RSS Feed
May 3

However you read it, it is confusing

Posted on Monday, May 3, 2010 in Misused words and expressions

However.

In the meaning nevertheless, not to come first in its sentence or clause.

Poor: The roads were almost impassable. However, we at last succeeded in reaching camp.
Better: The roads were almost impassable. At last, however, we succeeded in reaching camp.

When however comes first, it means in whatever way or to whatever extent.

However you advise him, he will probably do as he thinks best.
However discouraging the prospect, he never lost heart.

From: William Strunk, Jr., The Elements of Style, 1918.

Comments are closed for this entry.