Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sejpdw]

"She hit all her physical milestones early, however there were things that weren't developing."

I've seen this sentence in a book. I think "however" in it should be changed into "although" because this sentence needs a conjuction which connects two clauses. I know sometimes "however" can be used as a relative adverb in addition to an adverb, in "However you look at it, you can't criticize that." or "She has the window open, however cold it is outside."
However, I think the above sentence is different from those two examples with proper "however" usage. What's your opinion? If "however" in the above sentence is right, what is its grammar function and meaning?

[dragn]

Hi,

Yes, however is indeed correct here. Without launching into a technical grammatical treatise, I want to bring one thing to your attention that I suspect you are not aware of. I suspect a lot of native speakers are not really consciously aware of this, even though they may say it without hesitation.

In a sentence where although would be the normal grammatical choice, using however instead can give a subtle signal to the reader/listener that what follows has some "special" meaning. Sometimes however is like using although with quotation marks around it. It subtly prods us to be on the alert for a hidden or concealed meaning; a meaning that the writer doesn't want to express openly. It can be a little tongue-in-cheek.

In this sentence, what do you suppose are those things, those physical things, that weren't developing? I wonder, I wonder...

I hope others jump in on this one.

dragn

[dragn]

I'm sorry...I really didn't answer your question. Here goes.

"She hit all her physical milestones early, however there were things that weren't developing."

There are grammar books that insist that the above usage is dead wrong, and only although would be correct. I've seen them. I own some--as do you, evidently. According to strict rules of grammar and usage as published in various texts, the only way the above sentence can be considered correct is if a semicolon is placed after the word early.

So, technically, you're right. Score one for the home team.

However, in the words of Bob Dylan, the times, they are a-changin'.

Consider it a sign of the times that a best-selling novel (My Sister's Keeper? or maybe not) would disseminate such slipshod grammatical sacrilege.

I don't know what else to tell you. Of course, I still stand by my earlier comment because however does occasionally function as a signal to look for a tongue-in-cheek meaning. At least it does in my world.

It is true, however, that many modern writers simply eschew the use of semicolons, even when they're required. Maybe they feel they look too "grammarish." Maybe they're afraid they will intimidate some readers. Maybe they slept through English class in junior high. Who knows...and far be it from me to agree or disagree with this trend. It is what it is. Whatever the reason, the grammar Nazis continue to wag their bony fingers at them. I know--I've been known to be one from time to time.

dragn

P.S. I apologize for the tack-on post, but I felt it was warranted.

[CP]

For what it's worth, the image of " the grammar Nazis continue to wag their bony fingers at them" gets my A for the day.
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