However vs. Yet — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
"However" is used to introduce a contrast or exception in a more formal tone, often at the beginning of a sentence, while "yet" serves as a conjunction or adverb to indicate that something has not happened up to the present time.
Difference Between However and Yet
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"However" is primarily used as a transitional adverb to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. In contrast, "yet" can function both as a conjunction and an adverb, often suggesting a contradiction or an unexpected outcome.
When "however" is used, it is usually followed by a comma and is placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, helping to shift the direction of the argument or discussion. "Yet", when used as a conjunction, connects two clauses and implies that the second clause contains information that is surprising or unexpected given the first.
"However" is suitable for formal writing and is often found in academic or professional texts to create a clear separation between contrasting points. "Yet", as an adverb, can imply continuity and is less formal, commonly used in everyday conversation and narrative writing.
In the structure of sentences, "however" demands more punctuation, typically requiring a semicolon or a period before it when used to join two independent clauses. "Yet", on the other hand, is more flexible and can begin a sentence or join clauses without needing additional punctuation like semicolons.
Both words serve to introduce contrasts, but "however" is generally detached and objective, focusing on logical structure, while "yet" often carries a sense of expectation or suspense, making it more subjective and emotionally colored.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb, sometimes conjunction
Conjunction, adverb
Function
Introduces a contrast or exception
Indicates non-occurrence or introduces a contrast
Usage Context
Formal writing, academic discussions
Informal and narrative writing, everyday speech
Placement
Often at the beginning or middle of a sentence
Can be used at the beginning or middle of clauses
Punctuation
Requires a comma after it, semicolon or period before
Flexible, usually follows a comma
Tone
Objective and detached
Often carries a sense of expectation or surprise
Compare with Definitions
However
Functions as a bridge to present an opposing idea.
The path was dangerous; however, they decided to proceed.
Yet
Suggests that a situation might change.
She may yet decide to join us.
However
Indicates a shift in thought.
He planned to buy the car; however, he changed his mind after seeing the price.
Yet
Used as a conjunction to introduce a contrasting idea that is surprising or unexpected.
It was raining, yet they went for a walk.
However
Offers a polite contradiction.
I understand your point; however, I disagree.
Yet
An informal way of showing contrast.
She’s friendly, yet she can be quite blunt.
However
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has been mentioned before.
She is great at softball; however, she prefers soccer.
Yet
Indicates something has not occurred up to the present time.
He hasn’t finished his homework yet.
However
Can sometimes act like a conjunction.
It was raining; he went for a walk, however.
Yet
Used to add dramatic effect.
She had all the odds against her, yet she succeeded.
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Yet
Up until the present or a specified or implied time; by now or then
I haven't told anyone else yet
Aren't you ready to go yet?
I have yet to be convinced
The congress was widely acclaimed as the best yet
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Yet
Still; even (used to emphasize increase or repetition)
Snow, snow, and yet more snow
Yet another diet book
The rations were reduced yet again
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Yet
In spite of that; nevertheless
Every week she gets worse, and yet it could go on for years
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Yet
But at the same time; but nevertheless
The path was dark, yet I slowly found my way
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
Yet
At this time; for the present
Isn't ready yet.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Yet
Up to a specified time; thus far
The end had not yet come.
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.
Yet
At a future time; eventually
May yet change his mind.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
Yet
Besides; in addition
Returned for yet another helping.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
Yet
Still more; even
A yet sadder tale.
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.
Yet
Nevertheless
Young yet wise.
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?
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
Yet
Thus far; up to the present; up to some unspecified time.
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.
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
Yet
In affirmative use: still.
He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
Yet
At some future time; eventually.
The riddle will be solved yet.
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.
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
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.
Yet
In addition.
There are two hours yet to go until our destination.
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
Yet
(degree) Even.
K-2 is yet higher than this.
Oh no! Yet more problems!
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
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
Yet
(obsolete) To pour.
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
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?
Yet
To get.
Yet
(dialectal) A metal pan or boiler; yetling.
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
Yet
Before some future time; before the end; eventually; in time.
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
Yet
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
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference in the function of "however" and "yet"?
"However" primarily serves to introduce logical contrasts, while "yet" often introduces contrasts that carry a sense of continuation or surprise.
Can "yet" imply a future possibility?
Yes, when used as an adverb, "yet" can suggest that something might still occur.
Are there contexts where "yet" and "however" could be used interchangeably?
In many cases, they can be used interchangeably when introducing a contrast, but the choice may depend on the formality of the setting and the tone the speaker wishes to convey.
Does the use of "yet" in a sentence always involve contrast?
While often used to introduce contrast, "yet" can also simply indicate that an action or event has not occurred as of now.
Can "yet" be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, "yet" can begin a sentence, especially when it serves to introduce a contrast or unexpected outcome.
Is "however" more formal than "yet"?
Yes, "however" is typically more formal and used in academic or professional contexts.
When should I use "however" instead of "yet"?
Use "however" when you need to introduce a clear, formal contrast in writing or speech.
What impact does the use of "however" have on the flow of a text?
"However" can create a more deliberate pause, signaling a significant shift in thought or direction in the text.
How does punctuation differ when using "however" and "yet"?
"However" usually requires more stringent punctuation, such as a preceding semicolon or period and a following comma, whereas "yet" as a conjunction fits smoothly within a sentence with minimal punctuation.
Why might an author choose "yet" over "however" in narrative writing?
"Yet" often adds a dramatic or emotional element that is appealing in storytelling.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Methodical vs. Analytical
Next Comparison
Bloom vs. BoomAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
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.
