however although

USAGE SUMMARY

'however although' can be used in written English.
It is used to draw attention to a contrast between two ideas or arguments. For example, "Many people believe the project is a bad idea; however, although it may seem difficult, it could prove to be extremely beneficial in the end."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, although necessary, this isn't sufficient.

The Guardian

However, although civilisational collapse is rare, political collapse is constant.

The Guardian

However, although science is continually shifting, it is not arbitrary.

The Economist

However, although most questions are easily putted away, Richardson occasionally gets out a heavier club.

The Guardian

There's no level creator, however, although one suspects that may yet appear as additional downloadable content.

The Guardian - Tech

However, although Britain turned up its nose at borderless Europe, it went wholeheartedly for Tetra.

The Guardian - Tech

However, although Italy are unbeaten under Conte, they have not exactly sparkled.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not all beer and skittles in Australia, however – although there is plenty of beer.

The Guardian - Sport

The town approved the plan, however, although the theater was never expanded.

The New York Times

However, although they superficially look like large "normal" feathers, their structure is unique.

The Guardian

However, although pigeonholing may in part explain your company's behaviour, it certainly doesn't excuse it.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, using "however although" can be redundant. Consider using just "however" or "although" for a more concise sentence. Always prioritize clarity and avoid unnecessary wording.

Common error

Avoid stacking conjunctions like "however although" as it can make your writing sound clumsy. Choose the single best conjunction that fits the context to maintain a smooth flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however although" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, showcasing its role in connecting contrasting ideas. Ludwig AI states that this phrase draws attention to a contrast between two ideas or arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

16%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "however although" is grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests using it judiciously. It functions as a concessive conjunction, signaling contrast, but can often be redundant. News & Media sources frequently employ it. For clarity and conciseness, consider alternatives like ""although"" or ""however"" alone. The key takeaway, as Ludwig AI notes, is to prioritize clarity and avoid unnecessary stacking of conjunctions for more effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though

Omits "however", focusing solely on the concessive clause.

though

A more concise and informal alternative to "although".

despite the fact that

Replaces both words with a more formal concessive phrase.

in spite of the fact that

Similar to "despite the fact that", but slightly more emphatic.

even if

Expresses a conditional concession.

notwithstanding that

A highly formal alternative emphasizing the contrast.

with all that said

This phrase introduces a contrasting point after acknowledging previous information.

while

A simpler conjunction indicating contrast or concession.

yet

A brief conjunction expressing contrast.

but

A simple conjunction indicating contrast, lacking the concessive aspect.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to use "however although"?

Yes, "however although" is grammatically acceptable, but it's often considered redundant. Using either "however" or "although" alone usually provides a clearer and more concise sentence.

What's the difference between "however although" and simply using "however"?

Using just "however" typically provides a stronger contrast. Adding "although" might soften the contrast slightly, but it can also sound repetitive. Clarity should guide your choice.

When should I use "however although" instead of "although"?

While "however although" is technically correct, using just "although" usually suffices and avoids redundancy. There are few scenarios where both are truly necessary.

What are some alternatives to "however although" for expressing contrast?

You can use alternatives such as "even though", "despite the fact that", or simply "but" to express contrast more concisely.