However vs. Albeit: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 26, 2023

"However" is a conjunctive adverb meaning "in spite of that"; "albeit" is a conjunction meaning "although". They differ in that "however" begins a new sentence/clause, while "albeit" introduces a concession within a sentence.

Key Differences

"However" serves as a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. It typically initiates a new clause or sentence. On the other hand, "albeit" is also a conjunction, utilized to introduce a concession; it means "although" but is usually employed to introduce a remark that diminishes the effect of the statement it follows.

Oct 25, 2023

"However" is a versatile word in English; it can be used to start sentences or clauses, and it is used to show contrasts or contradictions between two statements. In contrast, "albeit" is more specialized and serves to introduce a fact or comment which reduces the force of what you have just said, and it does not typically start a new clause or sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

Using "however" typically involves a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence, and it is much more commonly used in both spoken and written English. Conversely, "albeit" is somewhat formal and less common, often found in written English to present a contrasting idea within the same sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

The placement of "however" is more flexible; it can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. "Albeit," however, has more limited placement, generally appearing after the statement it is contrasting or modifying within the same sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Conjunctive Adverb

Conjunction

Oct 25, 2023

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Usage

Used to start a new sentence or clause

Introduces concession in a sentence

Oct 25, 2023

Formality

Common in both formal and informal English

More formal and less common

Oct 25, 2023

Position

Can be placed at the start, middle, or end of a sentence

Generally follows the statement it contrasts

Oct 25, 2023

Punctuation

Typically separated by commas

Not typically separated by commas

Oct 25, 2023

However and Albeit Definitions

However

Denotes to whatever degree.

Use it however you like.

Oct 02, 2023

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Albeit

Used to introduce a remark that diminishes a statement.

The journey was fast, albeit tiring.

Oct 02, 2023

However

Indicates a difference with what has been stated before.

It is good advice. However, I cannot follow it.

Oct 02, 2023

Albeit

Presents a fact or comment which reduces the force of the preceding statement.

She was very pleased with the gift, albeit a bit surprised.

Oct 02, 2023

However

Serves to modify or emphasize.

However hard she tried, she could not remember.

Oct 02, 2023

Albeit

Means "although" and introduces a concession.

He is very talented, albeit inexperienced.

Oct 02, 2023

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However

Expresses surprise.

However did you manage to do it?

Oct 02, 2023

Albeit

Represents a form of "although" that usually introduces a contrast.

It was a beautiful, albeit cold, day.

Oct 02, 2023

However

In spite of that; nevertheless; yet

The book is expensive.

However, it's worth it.

Sep 29, 2023

Albeit

Introduces a modifying or contrasting statement.

The book is long, albeit interesting.

Oct 02, 2023

However

On the other hand; by contrast

The first part was easy.

The second, however, took hours.

Sep 29, 2023

Albeit

Even though; although; notwithstanding

Clear albeit cold weather.

Sep 29, 2023

However

To whatever degree or extent

"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).

Sep 29, 2023

Albeit

Although, despite (it) being.

Sep 29, 2023

However

In what way. Used as an intensive of how

However did you get here so soon?.

Sep 29, 2023

Albeit

Even though; although; notwithstanding.

Albeit so masked, Madam, I love the truth.

Sep 29, 2023

However

In whatever manner or way that

Dress however you like.

Sep 29, 2023

However

(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although

"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).

Sep 29, 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.

Sep 29, 2023

However

(conjunctive) In contrast.

The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.

Sep 29, 2023

However

(degree) To whatever degree or extent.

However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.

Sep 29, 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.

Sep 29, 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?

Sep 29, 2023

However

(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.

Sep 29, 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.

Sep 29, 2023

However

In any way in which.

She offered to help however she could.

Wear your hair however you want.

Sep 29, 2023

However

(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.

Sep 29, 2023

However

In whetever manner, way, or degree.

However yet they me despise and spite.

Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.

Sep 29, 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.

Sep 29, 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.

Sep 29, 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

Sep 29, 2023

However

By contrast; on the other hand;

The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours

Sep 29, 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

Sep 29, 2023

However

In whatever way or manner;

Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet

However he did it, it was very clever

Sep 29, 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?

Sep 29, 2023

However

Used to introduce a contrasting statement.

I like him; however, I don’t trust him.

Oct 02, 2023

FAQs

Can "albeit" start a sentence?

No, "albeit" does not typically start a new sentence; it introduces a concession within a sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

Can "however" start a sentence?

Yes, "however" can start a sentence or a clause to introduce a contrasting idea.

Oct 25, 2023

Is "albeit" more formal than "however"?

Yes, "albeit" is considered more formal and is less commonly used than "however."

Oct 25, 2023

Can "albeit" replace "however" in a sentence?

No, "albeit" and "however" are used differently and are not usually interchangeable.

Oct 25, 2023

Is "albeit" used in informal conversation?

"Albeit" is less common in informal conversation due to its formal tone.

Oct 25, 2023

Is "albeit" a conjunction?

Yes, "albeit" is a conjunction used to introduce a concession in a sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

Can "however" be used in the middle of a sentence?

Yes, "however" can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

How does punctuation differ between "however" and "albeit"?

"However" is typically separated by commas, while "albeit" is not typically separated by commas within a sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

Is "however" a conjunction?

"However" is a conjunctive adverb used to connect independent clauses.

Oct 25, 2023

Is "albeit" synonymous with "although"?

Yes, "albeit" is synonymous with "although" but is used to introduce a remark that diminishes the preceding statement.

Oct 25, 2023

Can "albeit" be used to introduce a modifying statement?

Yes, "albeit" can introduce a modifying or contrasting statement within a sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

Does "however" have multiple meanings?

Yes, "however" can mean "in spite of that," "to whatever degree," or "in whatever manner."

Oct 25, 2023

Is "however" commonly used in written and spoken English?

Yes, "however" is commonly used in both written and spoken English to introduce contrasting statements.

Oct 25, 2023

Can "however" be used to express surprise?

Yes, "however" can be used to express surprise, as in "However did you know?"

Oct 25, 2023

Does "albeit" have limited placement within a sentence?

Yes, "albeit" generally appears after the statement it is contrasting or modifying within the same sentence.

Oct 25, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by

Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.