however little

USAGE SUMMARY

"however little" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true even when it is in small amounts. An example of this is: "We were able to find water in the desert, however little it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With the public, however, little has changed.

The Economist

However, little employment has been available.

Stanford University

However, little is known about their relationship.

Artificial Intelligence

However, little Donnie doesn't seem to mind.

Stanford University

Back on shore, however, little has changed.

The Guardian

However, little is known about spindle mechanics.

Biophysical Journal

However, little is known about such factors.

Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases

However, little research has addressed this subject.

Applied Thermal Engineering

However, little research on low-carbon ports.

The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics

Over the next three years, however, little changed.

The New Yorker

However, little is known about its combustion characteristics.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however little" to introduce a contrasting element, acknowledging a small quantity or degree while highlighting a different or unexpected outcome. For instance: "The rain was minimal, however little, it helped to settle the dust."

Common error

Avoid using "however little" when there is no real contrast implied. It should not be used as a simple intensifier of 'little', but to indicate that despite the small amount, something is still true or significant. For example: Instead of "There was however little water left", use "There was very little water left" if no contrast is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however little" functions as an adverbial conjunction, introducing a clause that concedes a small quantity or degree, yet emphasizing a contrasting result or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

19%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however little" serves as a versatile adverbial conjunction, expertly employed to introduce contrast while acknowledging a minimal degree or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse domains. Its function is to concede a small amount while simultaneously highlighting a differing outcome, lending itself to formal and neutral registers. Usage patterns reveal prevalence in scientific, academic, and news contexts, solidifying its place in scenarios demanding precision and nuance. When writing, remember to deploy "however little" to introduce a real contrast, avoiding its misuse as a mere intensifier. With its multifaceted utility, mastering "however little" enhances one's capacity for sophisticated expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though little

A more concise and informal way to express the same contrast.

but little

Directly contrasts a previous statement, highlighting the small quantity or effect.

yet little

Similar to "but little", suggesting a surprising lack of impact despite expectations.

nevertheless little

Emphasizes contrast more strongly than "however little".

even if only a little

Highlights the conditionality and the minimal amount involved.

even though only a bit

More colloquial alternative, emphasizing the small quantity.

despite its smallness

Focuses on the size and implies a potential lack of significance which is then contrasted.

regardless of its insignificance

Highlights the irrelevance of the small quantity to the overall situation.

notwithstanding its paucity

More formal and emphasizes the scarcity.

in spite of its limited amount

A more descriptive and formal alternative.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "however little" in a sentence?

Use "however little" to introduce a contrasting idea where a small quantity doesn't negate an effect. For example, "The contribution was small, "however little", it made a difference."

What are some alternatives to using "however little"?

Alternatives include phrases like "nevertheless little", "though little", or "even if only a little", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "however little"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "however little" can sound awkward. It's generally better to integrate it within the sentence for smoother flow. For instance, "However little he ate, he felt satisfied" could be rewritten as "He felt satisfied, "however little" he ate."

What's the difference between "however little" and "how little"?

"However little" introduces a contrast or concession, whereas "how little" expresses surprise or concern about the small quantity. For example, "However little she earned, she saved some money" shows a contrast, while "I was shocked by "how little" she earned" expresses surprise.