“However”, Has Lost It’s Way

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I like the written word and respect the proper use of it. Recently I have noticed that the precious word, ”however” has been thrown into various places in sentences, that are totaly inappropriate.

About 10 years ago, while I was completing an Internship in a local Prison, we Counselors, took a stand on this word, explored the acceptable uses of it, and acquired the skills of placing the word correctly in  sentences. It was our desire to maintain the wonderful work this word performs and respecting the job it did for the communicator.

I have noticed that written correspondence within School notices, State Documents, and Federal Publications have developed the poor habit of using our hard working,  ”however,” incorrectly, poorly, and cruelly diminishing its importance. 

This powerful word “however” is a Conjunction, which means that it is used to join two separate and independent clauses or sentences. Each sentence has the ability to stand alone and does not require the use of a conjunction; however, we find the ability to communicate with more interest when the conjunction is used.

Some use this word in the beginning of their sentences.  “Health Care remains a concern to citizens. “However”, you feel about the issue”.  This use is faulty. “However” can be used in the beginning of our sentences, if we treat it as its place in our language, as a conjunction.  “However” you feel about the issue, Health Care remains a concern to citizens.

This flexable word is also be used as an adverb to some and is used at the start of the sentence. “However you decide to design the room, is fine with me. Here the word “However” replaces the phrase, “In  whatever Manner”. Once we place the comma after the word “however” it is a conjunction and requires a secondary clause or sentence, with which it needs to connect.

Well, that’s my rant about the word “However”.  I hope I didn’t offend anyone. I hope you all have a great day; however, you must admit, they can all be great.