another word for however for an essay

18 Other Ways to Say “However” in an Essay

You’re in the midst of a formal essay, and it looks like you’ve used “however” far too many times. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, we’ve compiled a list of great alternative terms that you can use when “however” starts to feel worn out. So, keep reading to find what you seek!

Other Ways to Say “However”

Nevertheless, alternatively.

• Nonetheless
• All the same
• In spite of
• Notwithstanding
• On the other hand
• In contrast

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It’s perfectly okay to use “however” in an essay.
• “Nevertheless” is a good alternative to use to keep your paper diverse.
• You can also use “alternatively” to avoid repetition of the word “however.”

Keep reading to see how we use our favorite synonyms for “however” in a couple of useful examples.

After that, we’ll consider whether it’s okay to use “however” in an essay. Is this considered bad practice?

If you’re wondering what to say instead of “however” in an essay, you might want to try “nevertheless.”

Firstly, like the original word, this term is used to introduce contrasting information relating to a previous statement. “Nevertheless” and “however” differ slightly in overall meaning.

However (or nevertheless), you’ll find that they can often be used interchangeably at the start of a sentence.

In other words, “nevertheless” is not a better word than “however” to use in formal or academic writing . But you can use this alternative to avoid repetition in your essay.

Finally, let’s see a couple of faux essay snippets making use of “nevertheless”:

Nevertheless , the ICO has provided several useful resources to guide sellers in their marketing pursuits.

After months of negotiations with unions, strikes broke out, nevertheless .

“Alternatively” is another word to use instead of “however” in academic writing. Like the original phrase, it can be used at the start of a sentence.

Essentially, “alternatively” means “as another possibility.” As such, it can be used to present a counterpoint to a previous statement in a paper.

However is just as effective as “alternatively,” but you can use this synonym to keep your phrasing diverse and your paper more interesting.

Lastly, let’s see a few examples making use of this term:

Small businesses feel that they have no choice but to cease the use of cold-calling altogether or, alternatively , undergo a costly remodeling of their marketing in an attempt to comply.

Alternatively , we may observe adaptation to these new conditions amongst our specimens.

Can I Use “However” in an Essay?

It is perfectly okay to use “however” in an essay . However, we do advise that you use it with caution.

Although it is not a bad word by any means, it is very easy to overuse it. This could be very detrimental to the appearance of your essay to any marker.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to use our list of synonyms to find other ways to say “however” when you have already used it.

Nevertheless, “however” is a perfectly polite word that can be used to introduce contrasting information or to transition to a new sentence. It is very effective, and you’re unlikely to find an academic paper that makes no use of it at all.

We hope you found our list of synonyms helpful. If you think you might need them the next time you’re drafting an essay, why not bookmark this page so you can find it again with ease?

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adverb as in still, nevertheless

Strongest matches

• nevertheless
• nonetheless
• notwithstanding

Strong matches

• all the same
• be that as it may
• for all that
• in spite of that
• just the same

Weak matches

• on the other hand
• without regard to

adverb as in no matter how or to what extent

Strongest match

• no matter how

Discover More

Example sentences.

However much we gossip about heterosexual couples with large age gaps, we at least refrain from calling them sex offenders.

However, more than 20 players on the ballot this year were probably worthy of being enshrined in Cooperstown.

In Israel, however, a new law took effect January 1st that banned the use of underweight models.

Despite the strong language, however, the neither the JPO nor Lockheed could dispute a single fact in either Daily Beast report.

There is, however, a separate wing of AQAP designed to inspire their followers to conduct attacks against the West.

However, they were not seen to venture far into the surrounding deciduous forest.

This, however, did not apply to the waters lying directly around the Poloe and Flatland groups.

Suddenly, however, he became aware of a small black spot far ahead in the very middle of the unencumbered track.

Dean Swift was indeed a misanthrope by theory, however he may have made exception to private life.

As a rule, however, even in the case of extreme varieties, a careful examination of the specimen will enable it to be identified.

Related Words

Words related to however are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word however . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adverb as in still

• at any rate
• in any case

adverb as in by any means

• any which way
• haphazardly
• helter-skelter
• in any respect
• in either way
• in one way or another
• in whatever way
• under any circumstances
• whatever happens
• willy-nilly
• in any event
• in any manner

preposition as in indicating contrast

conjunction as in indicating contrast

Viewing 5 / 10 related words

When To Use

What are other ways to say  however .

