should however be surrounded by commas

Yum Al Zember

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27-11-2024

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The Comma's Conundrum: Mastering the "However" Rule

The humble comma. A tiny mark, yet it wields immense power over clarity and meaning in writing. One particularly thorny issue for writers involves the use of the conjunctive adverb "however," often leading to questions about proper punctuation. Should "however" be surrounded by commas? The answer, as with many grammatical points, isn't a simple yes or no. Let's delve into this, exploring the rules and exceptions with illustrative examples.

Understanding Conjunctive Adverbs

Before tackling "however," let's define conjunctive adverbs. These words connect independent clauses, similar to coordinating conjunctions (like "and," "but," "or"). However, unlike coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon or a period before them and a comma after them when they connect two independent clauses. Examples of conjunctive adverbs include: however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, furthermore, instead, thus, accordingly, nonetheless.

The "However" Rule: When Commas Are Essential

The general rule is that when "however" connects two independent clauses, it should be surrounded by commas: a semicolon before and a comma after.

• Incorrect: The project was challenging; however I completed it on time.
• Correct: The project was challenging; however, I completed it on time.

Here's why this is crucial: The semicolon separates the two independent clauses, indicating a strong pause. The comma after "however" further emphasizes the break and clarifies the relationship between the clauses. Omitting the comma creates a run-on sentence or a comma splice—grammatical errors that hinder readability.

Let's explore this with a real-world example, drawing inspiration from a hypothetical scenario based on research findings:

• Scenario: Imagine a study (hypothetical) published in a journal like ScienceDirect concerning the effects of a new drug. One clause might describe the drug's primary effect; another might detail a surprising side effect.

• Incorrect: The new drug effectively reduced inflammation; however it caused unexpected weight loss.

• Correct: The new drug effectively reduced inflammation; however, it caused unexpected weight loss.

The corrected sentence clarifies that the weight loss is a separate and potentially unexpected outcome of the drug's effect on inflammation.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Commas Aren't Necessary

The rule regarding commas around "however" is not absolute. There are exceptions:

1. "However" as a sentence modifier: If "however" modifies a single word or phrase, it doesn't require commas.

   • Example: However you decide to proceed, I support your decision. Here, "however" modifies "you decide," not two independent clauses.

2. "However" at the beginning of a sentence: When "however" starts a sentence, it's usually followed by a comma, but it doesn't need a semicolon before it because it's not connecting two independent clauses.

   • Example: However, the results were inconclusive. This is a straightforward sentence and does not require a semicolon.

"However" vs. "But": Understanding the Nuances

Often, "however" and "but" can be used interchangeably; however, there's a subtle difference in their formality and usage. "But" is more informal and direct, while "however" is more formal and nuanced. Using "however" adds a sense of deliberation and formality, as if carefully considering the relationship between two ideas.

Further Analysis and Practical Application

To further illustrate the importance of proper comma usage with "however," let's compare some sentences, highlighting how incorrect punctuation can affect meaning:

• Incorrect: The experiment failed; howeverthe data was still valuable. (Run-on sentence)
• Correct: The experiment failed; however, the data was still valuable. (Correctly punctuated)

Notice how the lack of a comma in the incorrect sentence obscures the intended meaning. The correct sentence clearly separates the failure of the experiment from the value of the collected data.

Let's consider another example, drawing from a potential research article on material science published on ScienceDirect:

• Incorrect: The new material showed high tensile strength; howeverit lacked flexibility. (Comma splice)
• Correct: The new material showed high tensile strength; however, it lacked flexibility. (Correctly punctuated)

The incorrect sentence creates a comma splice, joining two independent clauses with only a comma. The corrected sentence, using the semicolon and comma, properly separates and connects the two ideas.

Additional Considerations and Style Guides

Different style guides may offer slightly different recommendations on comma usage. However, the general principles remain consistent: use a semicolon before and a comma after "however" when it connects two independent clauses; otherwise, use commas judiciously based on its function in the sentence. Always prioritize clarity and readability. Consulting a reputable style guide like the Chicago Manual of Style or the MLA Handbook can provide additional guidance.

Conclusion:

Mastering the use of commas with "however" is crucial for clear and effective writing. While the general rule involves surrounding "however" with commas when it links two independent clauses, understanding the exceptions, particularly regarding sentence modifiers and sentence beginnings, is essential. By carefully considering the function of "however" within the sentence and applying the appropriate punctuation, writers can enhance the clarity and professionalism of their work. Remember that prioritizing readability and consulting style guides when in doubt will always help you write strong, grammatically correct sentences.