The AP Style Debate Around "However"

The more one works with AP Style, the more one wonders why all these rules exist. Did you know some grammatical rules exist because of English royalty? It is highly unlikely that is the origin of the editing controversy I researched, but it gives some perspective of how grammatical traditions can begin. Here is my research on the debate of whether it is alright to begin a sentence with "however."

            “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

The copyeditor's handbook: a guide for book publishing and corporate communications

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.