to connect your contrasting ideas smoothly and naturally!
