“However” is a banned word in
several publications. Others leave that up to the writer’s or editor’s
discretion. The controversy surrounding the word stems from AP Style’s ideal to
simplify language. That is why some publications always say “but” in place of
“however.”
One issue with not allowing a sentence
to start with “however” is that the word’s purpose often is to start a
sentence. Unlike “but,” “however” is an adverb rather than a conjunction. Its
purpose is to “introduce a new sentence in circumstances where you would
otherwise use but to join the sentences” (Stack Exchange, 2012). One
example of correct use of “but” is this: “I like eggs, but they’re not the only
food I enjoy.” It is easy to substitute “however” though by breaking up the
sentences: “I like eggs. However, they’re not the only food I like.” Using
“however” to split the sentences is useful for shortening sentences. Short
sentences are important for simplifying writing.
Amy Einsohn argues in “The Copyeditor’s Handbook” that
prohibition of beginning a sentence with “however” is arbitrary. Einsohn
explains that grammar experts stand divided between descriptivism and
prescriptivism. Descriptivists seek to document how language is used, while
prescriptivists discuss how language instead should be used. Einsohn could not
point out exactly when linguists determined on the use of “however.” But she
did say the rule about splitting infinitives derives from the English royalty’s
traditions to conform to Latin rules. Einsohn also said old traditions are also
why prepositions cannot end a sentence. In that sense, tradition does not allow
for debate on grammar when some of those rules might merit it. But the ruling
on “however” starting a sentence is unique in that there has been debate and
“well-respected writers and editors” (Einsohn, 77) grant themselves liberty to
break that rule and begin sentences with it.
Discussion of this rule has also
occurred in more than just AP Style. “The
Elements of Style” by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White argues that
“however” should never start a sentence if it is used to mean “nevertheless.”
The book is commonly used in teaching writing, but some think its propositions
are too pure. “Several generations of college students learned their grammar
from the uninformed bossiness of Strunk and White, and the result is a
nation of educated people who know they feel vaguely anxious and insecure
whenever they write however or than me or was or which,
but can't tell you why” (Pullum, The Chronicle Review).
Austin
Frakt’s column for The New York Times called “How Congress is Actually Holding
Down Medicare Spending” shows examples of both sides:
“It
is supposed to adjust payments to meet an overall spending target tied to
economic growth. But it hardly ever works out this way.”
“Good luck getting
physicians to keep Medicare patients if the payments are suddenly cut 24
percent. However, from another point of view, the formula — as flawed as it is
— has helped keep Medicare spending lower than it might otherwise have been.”
Frakt uses “but” and “however” strategically.
He uses “but” to begin a shorter sentence. It has more of a surprising
presence, like a twist or turn in the piece. He uses “however” to contradict a
point with another substantial sentence.
Strictness of use likely depends on
the publication’s audience. If the newspaper appeals to more upscale readership
like The New York Times, use of “however” to introduce a substantial idea can
aid those readers. If a publication does not think all of its target audience
wants to work through more complicated sentence structure like that, it is more
likely to ban starting a sentence with “however.”
Bibliography
Amy Einsohn - University of California Press
- 2011
"Correct Use of “but”, “however” and
“although”." Stack Exchange. N.p., 14 May 2012. Web. 11 May 2014.
Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The
Elements of Style. New York: Macmillan, 1979. Print.
Pullum, Geoffrey K. "50 Years of Stupid
Grammar Advice." The Chronical Review. N.p., 17 Apr. 2009. Web. 11
May 2014.
Frakt, Austin. "How Congress Is Actually
Holding Down Medicare Spending." The New York Times. N.p., 28 Apr.
2014. Web. 11 May 2014.
