Transition Words: Starting a Sentence with ‘However’
I. Introduction
Starting a sentence with a transition word like “However” can be an effective way to connect ideas and show contrast in your writing. Transition words and phrases help to guide the reader through your text, making it easier to follow your argument or narrative. In this section, we’ll focus on the word “However” and explore how to use it correctly to start a sentence.
II. What is “However”?
“However” is a transition word used to contrast ideas or show surpr.ise. It’s often used to introduce a new idea that challenges or contradicts the previous one. For example:
“I wanted to go to the beach, but the weather was rainy. However, we decided to go to the museum instead.”
In this example, “However” is used to contrast the original plan (going to the beach) with the new plan (going to the museum).
III. Rules for Using “However“
When starting a sentence with “However”, there are a few rules to keep in mind:
- Use a comma after “However”: When “However” begins a sentence, it’s followed by a comma. This helps to separate the transition word from the rest of the sentence.
Example: “However, the new policy has been met with resistance.”
- Make sure the sentence is complete: When starting a sentence with “However”, make sure the sentence is complete and makes sense on its own. Avoid using “However” as a way to start a fragment or incomplete sentence.
Example: “However, the lack of funding. (Incorrect – incomplete sentence)
“However, the lack of funding has made it difficult to implement the new program.” (Correct – complete sentence)
- Use “However” to contrast with the previous sentence or idea: “However” is used to show contrast or surprise. Make sure you’re using it to contrast with the previous sentence or idea.
Example: “I love reading books. However, I haven’t had much time for it lately.” (Correct – contrasting ideas)
IV. Examples and Practice
Here are a few more examples of sentences starting with “However”:
- “The new restaurant got great reviews. However, I was disappointed with the service.”
- “I wanted to travel to Europe this summer. However, the flights were too expensive.”
- “The company claimed that their product was eco-friendly. However, an investigation revealed that it was actually harming the environment.”
Now it’s your turn to practice! Try writing a few sentences starting with “However”. Remember to use a comma after “However”, make sure the sentence is complete, and use “However” to contrast with the previous sentence or idea.
V. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When starting a sentence with “However”, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting the comma after “However”: Don’t forget to use a comma after “However” when it begins a sentence.
Example: “However the new policy has been met with resistance.” (Incorrect – missing comma)
- Using “However” incorrectly or inappropriately: Make sure you’re using “However” to contrast with the previous sentence or idea. Avoid using it as a way to start a sentence that doesn’t contrast with the previous one.
Example: “I love reading books. However, I love reading books.” (Incorrect – no contrast)
- Creating incomplete or unclear sentences: Make sure the sentence is complete and makes sense on its own. Avoid using “However” as a way to start a fragment or incomplete sentence.
Example: “However, the lack of funding.” (Incorrect – incomplete sentence)
VI. Conclusion
Starting a sentence with “However” can be an effective way to connect ideas and show contrast in your writing. By following the rules outlined in this section, you can use “However” correctly and confidently in your writing. Remember to use a comma after “However”, make sure the sentence is complete, and use “However” to contrast with the previous sentence or idea. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable using “However” to start sentences and improve the flow and clarity of your writing.
Quiz
Here are 10 questions to test your knowledge of transition words:
Question 1
Which transition word is used to show addition or agreement?
A) However
B) In addition
C) Meanwhile
D) Nevertheless
Answer
B) In addition
Question 2
Which transition word is used to show contrast or surprise?
A) Therefore
B) Consequently
C) Nevertheless
D) On the other hand
Answer
D) On the other hand
Question 3
Which transition word is used to show cause and effect?
A) Meanwhile
B) Consequently
C) Furthermore
D) In addition
Answer
B) Consequently
Question 4
Which transition word is used to show a conclusion or summary?
A) In conclusion
B) Therefore
C) However
D) Meanwhile
Answer
A) In conclusion
Question 5
Which transition word is used to show a time relationship?
A) Meanwhile
B) Consequently
C) Furthermore
D) In addition
Answer
A) Meanwhile
Question 6
Which transition word is used to show emphasis or reinforcement?
A) In fact
B) However
C) On the other hand
D) Therefore
Answer
A) In fact
Question 7
Which transition word is used to show a condition or hypothesis?
A) If
B) Unless
C) Provided that
D) All of the above
Answer
D) All of the above
Question 8
Which transition word is used to show a concession or acknowledgment?
A) Although
B) Nevertheless
C) In spite of
D) All of the above
Answer
D) All of the above
Question 9
Which transition word is used to show a restatement or clarification?
A) In other words
B) That is
C) To put it another way
D) All of the above
Answer
D) All of the above
Question 10
Which transition word is used to show a transition to a new idea?
A) Meanwhile
B) In addition
C) Nevertheless
D) Moving on
Answer
D) Moving on
