However vs. Otherwise: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"However" is used to introduce a contrasting point, while "Otherwise" indicates a different outcome or condition if circumstances were to change.
Key Differences
"However" is primarily used as a conjunction or adverb to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. "Otherwise," on the other hand, is an adverb used to indicate that if circumstances were different, the outcome or situation would also be different.
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Nov 25, 2023
In sentence structure, "however" often appears at the beginning or in the middle, creating a pause to introduce the contrast. "Otherwise" is typically used at the end of a sentence or clause to suggest an alternative outcome.
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Nov 25, 2023
The use of "however" is common in both formal and informal writing, serving to show the complexity of an issue by presenting an opposing viewpoint. "Otherwise" is frequently used to imply a condition or to offer a warning about potential consequences.
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Nov 25, 2023
"However" can be replaced with words like "but" or "yet" without changing the sentence's meaning significantly. In contrast, "otherwise" is often synonymous with "or else," suggesting a condition-based outcome.
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Nov 25, 2023
The word "however" is versatile, also functioning as a transitional adverb to indicate a slight change in the subject. "Otherwise," while less versatile, is crucial for indicating conditional relationships and potential different outcomes.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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However and Otherwise Definitions
However
It contrasts a previous statement.
She was tired; however, she continued working.
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Nov 21, 2023
Otherwise
It shows a conditional result.
Study hard; otherwise, you might not pass.
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Nov 21, 2023
However
It specifies the extent of something.
The task is difficult; however, not impossible.
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Nov 21, 2023
Otherwise
It suggests what could happen if conditions change.
Leave now, otherwise you'll be late.
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Nov 21, 2023
However
It shows different possibilities.
He prefers tea; however, coffee is acceptable too.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Otherwise
It warns about potential negative outcomes.
Follow the instructions; otherwise, it won't work.
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Nov 21, 2023
However
It moderates a statement.
The results were good; however, they could be better.
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Nov 21, 2023
Otherwise
It can mean in another way.
She said it otherwise, using simpler words.
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Nov 21, 2023
However
It introduces a related but different point.
The plan was risky; however, it was the only option.
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Nov 21, 2023
Otherwise
It implies a different situation under altered circumstances.
He needs to rest; otherwise, he'll get sick.
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Nov 21, 2023
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Otherwise
(conjunctive) In all other respects.
He lost his temper once in a while. Otherwise he behaved rationally.
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Oct 19, 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?
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Oct 19, 2023
Otherwise
Other than supposed; different.
He said he didn’t do it, but the evidence was otherwise.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Otherwise
In other respects.
It is said, truly, that the best men otherwise are not always the best in regard of society.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
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Oct 19, 2023
Otherwise
In other respects or ways;
He is otherwise normal
The funds are not otherwise available
An otherwise hopeless situation
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Otherwise
In another and different manner;
Very soon you will know differently
She thought otherwise
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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
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Oct 19, 2023
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
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Oct 19, 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
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
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Oct 19, 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?
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "otherwise" introduce a sentence?
It's less common; "otherwise" typically appears at the end.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is "otherwise" used for contrasting ideas?
No, "otherwise" suggests alternative outcomes, not direct contrasts.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can "however" indicate a slight change in topic?
Yes, it's used as a transitional adverb.
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Nov 25, 2023
Do "however" and "nevertheless" have similar uses?
Yes, they both introduce contrasting points.
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Nov 25, 2023
Are "however" and "but" interchangeable?
Often, but "however" is more formal.
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Nov 25, 2023
Does "otherwise" imply a warning?
It can, particularly when suggesting negative consequences.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is "otherwise" a conditional term?
Yes, it often implies a condition for a different outcome.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can "however" start a sentence?
Yes, "however" can begin a sentence to introduce a contrast.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can "otherwise" be used in formal contexts?
Yes, it's suitable for both formal and informal use.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can "however" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, often after a semicolon.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is "otherwise" used to offer alternatives?
Not directly, it suggests what could happen if conditions change.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can "otherwise" be replaced with "if not"?
In many cases, yes, to indicate a conditional outcome.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is "however" used in everyday conversation?
Yes, though it's more common in writing.
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Nov 25, 2023
Are "however" and "although" similar?
They are similar but used differently in sentence structure.
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Nov 25, 2023
Does "otherwise" always need a preceding condition?
Typically, it follows a statement that sets a condition.
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Nov 25, 2023
Does "however" soften a statement?
It can, by introducing a moderated or alternate viewpoint.
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Nov 25, 2023
Can "otherwise" mean 'in other respects'?
Yes, it can also imply 'apart from that'.
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Nov 25, 2023
Is "however" only used for contradiction?
Mostly, though it can also indicate a degree or alternative.
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Nov 25, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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