no matter how

USAGE SUMMARY

"no matter how" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something will remain true regardless of other conditions. For example, "I will always love you no matter how hard life gets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

no matter how severe".

The New Yorker

No matter how masterful their stagecraft.

The Guardian

"No matter how unpopular your President is.

The New Yorker

"No matter how hard you try".

Independent

No matter how old you are.

The New York Times

No matter how much success the W.W.E.

The New Yorker

No matter how liberated you are.

Independent

No matter how she cried.

The New York Times

No matter how slowly it started.

The New York Times

No matter how tetchy their relationship.

Independent

No matter how brilliant their Russian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no matter how" to introduce a clause that expresses a condition that does not affect the main clause. For instance, "No matter how tired I am, I always make time for reading."

Common error

Avoid placing a comma directly before "no matter how". The comma should usually follow the entire clause introduced by "no matter how". For example, it should be: "No matter how difficult the task seems, you must persevere" instead of "No matter how difficult the task seems, ,you must persevere."

How to use

Learn how to use "no matter how" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no matter how" functions as an adverbial conjunction, introducing a clause that modifies the main clause by expressing a condition that does not affect the outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no matter how" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a particular condition does not affect the outcome of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as an adverbial conjunction, expressing indifference to the degree of something. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news and media, wiki content, and formal business communications. While it's versatile, maintaining correct punctuation, particularly avoiding a comma immediately before the phrase, is crucial. For alternative expressions, consider "regardless of how" or "however", depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig’s examples underscore its wide applicability in conveying resilience or disregard for specific conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of how

Emphasizes a lack of concern for the manner or way something is done.

irrespective of how

Similar to "regardless of how", but can sound more formal.

however

A more concise way to express the same idea, suitable for shorter sentences.

no matter to what extent

More verbose, but clarifies the disregard for the degree of something.

to whatever degree

Focuses on the varying levels or amounts of something.

in any case

Indicates that something will happen regardless of the circumstances.

at any rate

Similar to "in any case", suggesting that something is true despite other factors.

by any means

Implies that something will be done regardless of the method used.

come what may

More dramatic and emphatic, indicating a willingness to face any outcome.

despite how

Highlights the contrast between a situation and its outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "no matter how" in a sentence?

"No matter how" introduces a clause that expresses a condition that doesn't change the result of the main clause. For example: "No matter how busy I am, I always make time for my family."

What are some alternatives to "no matter how"?

You can use phrases like "regardless of how", "irrespective of how", or simply "however" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "no matter how" or "regardless how"?

"No matter how" is the standard and grammatically correct phrase. "Regardless how" is less common and might sound awkward to some speakers. It's better to use "regardless of how" instead.

What's the difference between "no matter how" and "however"?

"No matter how" emphasizes that something remains true despite the degree or intensity of a condition. "However" can be used similarly, but it's often more concise and can also introduce contrasting information. For example: "No matter how tired I am, I'll finish this project. However, I might take a break first."