Punctuation: 'however'

Introduction

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If you want to be a good writer, you will use a variety of sentence structures. The adverbial connector 'however' gives us lots of opportunity to examine those possibilities and to also correct a frequent source of punctuation errors.

 Follow below as we discuss 'however' and punctuation.

To view the prior lesson, 'Run-ons', click here.

Run-ons and 'however'

 

One frequent error is to create a run-on by not correctly punctuating sentences with the adverbial connector however. 

The most common error is to write 'however' without properly punctuating the end of the prior sentence.

Problem:   I believe we all have the right to free speech, however, i have seen where this has been all blown out of proportion.

Let's do a sentence structure analysis.  The above example is a run-on.  Where does the run-on begin?
-->_________________________________________________________________________

How Can You Repair This?

Subordinate Clause Fragments That Begin with 'when'

There are several ways to correctly edit run-ons that use the conjunctive adverb 'however'. The writer should choose a way that fits his writing style and the venue  of his writing.

The first and easiest solution maintains the word order of the original sentence:

Solution A: TWO SENTENCES. 

1) Punctuate the end of the first sentence with a period. 
2) Begin the second sentence with a capital letter.
3) Use a comma after 'however'.

I believe we all have the right to free speech. However, I have seen where this has been blown out of proportion.

The second solution also maintains the word order of the original sentence.


Solution B:    ONE SENTENCE that uses a semi-colon to separate the two independent sentences.
 
1) End the first part with a semi-colon.
2) Begin the second part with however, the first letter of which will now have a small h.
2) Use a comma after 'however'.

I believe we all have the right to free speech; however, I have seen where this has been blown out of proportion.

The next two solutions change the word order slightly, because you can place the adverbial connector 'however' in other positions within the sentence. 

Solution C:    TWO SENTENCES.   You may place 'however' in the middle of the second sentence:

1) End the first sentence with a period.
2) Begin the second sentence with a capital letter.
3) Place a comma before the word 'however'.

I believe we all have the right to free speech. I have seen, however, where this has been blown out of proportion.

Solution D:    TWO SENTENCES.  You may place 'however' at the end of the second sentence.

1) End the first sentence with a period.
2) Begin the second sentence with a capital letter.
3) Place a comma before the word 'however'.
4) End the second sentence with a period.

I believe we all have the right to free speech. I have seen where this has been blown out of proportion, however.

Next... Punctuating Relative Clauses

Test your skills with reopairing run-on sentences.

Click here for a lesson on  How to Punctuate Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Relative Clauses.

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