I have a liking for the word 'however', however, I have recently been told that it should always be preceded by a semi-colon. Is this a hard and fast rule? I usually have a comma before and after it. And, are there other words that have the same rule?
I've never heard that rule, and certainly never followed it. However, I also argue that the word can be used at the start of a sentence while others don't like it there, so possibly I'm a bit casual with my "however"s.
Semi-colons are used to separate two major, but related clauses in a sentence, so using it with 'however' makes sense. However, 'however' is a conjunction (technically a conjunctive adverb), and the general grammatical consensus is you don't use a semi-colon with conjunctions. So technically, you actually shouldn't be using a semi-colon with 'however' at all.
I use commas too. Though when I use it, it is usually in dialog. In dialog I am a bit more loose with grammar rules to try and bring out the voice of the character.
You should use any word, such as however, however you please. ETA: Corrected to You should use any word, such as; however; however you please.
I often use 'However' to start a sentence. I try to limit them, though, as they have a slightly old-fashioned sound to them. Count me as another who's never heard or followed the rule mentioned in the OP.
Yes, it's a rule. But it isn't so broad. You use a semicolon when it's a conjunctive adverb. That means you're using an adverb to join two clauses (like you would use and/or/but/etc.). I know the rules of grammar; however, I sometimes ignore them. I don't always go to McDonald's; however, when I do I'm luvin it. The ; is acting like a super-comma. It has more of a pause than the comma coming after it. If "however" is just an adverb (it usually is), then there's nothing special about it, and you just drop it in the sentence and ignore all this nonsense. There are a few of these: accordingly also besides consequently conversely finally furthermore hence however indeed instead likewise meanwhile moreover nevertheless next nonetheless otherwise similarly still subsequently then therefore thus There are transitional phrases that do this too, but everyone stopped reading a while ago, so I won't say much about them.
Great. Phew, a bit of a relief actually. Off to hear the great John Le Carré. He's being streamed live to a local cinema.
Holy balls, he's still alive? Awesome... he's the man. Last of his generation when you think about it.
He is indeed and still as sharp as ever. New book coming out about now and he's already into the next. I am a big fan.
