However vs. Otherwise: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 8, 2023
"However" introduces a contrast or exception, while "otherwise" indicates a different circumstance or result.
Difference Between However and Otherwise
"However" and "otherwise" are both adverbs used to connect ideas, but they serve distinct purposes in sentences. "However" often introduces a contrast or exception to the previous statement. It helps to highlight a difference or an opposing point. On the other hand, "otherwise" denotes an alternative scenario or result, usually suggesting what might happen if certain conditions aren't met.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
Considering their placement, "however" can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. It's versatile in its positioning. "Otherwise," meanwhile, often appears in the latter part of a sentence, indicating the consequence or alternate outcome of a situation.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
For example, "I love ice cream; however, I can't eat it because I'm lactose intolerant." Here, "however" brings attention to the contrast between the love for ice cream and the inability to eat it. Conversely, "You need to water the plants; otherwise, they'll die," showcases "otherwise" presenting an alternate scenario if the initial directive isn't followed.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
Usage also differentiates them in terms of frequency and context. "However" is commonly used in both formal and informal discourse to introduce a contrasting idea. "Otherwise" is a bit more specific in its use, predominantly pointing to alternative outcomes or conditions.
William
Sep 08, 2023
In essence, while "however" and "otherwise" both provide connections between ideas, they have distinct roles. "However" emphasizes contrast, while "otherwise" focuses on alternate outcomes.
Leo
Sep 08, 2023
However vs. Otherwise Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Introduces contrast or exception
Indicates alternate circumstance/result
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
Common Placement
Beginning, middle, or end of a sentence
Usually in the latter part of a sentence
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
However vs. Otherwise Definitions
◉However
Indicates to whatever extent.
You can come over whenever; however late it might be.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
◉However
Used to introduce a contrasting point.
I like apples; however, I hate apple pie.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
◉However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
however, it's worth it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
the second, however, took hours.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
Used to indicate a category to which the preceding adverb does not apply
All the students, dressed suitably and otherwise, went on the field trip.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
(manner) Differently, in another way.
You may have a point, but I think otherwise.
Could I do otherwise than smile?
It is not permitted to sell or otherwise distribute any copies.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
(conjunctive) In different circumstances; or else.
I’m not well today, otherwise I would have helped.
You have to open your umbrella, otherwise you'll get wet.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
(conjunctive) In all other respects.
He lost his temper once in a while. Otherwise he behaved rationally.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
Other than supposed; different.
He said he didn’t do it, but the evidence was otherwise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
In a different manner; in another way, or in other ways; differently; contrarily.
Thy father was a worthy prince,And merited, alas! a better fate;But Heaven thought otherwise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
In other respects.
It is said, truly, that the best men otherwise are not always the best in regard of society.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
In different circumstances; under other conditions; as, I am engaged, otherwise I would accept.
Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me.
Her eyebrows . . . rather full than otherwise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
in other respects or ways;
he is otherwise normal
the funds are not otherwise available
an otherwise hopeless situation
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Otherwise
in another and different manner;
very soon you will know differently
she thought otherwise
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
he was a stern yet fair master
granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
by contrast; on the other hand;
the first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
to whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
they have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
in whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
however he did it, it was very clever
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉However
in what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
how did you catch the snake?
he told us how he did it
however did you get here so soon?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
However vs. Otherwise Frequently Asked Questions
Is "however" formal in usage?
"However" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Leo
Sep 08, 2023
What type of contrast does "however" introduce?
"However" introduces a contrast or exception to a previous statement or idea.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
Is "otherwise" limited to formal contexts?
While "otherwise" is common in formal discourse, it can be used informally as well.
Jonathan
Sep 08, 2023
Is "otherwise" commonly used to begin a sentence?
Not typically, "otherwise" often appears in the latter part of a sentence.
Nolan
Sep 08, 2023
Can "however" and "otherwise" be used interchangeably?
No, "however" emphasizes contrast, while "otherwise" suggests alternate outcomes or conditions.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
Can "however" be placed anywhere in a sentence?
Yes, "however" can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Henry
Sep 08, 2023
What emotion or emphasis does "however" usually convey?
"However" often conveys surprise, contrast, or opposition to a previous idea.
Henry
Sep 08, 2023
How do "however" and "otherwise" function in a sentence?
"However" introduces a contrast or exception, while "otherwise" points to a different circumstance or result.
Muazma Batool
Sep 08, 2023
When would one use "otherwise" in a sentence?
"Otherwise" is used to indicate what might happen if certain conditions aren't met.
Elijah
Sep 08, 2023
What does "otherwise" imply about a situation?
"Otherwise" implies an alternative scenario or outcome, usually a consequence.
Olivia
Sep 08, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
