‘however’ and ‘although’ both have similar meanings. They both loosely mean ‘but’. The difference between these two words can be a struggle for many native and non-native English speakers. The biggest difference between the two is that ‘however’ can be used at the beginning of a sentence, whereas ‘although’ cannot.
The two words have very similar meanings. Although means “in spite of the fact that…” and however simply means ‘but’.
An easy way to remember when to use ‘however’ and ‘although’ is that the word ‘however’ can be used at the beginning and middle of a sentence with a comma after it, and although is used in mid sentence. Although doesn’t always require a comma.
How to use However in Sentences
However is used to contradict a statement. It has basically the same meaning as ‘but’.
Let us have a look at some good examples to see how it is used.
- The sky looks sunny. However, reports say that it might rain.
- I love going on hikes in the summer. However, it gets a little too hot sometimes.
- Jane really wanted to see me. However, I already had made plans.
- People say this weather is too hot. However, it is very cloudy.
- I want to go to the snow. However, the beach will be a lot better.
How to use Although in Sentences
Definition: To be used in spite of the fact of something.
Let us have a look at some examples to see how different ‘although’ is from ‘however’.
- I am very fluent in English, although French is my mother tongue.
- I enjoyed my day out with my friends, although Shelly brought that person nobody likes.
- The weather was warm, although it was not sunny.
- I had such a good time, although I got very exhausted.
- We are best friends, although we barely get to see each other.
The words ‘however’ and ‘although’ can be used in most situations. However, they must be worded accordingly or they don’t make sense.
For example:
I love going to the beach. However, I hate the sand.
Although I love going to the beach, I hate the sand.
The sun was shining. However it was still chilly.
Although it was chilly, the sun was shining.