Mastering the Art of Punctuation- When to Place a Comma Before ‘However’

When do I put a comma before “however”? This is a common question among English language learners and writers. Understanding the correct usage of “however” in a sentence is essential for effective communication and proper grammar.

In English grammar, “however” is a conjunction that is used to introduce a contrast or contradiction in a sentence. It is often used to connect two independent clauses or to provide a contrast between two related ideas. The placement of a comma before “however” can vary depending on the context and the structure of the sentence.

One common scenario where you would put a comma before “however” is when it is used to introduce a dependent clause. For example:

She was tired, however, she continued working late into the night.

In this sentence, “however” is used to introduce a dependent clause (“she was tired”) that provides additional information about the main clause (“she continued working late into the night”). In this case, a comma is necessary to separate the dependent clause from the main clause.

Another situation where a comma before “however” is required is when it is used to introduce a new independent clause. For example:

She was tired; however, she decided to go for a run.

In this example, “however” is used to introduce a new independent clause that contrasts with the previous clause. The comma before “however” helps to set off the contrasting idea and makes the sentence easier to read.

However, there are also cases where a comma before “however” is not necessary. For instance, when “however” is used as an adverb to modify a verb or an adjective, no comma is needed. For example:

She was working late, however, she was not tired.

In this sentence, “however” is used as an adverb to modify the adjective “tired,” and there is no comma before it.

In conclusion, the placement of a comma before “however” depends on its role in the sentence. If “however” is introducing a dependent clause or a new independent clause, a comma is typically required. On the other hand, if “however” is used as an adverb, no comma is necessary. Understanding these rules will help you use “however” correctly and effectively in your writing.