however instead

USAGE SUMMARY

"however instead" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to join two contrasting ideas or clauses. For example: The forecast was for rain, however instead we experienced a dry and sunny day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, instead of investigating, state bodies have instead gone after Navalny.

The Guardian

However, instead of a humiliation, Cliburn's victory in 1958 was a cause for celebration.

The Guardian - Music

However, instead of the refund, £2,815 was taken out of his Santander bank account.

The Guardian - Money

However, instead of building a computing career, Emwazi ended up on MI5's radar.

The Guardian

"However, instead of co-operating with Nasa we will go ahead with the Russians".

The Guardian

However, instead of time travel, Whitehead's railway takes Cora to different realities within the United States.

The Guardian - Books

However, instead of celebrating, many are accusing the Senate electoral system of distorting Australian democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This time, however, instead of looking on we are in the middle of it.

The New York Times

However, instead of a one-time shot, the drugs need to be taken daily.

The New York Times - Health

However, instead of resting on his already notable laurels, he founded ContentScan.

The New York Times

However, instead of watching, several people were checking their phones," wrote Samsara in the West.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however instead" to clearly signal a contrast with a previously stated expectation and introduce a substitute action or state. This emphasizes that something different happened than anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "however instead" in very simple sentences where a single conjunction like "but" or "however" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however instead" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a contrast to a previously stated idea while simultaneously indicating a substitution or alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in joining contrasting ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however instead" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a conjunctive adverbial, signaling a contrast while indicating a substitution. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage for connecting contrasting ideas. Although commonly found in news, scientific and wiki sources, its neutral tone is applicable across various contexts. While effective, avoid overuse in simple sentences where single conjunctions may suffice. Remember to use it to clearly signal a deviation from expectation and the introduction of a substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nonetheless instead

"Nonetheless" emphasizes a contrast, similar to "however", while "instead" indicates a substitution.

but rather

"But" presents a direct contrast, and "rather" refines the alternative.

yet alternatively

Replaces "however" with "yet" maintaining the contrast, while "alternatively" emphasizes the substitution.

though in its place

"Though" introduces the contrast, and "in its place" highlights the replacement aspect.

conversely though

"Conversely" introduces a direct opposite, while "though" softens the contrast.

still on the contrary

"Still" introduces a contrast, and "on the contrary" provides a direct opposition.

on the other hand

Offers a different perspective, indicating a contrasting option or action.

nevertheless as an alternative

"Nevertheless" indicates a contrast despite a previous statement, and "as an alternative" presents a substitute.

despite this alternatively

"Despite this" introduces a contrast to a preceding statement, and "alternatively" offers another option.

even so in lieu

"Even so" acknowledges a prior point but still offers a contrast; "in lieu" specifies a replacement.

FAQs

How can I use "however instead" in a sentence?

"However instead" is used to present a contrasting situation where an alternative action or outcome occurs. For example, "The forecast predicted rain; "however instead", we had sunshine."

What phrases are similar to "however instead"?

Similar phrases include "but rather", "nonetheless instead", or "yet alternatively". These phrases also indicate a contrast and substitution.

Is it redundant to use "however instead"?

While both words indicate contrast, "however" introduces a general contrast and "instead" specifies a substitution. Using them together can emphasize that an alternative action or outcome took place, although it's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy.

Can I use "however instead" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "however instead" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it to a previous idea and introduce a contrasting outcome. For example, "We planned to go to the beach; "however instead", we stayed home and watched a movie."