However vs. Moreover — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 7, 2023
However indicates contrast or exception, while Moreover suggests addition or emphasis.
Difference Between However and Moreover
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
However is primarily used in sentences to denote a contrast or contradiction. It can introduce a statement that differs from or adds to a previous statement. Moreover, on the other hand, is used to introduce a piece of information that adds to or supports the preceding statement.
When you use However, you're suggesting that what follows might be surprising or unexpected based on what was said before. Moreover serves a different function; it emphasizes that what follows is closely related or even more important than what was previously mentioned.
For example, you might say, "The forest is serene. However, it can be dangerous at night." The use of However alerts the reader that a contrasting piece of information is about to be presented. If you were to say, "The forest is serene. Moreover, it houses rare species," the word Moreover suggests that an additional positive or reinforcing point is being made.
While both However and Moreover can be transitional words, they guide the reader in different directions. However prepares the reader for a change or contradiction in the information, while Moreover prepares the reader for an addition or emphasis.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Indicates contrast
Indicates addition
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Connotation
Contradiction/Exception
Reinforcement/Emphasis
Position in Sentence
Often at start/mid-sentence
Typically at start
Syntactic Role
Transitional conjunction
Transitional adverb
Example
"She's friendly; however, she's shy."
"He's intelligent; moreover, he's diligent."
Compare with Definitions
However
However indicates a contrast or exception.
He wanted to go; however, he was too tired.
Moreover
Moreover means "furthermore" or "besides".
This book is gripping; moreover, it's based on true events.
However
However can mean in whichever way or manner.
However you choose to proceed is fine.
Moreover
Moreover is used to introduce additional information.
She's an excellent singer; moreover, she writes her own songs.
However
However can mean "nevertheless" or "yet".
It's raining; however, the game will continue.
Moreover
Moreover can suggest a cumulative effect.
The team has skill; moreover, they have the passion to win.
However
However can denote to whatever degree or extent.
However much you try, it's not possible.
Moreover
Moreover indicates emphasizing more than what has already been mentioned.
He is not only a good student; moreover, he excels in sports.
However
However signifies "on the other hand."
She is strict; however, she's fair.
Moreover
Moreover is employed to reinforce a previously stated point.
The results were consistent; moreover, they were replicable in different conditions.
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Moreover
Beyond what has been stated; besides.
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Moreover
(conjunctive) In addition to what has been said; furthermore; additionally.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Moreover
Beyond what has been said; further; besides; in addition; furthermore; also; likewise.
Moreover, he hath left you all his walks.
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Moreover
In addition;
Computer chess games are getting cheaper all the time; furthermore, their quality is improving
The cellar was dark; moreover, mice nested there
What is more, there's no sign of a change
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
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.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
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.
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?
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
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.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
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.
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.
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
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
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
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?
Common Curiosities
Can However and Moreover be used interchangeably?
No, while both are transitional words, However indicates contrast, and Moreover indicates addition.
When should I use However instead of Moreover?
Use However when introducing a contradicting or contrasting point, and use Moreover for additional or reinforcing information.
How is Moreover typically used in a sentence?
Moreover is used to introduce additional information, emphasizing or supporting the previous statement.
Is Moreover formal?
Moreover has a formal tone and is commonly used in academic and formal writing.
Are there synonyms for However?
Yes, "nevertheless", "yet", and "but" can be synonymous with However in certain contexts.
Are there synonyms for Moreover?
Yes, words like "furthermore", "additionally", and "besides" can serve similar functions.
Is it correct to use a semicolon before However?
Yes, when connecting two independent clauses, a semicolon before However and a comma after it is standard.
What is the primary use of However?
However is primarily used to indicate a contrast or exception in statements.
Can Moreover begin a sentence?
Yes, Moreover is often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce additional points.
Can However be used to mean "no matter how"?
Yes, as in "however hard it may seem."
Can I use However in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, However can be used mid-sentence to introduce a contrasting point.
How do I punctuate around Moreover?
When starting a sentence with Moreover, it's usually followed by a comma. If used mid-sentence, commas should surround it.
Can However mean "in any way"?
Yes, in contexts like "however you like," it means "in whichever manner or way."
Is Moreover a conjunction?
No, Moreover is considered a transitional adverb.
Why are However and Moreover important in writing?
They guide the reader, signaling contrast with However or addition with Moreover, enhancing clarity and coherence.
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Written 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.
