however he is

USAGE SUMMARY

"however he is" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and can be used to introduce a contrast to a previous statement or idea.
For example: "John is usually quite quiet. However he is also passionate about music and loves to sing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, he is very slow.

The New Yorker

Mostly, however, he is mystified.

The New York Times - Sports

Mostly, however, he is working.

The New York Times

Now, however, he is wealthy.

The New York Times

"However, he is one player.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite appearances, however, he is no socialist.

The Economist

However, he is hoping to avoid it.

Independent

In shootouts, however, he is deadly accurate.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, however, he is thinking bigger.

The New York Times

About the details, however, he is vaguer.

The New York Times - Magazine

When he writes, however, he is free.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however he is" to introduce a contrasting point that clarifies or qualifies a previous statement about someone. It adds a layer of complexity and nuance to your description.

Common error

Avoid placing a comma directly before "however" when it connects two independent clauses. The correct usage often involves a semicolon or starting a new sentence: 'He is skilled; however, he lacks experience.' or 'He is skilled. However, he lacks experience.'

Linguistic Context

Adverbial Conjunction. The phrase "however he is" functions as an adverbial conjunction, introducing a contrasting element to a previously stated idea. It modifies the understanding of the subject ('he') by presenting an opposing or qualifying perspective. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase connects contrasting characteristics or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however he is" serves as a versatile and grammatically sound connector, frequently used to introduce contrasting information about an individual. Analysis of various sources confirms its acceptance across both formal and informal registers. Ludwig's AI confirms that "however he is" is a valid phrase for written English. When using this phrase, ensure correct punctuation, typically a semicolon or a new sentence before "however". Alternatives like "yet he is" or "nevertheless he is" can add variety to your writing. Pay attention to providing a balanced view, as the phrase’s primary function is to present a contrast or qualification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet he remains

Replaces "however" with "yet", focusing on a continuing state despite a contrast.

nevertheless he continues

Substitutes "however" with "nevertheless", emphasizing the continuation of an action despite an obstacle.

despite this, he persists

Replaces "however" with "despite this", highlighting resilience.

in spite of that, he proceeds

Uses "in spite of that" to introduce the action, stressing a challenge being overcome.

even so, he advances

Employs "even so" to indicate a forward movement against expectations.

still, he endures

Uses "still" to denote perseverance despite difficulties.

nonetheless, he acts

Replaces "however" with "nonetheless", focusing on the action taken despite a potential deterrent.

regardless, he performs

Highlights that the performance occurs irrespective of circumstances.

be that as it may, he executes

A more formal substitution, indicating execution regardless of prior conditions.

at any rate, he delivers

Indicates that delivery happens irrespective of previous conditions or concerns.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "however he is" in a sentence?

Use "however he is" to introduce a contrast or qualification to a previous statement about a person. For instance, 'He is usually calm; however, he is quite assertive in meetings'.

What are some alternatives to using "however he is" in writing?

Consider alternatives like "yet he is", "nevertheless he is", or "despite this he is" to vary your writing while maintaining the same meaning.

Is "however he is" formal or informal?

"However he is" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and tone of the writing. While alternatives like "nonetheless he is" might lean towards formality, "however he is" remains versatile.

What's the difference between "however he is" and "but he is"?

While both introduce a contrast, "however he is" tends to be more formal and emphatic than the simpler "but he is". "However he is" often sets up a more significant or unexpected contrast.