should however be surrounded by commas

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27-11-2024

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

The humble comma. A tiny punctuation mark, yet it wields significant power over clarity and meaning in written English. One area where comma usage often sparks confusion is with the conjunctive adverb "however." Should it be surrounded by commas? The answer, like many grammar rules, isn't always straightforward. Let's delve into this grammatical conundrum, drawing upon insights from scholarly sources and exploring practical applications.

Understanding Conjunctive Adverbs

Before tackling "however," we need to understand conjunctive adverbs. These words connect independent clauses, showing a relationship between them (contrast, addition, cause and effect, etc.). Unlike coordinating conjunctions (like "and," "but," "or"), conjunctive adverbs don't directly join the clauses; they require a semicolon or a period before them and a comma after them. Examples include: "however," "therefore," "moreover," "consequently," "nevertheless," "furthermore," and "instead."

The "However" Rule: A nuanced approach

The general rule is that "however" – when used as a conjunctive adverb – should be set off by commas. This means a comma precedes and follows it.

• Correct: The experiment yielded unexpected results; however, the data was still valuable.
• Incorrect: The experiment yielded unexpected results; however the data was still valuable.

This rule ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity. Without the commas, the sentence flow is disrupted, and the reader might misinterpret the relationship between the clauses. The commas visually signal a pause, emphasizing the transitional nature of "however."

Let's consider the perspective of respected grammarians. While finding a direct ScienceDirect article solely focused on the comma usage with "however" is challenging (as this is a stylistic rule more addressed in style guides), the underlying principles are consistent with broader discussions on punctuation and sentence structure found in linguistic studies published on the platform. For instance, research on sentence processing and comprehension (studies often found in cognitive science journals accessible through ScienceDirect) highlights the importance of clear punctuation in facilitating efficient reading and understanding. The correct use of commas with conjunctive adverbs like "however" directly supports this principle. The implicit support comes from the overall emphasis on clear and unambiguous communication that underlies much of linguistic research.

Exceptions and Considerations:

While the "comma-sandwich" approach is generally recommended, there are subtle exceptions:

1. Introductory "however": When "however" begins a sentence, only a comma follows it.

   • Correct: However, the data was still valuable.

2. Emphasis: In certain instances, writers might forgo the comma before "however" for stylistic emphasis, though this is less common and potentially risks ambiguity. This is a choice to be made carefully and judiciously. Overuse can lead to inconsistent style and confusion.

3. "However" as a simple adverb: If "however" modifies a single word or phrase within a clause, it doesn't require commas.

   • Correct: The results were, however, unexpected. (Here, "however" modifies "unexpected.")

Analyzing Examples from Literature and Real-World Writing

Let's examine examples to solidify our understanding:

• Incorrect: The new software was expensive however it increased productivity significantly. (Missing commas around "however")

• Correct: The new software was expensive; however, it increased productivity significantly.

• Incorrect: He tried hard; however he failed. (Missing comma after "however")

• Correct: He tried hard; however, he failed.

• Correct: The weather forecast predicted sunshine; however, it rained heavily.

• Correct: However, I disagree with your assessment. (Introductory "however")

Practical Application and Avoiding Common Errors

The best way to master this rule is through consistent practice. When writing, actively consider the role of "however" in your sentence. If it acts as a conjunctive adverb connecting independent clauses, remember the comma sandwich. Proofreading your work carefully is crucial to catch these often overlooked errors.

Many writing tools and grammar checkers can help identify comma errors, but don't rely solely on them. Understanding the underlying grammar is essential for accurate and effective writing.

Beyond "However": Consistency with Other Conjunctive Adverbs

The comma rules surrounding "however" apply consistently to other conjunctive adverbs like "therefore," "moreover," "nevertheless," etc. Maintaining consistency across your writing will enhance readability and demonstrate grammatical competence.

Conclusion:

The correct use of commas with "however" is a crucial element of clear and effective writing. While the "comma-sandwich" rule is a helpful guideline, understanding the nuances and exceptions requires attention to the context and function of "however" within the sentence. By practicing and paying close attention to the subtleties of punctuation, writers can ensure their work is not only grammatically correct but also engaging and easy to understand. Consistent application of this rule, along with a broader understanding of punctuation principles, contributes significantly to strong and effective communication, both principles highlighted implicitly within numerous linguistic studies available through platforms like ScienceDirect. Remember that clarity and precision are paramount to effective communication, and the humble comma plays a vital role in achieving these goals.