However vs. Otherwise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
"However" indicates contrast or exception, while "otherwise" suggests a different condition or result. Both are used to transition between ideas.
Difference Between However and Otherwise
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Key Differences
"However" and "otherwise" are transitional words in English, often helping to connect ideas in both speech and writing. "However" is primarily used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement. It's akin to saying "on the other hand." For instance, one might say, "I love the rain. However, it ruined our picnic plans."
"Otherwise," in contrast, points to a different situation or result that would have occurred if not for the situation described. It carries a sense of "if not." An example might be, "Turn off the lights when you leave; otherwise, you'll waste electricity."
In usage, "however" often acts as an interrupter and can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. "Otherwise," on the other hand, usually suggests an alternative outcome or condition and often appears towards the end of a clause or statement.
Both "however" and "otherwise" have variations in their meanings and can be used in different contexts. However, the key distinction is how they bridge ideas: "however" contrasts, while "otherwise" points to a potential alternative or consequence.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Indicates contrast or exception.
Suggests a different condition or result.
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Common Usage
As an interrupter in sentences.
Typically towards the end of a clause or statement.
Position in Sentence
Can appear at the beginning, middle, or end.
Often appears before the consequence or alternative action.
Synonyms
Yet, on the other hand, nonetheless.
If not, or else.
Variability
Can be used in various contexts to show contrast.
Generally used to show alternative outcomes or consequences.
Compare with Definitions
However
Used to introduce a contrasting statement.
She was tired; however, she finished her work.
Otherwise
Apart from that.
The decor is simple; the ambiance, otherwise, is quite warm.
However
Nonetheless; yet.
It was hard; however, it was worth it.
Otherwise
In circumstances different from those mentioned.
He was sick and could not come; otherwise, he would have been here.
However
To whatever extent or degree.
You can come over whenever; however late it is, I'll be awake.
Otherwise
In another manner; differently.
She acts professional at work but behaves otherwise at home.
However
In whatever manner or way.
Do it however you prefer.
Otherwise
Under different conditions.
She's strict as a boss; she's kind otherwise.
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Otherwise
In circumstances different from those present or considered; or else
I'm not motivated by money, otherwise I would have quit
The collection is a good draw that brings visitors who might not come otherwise
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Otherwise
In other respects; apart from that
An otherwise totally black cat with a single white whisker
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Otherwise
In a different way
All the staff were otherwise engaged
He means mischief—it's no good pretending otherwise
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Otherwise
In a different state or situation
I would that it were otherwise
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
Otherwise
In another way; differently
She thought otherwise.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Otherwise
Under other circumstances
Otherwise I might have helped.
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.
Otherwise
In other respects
An otherwise logical mind.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
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.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
Otherwise
Or else.
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.
Otherwise
If not; or else.
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?
Otherwise
Other than supposed; different
The evidence is otherwise.
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
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.
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.
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.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
Otherwise
(conjunctive) In all other respects.
He lost his temper once in a while. Otherwise he behaved rationally.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
Otherwise
Other than supposed; different.
He said he didn’t do it, but the evidence was otherwise.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
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.
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.
Otherwise
In other respects.
It is said, truly, that the best men otherwise are not always the best in regard of society.
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.
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.
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
Otherwise
Other than as supposed or expected;
The outcome was otherwise
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
Otherwise
In other respects or ways;
He is otherwise normal
The funds are not otherwise available
An otherwise hopeless situation
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
Otherwise
In another and different manner;
Very soon you will know differently
She thought otherwise
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
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?
However
Used to modify or emphasize a statement.
There are, however, some exceptions.
Common Curiosities
Can "however" and "otherwise" be used interchangeably?
No, "however" indicates contrast, while "otherwise" suggests an alternative.
Where is "however" commonly placed in a sentence?
"However" can be at the start, middle, or end of a sentence.
How is "otherwise" typically used in a sentence?
"Otherwise" often indicates an alternative consequence or condition.
Can "however" start a new sentence?
Yes, "however" can start a sentence to contrast a previous statement.
What's another meaning of "otherwise"?
"Otherwise" can mean "in a different way" or "if not so."
Can "otherwise" be used to refer to appearance?
Yes, e.g., "The room looked plain, the artwork made it feel otherwise."
Can "otherwise" be used to describe a person's character?
Yes, e.g., "He's stern in meetings, but he's kind otherwise."
Are "however" and "otherwise" both adverbs?
Yes, both are adverbs but they function differently in sentences.
Do "however" and "otherwise" have noun forms?
No, they primarily function as adverbs.
Are there synonyms for "however"?
Yes, synonyms include "yet," "nonetheless," and "on the other hand."
Is "however" always used for contrast?
Primarily, but it also can mean "no matter how" or "in whatever way."
How does "otherwise" relate to conditions?
"Otherwise" often denotes what would happen if a condition weren't met.
Can "otherwise" introduce a consequence?
Yes, e.g., "Submit the form by Friday; otherwise, you'll lose your spot."
How does punctuation work with "however"?
When contrasting, it's often followed by a comma or semicolon before it.
Is it formal to start a sentence with "however"?
It's accepted in both formal and informal writing, but some style guides have preferences.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
