meanwhile however

USAGE SUMMARY

The use of 'meanwhile however' is correct and can be used in written English.
'Meanwhile' is used to indicate a change of subject or situation. 'However' is used to introduce a contrast or exception. Therefore, the two terms together can be used to indicate a contrast in a situation while also making a transition. For example, "Meanwhile, however, my brother had developed a passion for music and began taking singing lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, however, pressure is mounting.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, however, time is running politically.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, however, unions are supporting favored candidates.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, however, her cancer had returned and attacked other tissues.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, however, some merchants have already moved to New Jersey.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, however, the commission's proposals made for a sound start.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, however, there are some real continuing policy debates.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, however, rates of violent crime are still falling steadily.

The Washington Post

Meanwhile, however, Kori's diet and exercise plan was working.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, however, he had already been thinking about starting a company.

Stanford University

Meanwhile, however, the search for Ernest and Clarence had shifted to California.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meanwhile however" to smoothly transition between two contrasting situations that are happening at the same time. This emphasizes both the temporal relationship and the unexpected shift.

Common error

Avoid using "meanwhile however" too frequently in your writing, as it can make the text sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or restructuring your sentences for better flow and variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meanwhile however" functions as a transitional expression, connecting two clauses or sentences. It indicates that while something is happening or being considered, there is a contrasting or unexpected development occurring simultaneously. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meanwhile however" is a grammatically sound and frequently used transitional phrase that serves to introduce a contrasting element within a concurrent timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for neutral to professional registers and appears most often in news and media contexts. While effective, overuse can lead to redundancy, suggesting writers should aim for variety in their transitional phrases. Alternatives like "in the interim though" or "simultaneously nevertheless" can provide similar meaning with a different stylistic flair. Consider context and frequency to best leverage the expressive potential of "meanwhile however" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the interim though

Replaces "meanwhile" with "in the interim", maintaining the sense of occurring during the intervening period, while "though" provides a more conversational contrast than "however".

At the same time though

Offers a direct alternative to "meanwhile" with "at the same time", paired with "though" for a softer contrast.

Simultaneously nevertheless

Substitutes "meanwhile" with "simultaneously" to highlight concurrent events, and "however" with "nevertheless" for a stronger sense of contradiction.

Nonetheless in the intervening period

Uses synonyms for both parts: "nonetheless" for "however" and "in the intervening period" for "meanwhile".

Notwithstanding this

This alternative replaces both "meanwhile" and "however" with a more formal expression indicating that something is true despite what has just been said.

Yet in the interim

Emphasizes the contrast more strongly with "yet" while maintaining the timeframe aspect with "in the interim".

Nevertheless during this period

Replaces "meanwhile" with "during this period" to clarify the temporal aspect, combined with the contrasting "nevertheless".

Even so in the meantime

Inverts the order, starting with a contrast ("even so") and then indicating the concurrent timeframe ("in the meantime").

While at the same time

Introduces a sense of contrast using "while" and then specifies simultaneity using "at the same time".

Concurrently on the other hand

Expresses simultaneity with "concurrently" and contrast with the idiomatic phrase "on the other hand".

FAQs

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

Use "meanwhile however" to introduce a contrasting situation or development that occurs during the same timeframe as the previous one. For example, "The company was expanding its operations; meanwhile however, profits were declining."

What are some alternatives to "meanwhile however"?

You can use alternatives like "in the interim though", "simultaneously nevertheless", or "at the same time though" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "meanwhile however"?

While both words indicate a shift or contrast, their combined use can emphasize simultaneous contrasting situations. Overuse can lead to redundancy, so consider varying your phrasing.

What's the difference between "meanwhile", "however", and "meanwhile however"?

"Meanwhile" indicates something happening at the same time, and "however" introduces a contrast. "Meanwhile however" combines both functions to highlight contrasting events occurring simultaneously. Consider the context to decide which word or phrase is most appropriate.