however interesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however interesting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or to acknowledge the interest of a subject while presenting a different perspective or point. Example: "The topic is, however interesting, not relevant to our current discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a result (however interesting) does not suffice for researchers interested in the evolutionary mechanisms of prokaryotes and mobile element genomes, for reasons we will discuss below.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The wording is however interesting: "a married woman and a single man meet".

The Guardian - Film

The experience of one person – however interesting – may not be representative of the situation.

The Guardian

It is, however, interesting to consider what motivates people to comment on such things in such a way.

The Guardian

However, interesting versions, authentic in their way, are now being served at several of the new-wave Latin restaurants.

The New York Times - Food

All too often, a live musical performance and a robotic bunch of models in clothes, however interesting, refuse to jell.

The New York Times

Those details, however interesting, are like mood lighting — they set the stage for seduction, but they do not explain how Day-Lewis melds with the characters he conjures.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, interesting as it is to see Madonna reflect on her life through a historical figure, this alone might not capture the public's imagination.

The Guardian - Film

But this information, however interesting, doesn't solve a nagging question that has plagued this entire event: Just how much information should be released in such a medical experiment?

The New York Times

When you first get on to travelvlog, try not to be distracted by Graham Walker's most recent posts, however interesting they might seem.

The Guardian - Travel

Questions referring to "The Analects" of Confucius and its commentators, or Max Weber and German reaction to World War I, however interesting, are cases in point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "however interesting", ensure the contrasting element is clearly articulated to avoid leaving the reader wondering about the purpose of the initial acknowledgment.

Common error

Avoid using "however interesting" merely as a filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely leads to a contrasting or qualifying statement that adds value to your argument. Without a clear contrast, the phrase can sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however interesting" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies an adjective. It typically serves to concede a point or acknowledge the appeal of something before introducing a contrasting or limiting perspective. This concessive function is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, as well as by various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "however interesting" serves as a transitional device that acknowledges the appealing or engaging qualities of something, while simultaneously signaling a shift towards a contrasting or limiting perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and formal business communication. It is important to use it judiciously, ensuring that it is followed by a clear and relevant contrasting statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however intriguing

Replaces "interesting" with a synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

albeit interesting

More concise and formal way of expressing contrast and interest.

while interesting

Introduces the interesting aspect as a background to the main point.

no matter how interesting

Emphasizes the degree of interest as less relevant than another factor.

interesting as it may be

Inverts the structure for emphasis, highlighting the interest before presenting a contrasting idea.

in spite of its interest

Directly contrasts the interest with another consideration.

despite its interest

Shifts the grammatical structure to emphasize the contrast more directly.

for all its interest

Highlights the interest but implies it is not the most important factor.

though it's interesting

Similar to "even though it's interesting" but slightly less emphatic.

even though it's interesting

Expands the phrase into a clause, providing more explicit contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "however interesting" to introduce an idea that might be engaging or relevant, but is ultimately less important than the point you are about to make. For example, "The historical context, "however interesting", is not directly relevant to our current study."

What are some alternatives to saying "however interesting"?

You can use alternatives such as "albeit interesting", "despite its interest", or "even though it's interesting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "however interesting" with a contrasting statement?

Yes, the phrase ""however interesting"" implies that a contrasting or limiting statement will follow. Without it, the sentence may feel incomplete or misleading.

What's the difference between "however interesting" and "although interesting"?

"However interesting" often carries a slightly stronger sense of contrast and concession than "although interesting". "However" tends to be used when the contrast is more significant or unexpected.