However Comma: The Truth When It Comes to Punctuation

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.

Did You Enjoy Our Post on However and Commas?

Visit us again soon for more great articles and tips (we post new content weekly). You can also ask a question about this topic or suggest a future one below!

If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page.