However short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "However short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that acknowledges the brevity of something while emphasizing its significance or impact. Example: "However short the meeting was, it was incredibly productive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

However, short term solutions are likely to fail to scale.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

However short that may be.

Huffington Post

However short lived and self-deceiving our escapism might be, it is more necessary than ever.

Vice

However, short hair on men was introduced in World War One for soldiers.

Wikipedia

However, short term exceedances are of greater interest.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

However, short read assembly itself is very challenging.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Galerius's supremacy was, however, short-lived.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This principled exemption was, however, short-lived.

The Guardian - Opinion

But swing, however short-lived, has much to teach us.

The New Yorker

The Hungarian Guard, however short-lived, altered the character of Jobbik.

The New Yorker

Their naïveté, however short-lived, may have spared them some sleepless nights.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "However short", ensure the following clause contrasts or builds upon the idea of brevity. This creates a cohesive and meaningful statement.

Common error

Avoid using "However short" when there's no contrasting or building relationship with the subsequent clause. The phrase's strength lies in setting up a contrast or unexpected consequence to the brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "However short" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to express a condition or concession related to the brevity of something. It sets up a contrast or qualification to the main statement, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "However short" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that serves to acknowledge the brevity of something while emphasizing its significance or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively sets up a contrast or qualification to the main statement. It finds frequent usage in diverse contexts like Science and News & Media and is versatile enough to be used in neutral registers. When using "However short", ensure that the following clause builds upon or contrasts with the idea of brevity to create a cohesive and meaningful statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No matter how brief

This alternative focuses on the lack of length, similar to "however short".

Regardless of its brevity

Emphasizes that despite being brief, the item remains significant.

Despite being concise

Highlights that the item is short, sweet, and to the point.

Even if brief

A more concise way of expressing the same idea of shortness.

Though not lengthy

Indicates that it is not long, before introducing another idea.

Brief as it may be

Reorders the elements of the sentence.

However limited in scope

Focuses on the extent of the coverage or detail.

Short though it is

Emphasizes shortness through inversion.

Notwithstanding its limited duration

Highlights limited duration while still being important.

Even in its abridged form

This alternative highlights something has been made shorter.

FAQs

How can I use "However short" in a sentence?

Use "However short" to acknowledge that something is brief, while also emphasizing its importance or impact. For example, "However short the meeting was, it was incredibly productive."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "However short"?

You can use alternatives such as "no matter how brief", "regardless of its brevity", or "despite being concise" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "However short"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to begin a sentence with "However short". This construction is used to introduce a subordinate clause that acknowledges the brevity of something, often to emphasize a contrasting or surprising element in the main clause.

What's the difference between "However short" and "even if brief"?

"However short" and "even if brief" are quite similar, but "However short" often implies more of a contrast or unexpected consequence despite the brevity. "Even if brief" simply acknowledges the shortness without necessarily implying a surprise.