is however

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is however" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea that one situation is the opposite or contrary to another. For example: "The weather was warm today; tomorrow, it is however forecast to be much cooler."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is, however, worrying.

The Economist

It is, however, delicious.

The New York Times

There is, however, different.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Popcorn is, however, preferable).

The New York Times - Books

He is, however, German.

The New York Times

It is, however, narrowing.

The Economist

It is, however, warping.

The Guardian

It is, however, unlikely.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is, however, traffic.

The New York Times - Travel

It is, however, subjective.

The New York Times

It is, however, effective.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is however" to introduce a contrasting point that follows logically from the previous statement. This helps maintain a smooth flow while highlighting the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "is however" excessively in very short sentences. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using simpler conjunctions like "but" or restructuring the sentence for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is however" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two parts of a sentence by introducing a contrast or qualification. It signals a shift in thought while maintaining a logical connection between the ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is however" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a contrast or qualification within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread presence in reliable sources. While common in various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "is however", be mindful of sentence structure and context. Simpler conjunctions like "but" or "yet" may be more suitable for short or informal sentences. Be aware of the fine line between good writing and overuse and use the knowledge of this guide to improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it is

Uses a more direct conjunction to signal contrast.

still it is

A simpler alternative, emphasizing the continuation despite the contrast.

yet it is

Reverses the structure for emphasis, placing "yet" at the start.

it is nevertheless

Positions "nevertheless" differently for a slight change in flow.

nonetheless it is

A more formal alternative, conveying a similar meaning.

even so it is

Adds a stronger sense of concession before introducing the contrasting point.

that being said it is

Introduces a contrasting point after acknowledging a previous statement.

with that said it is

Similar to "that being said", indicating a transition to a contrasting idea.

it is all the same

Emphasizes that despite something, the situation remains unchanged.

it is in spite of that

Directly indicates that something exists despite a preceding factor.

FAQs

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

Use "is however" to present a contrasting or qualifying point that follows logically from the previous statement. It's effective for signaling a shift in perspective while maintaining coherence. For example, "The initial results were promising; further investigation, "is however", needed to confirm these findings".

What are some alternatives to "is however"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "but it is", "yet it is", or "nevertheless it is". Each option offers a slightly different nuance in conveying contrast or qualification.

Is there a difference between "is however" and "however" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "is however" integrates the contrasting element within the sentence structure, often following a clause. "However" at the beginning of a sentence acts as a stronger, more direct transition between two separate ideas. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow.

In what contexts should I avoid using "is however"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "is however" can make your writing sound stilted. In informal writing or very short sentences, simpler conjunctions like "but" or "yet" might be more appropriate. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use it.