should however start a sentence

Yum Al Zember

4 min read

·

27-11-2024

4

0

Share

Should "However" Start a Sentence? A Grammatical Conundrum Resolved

The question of whether "however" should begin a sentence is a perennial debate among writers and grammar enthusiasts. While some consider it a stylistic faux pas, others see it as a perfectly acceptable and even effective way to begin a sentence. This article delves into this grammatical conundrum, examining the rules, the exceptions, and the best practices for using "however" effectively in your writing.

Understanding the Concerns:

The primary concern surrounding starting a sentence with "however" stems from its traditional use as a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs, like "however," "therefore," "moreover," and "nevertheless," connect independent clauses. They often appear mid-sentence, preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma, as exemplified in the following sentence: The experiment failed; however, we learned valuable lessons from the process.

This conventional usage leads some to believe that beginning a sentence with "however" is grammatically incorrect or, at least, stylistically weak. They argue it disrupts the flow of the sentence and can lead to awkward phrasing.

Scientific Perspective: A Look at Style Guides:

While there isn't a definitive scientific study quantifying the negative impact of starting a sentence with "however," style guides offer valuable insights. Many, such as the Chicago Manual of Style (University of Chicago Press), do not explicitly forbid it, but recommend using caution and considering the overall context and flow of the writing. The emphasis is on clarity and readability. The guide highlights the importance of sentence structure in conveying meaning effectively, a principle echoed in numerous linguistics papers (e.g., research on information structure and sentence processing). Although specific studies on the impact of starting sentences with 'however' are scarce, the broader research emphasizes the importance of clear and concise writing, which may be affected by its use depending on the context.

The Case for Beginning a Sentence with "However":

Despite the reservations, beginning a sentence with "however" can be perfectly acceptable and even beneficial in certain contexts. This is especially true when:

• Emphasis is needed: Placing "however" at the beginning of a sentence draws immediate attention to the contrasting idea it introduces. This can be particularly effective in creating a strong rhetorical effect or highlighting a significant shift in thought. For instance: "The evidence seemed overwhelming. However, a crucial detail remained unaccounted for." The use of "however" here emphasizes the importance of the unaccounted detail.

• Clarity and flow are maintained: While some argue it disrupts flow, starting with "however" can actually improve clarity when the contrasting idea is substantial and needs to be clearly separated from the preceding sentence. Imagine a situation where you're comparing two different approaches to solving a problem: "Method A proved quick. However, Method B offered more accuracy and long-term sustainability." Starting the second sentence with "however" clearly signals the contrast between the two methods. This structure mirrors rhetorical devices found in argumentative discourse extensively researched in communication studies (see, for example, works on concession and refutation in persuasive writing).

• Stronger sentence structure: Some writers find beginning sentences with "however" creates a more dynamic and engaging writing style. It provides a sense of rhythm and variety, which can make the writing more appealing to the reader. Overuse, however, should be avoided.

Best Practices for Using "However" at the Start of a Sentence:

• Use sparingly: Overusing any stylistic device, including starting sentences with "however," can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous.

• Ensure clarity: The sentence following "however" should clearly contrast or qualify the previous sentence. The connection should be logical and easily understood.

• Consider alternatives: Sometimes, a different word or phrase might be a better choice. Synonyms such as "nevertheless," "on the other hand," or "despite this" can often express a similar contrasting idea more smoothly in some contexts.

• Context is key: The appropriateness of starting a sentence with "however" depends entirely on the context. In formal writing, err on the side of caution and consider alternatives, while in less formal writing, the style can be more flexible.

Examples and Analysis:

Let's examine some examples to illustrate the effective and ineffective use of "However" at the start of a sentence:

Effective Use:

• "The initial results were promising. However, further analysis revealed unforeseen complications." (Clear contrast, emphasizes complications)
• "Many experts agree with this approach. However, there's significant dissent among practitioners." (Highlights disagreement, creates tension)

Less Effective Use:

• "The weather was sunny. However, I decided to stay inside." (Weak contrast, simpler phrasing would be better: "The weather was sunny; however, I decided to stay inside" or "Although the weather was sunny, I decided to stay inside.")
• "I ate a large lunch. However, I'm still hungry." (A weaker sentence. A more concise alternative might be: "Despite eating a large lunch, I'm still hungry.")

Conclusion:

Starting a sentence with "however" is not grammatically incorrect, but it is a stylistic choice that requires careful consideration. Its effectiveness hinges on context, clarity, and moderation. While some style guides might prefer alternative phrasings, the ultimate goal is to write clearly and effectively. Focus on crafting sentences that convey your meaning precisely and engagingly, regardless of where "however" or any other conjunctive adverb is placed. The focus should always remain on clear and concise writing to ensure the information reaches the reader without hindering their understanding. The research on readability in linguistics and communication studies supports this conclusion, emphasizing the importance of effective sentence structure and word choice over strict adherence to potentially outdated grammatical rules. Ultimately, good writing prioritizes communication, and choosing the most appropriate word placement serves that purpose.