The adverb however implies slight opposition, and displays a second consideration to be compared with the first: We are going; however ( “notice this also” ), we shall return. But marks a more marked opposition or contrast, though in a casual way: We are going, but we shall return. Nevertheless implies a concession, something which should not be forgotten in making a summing up: We are going; nevertheless ( “do not forget that” ), we shall return. Still implies that in spite of a preceding concession, something must be considered as possible or even inevitable: We have to go on foot; still ( “it is probable and possible that” ), we’ll get there. Yet implies that in spite of a preceding concession, there is still a chance for a different outcome: We are going; yet ( “in spite of all, some day” ), we shall return.

On this page you'll find 31 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to however, such as: nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, yet, and all the same.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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9 Words To Use Instead Of “However” (With Examples)

“However” is undoubtedly a great word to use to counter a previous point you’ve made in writing. It can be somewhat overdone, which is why we think it’s time to look at some synonyms for it. This article will explore all the best alternatives for “however.”

Which Words Can I Use Instead Of “However”?

There are plenty of options to replace “however,” each one offering a different way for you to introduce a counterpoint or idea. This article will look at the following:

Nevertheless

• Despite that
• Be that as it may
• Having said that

The preferred version is “but” because it’s the most common one seen in English. Most people know what it means, and it’s easy to read on a page (since it only features three letters).

Another way to say however is by using “but,” and it’s perhaps the most popular choice to do so.

“But” works well when we want to introduce a counterargument while keeping the text light and easy to comprehend. It’s the quickest way to use “however” and doesn’t need to be used in more formal contexts.

Generally, “however” is a formal word. We mostly use it in articles or writing designed to capture the formal audience’s attention. “But” isn’t as strict with its usage, and you can find it equally in informal and formal writing styles.

You might see “but” in some of the following ways:

• I liked that idea, but I don’t think it’s wise to continue talking about it.
• They tried hard to find the gold, but it was to no avail.
• This mission was a resounding success, but there is still more to find out there.

Next, we come to “nevertheless,” which is a slightly less common phrase that works in formal situations.

“Nevertheless” and “nonetheless” are interchangeable and mean the same thing. You can use either to introduce a counterargument from the previous point.

Just like most of the words on this list, “nevertheless” is an independent clause that we use to include more information on the previous point, which means we need to include correct punctuation.

The correct punctuation choices include a semi-colon or a period before “nevertheless” and a comma after it.

• They worked hard for what they achieved; nevertheless, people looked down on them.
• You shouldn’t have said that to me; nevertheless, I will have to act on it accordingly.
• There are plenty of things wrong with this project; nevertheless, he will work on it.

“Still” is one of the best choices to replace “but,” and many native speakers use the two interchangeably throughout their writing to keep things unique and creative.

“Still” works well to introduce a counterpoint and comes with the same punctuation needs as “however.” It means the same as “but” but is used as an independent clause to introduce a new idea to an argument or qualify a previous one.

“Still” is one of the easiest words on this list to use, and it doesn’t always have to introduce a counter idea. Instead, it can reaffirm the previous statement, though it’s rare to see it used in this way.

• No one could beat them. Still, she thought her team stood a good chance.
• You should keep quiet while I work. Still, I don’t reckon you’ll be too fond about doing that.
• There is much to do today; still, I don’t see a way to get it all done.

“Yet” and “but” are synonymous. They use the same language rules, which helps many writers use them. “Yet” is definitely a better choice to replace “but” than “still” is, which a lot of people overlook.

“Yet” only needs a comma to work in a sentence, just like “but.” We can use it whenever we’re introducing a point that doesn’t agree with the previous one stated.

People often find “yet” easy to use because it’s quick to say and only consists of three letters (much like “but”).

• I don’t see you helping, yet I hear you complaining an awful lot.
• We must work together on this, yet you insist on ignoring our commands.
• The government works in mysterious ways, yet they always make their mistakes popular in the media.

“Though” is another common choice which we often see instead of “however.” Many people think it works in the same way as “although.” It’s simply a shorter version of “although” in the case of countering an argument.

“Though” is a great choice, like “yet” and “but,” which only requires a comma to work.

You will find “though” written quite a lot in English when introducing a counterpoint, and here are some examples of how it might look:

• I can see where you’re coming from, though I don’t much like your idea.
• There was a lot of money in the project, though they weren’t keen on telling us that.
• We found what we were looking for, though we weren’t best pleased with the result.

“Although” is identical to “though.” We use both words for the same reason, and it seems that “though” has evolved over time to replace “although.”

“Although” is a great synonym, though it’s clear that “though” is becoming the more popular choice of the two. Both follow the same language rules, making them easier to use than “however.”

“Although” is an old-fashioned word, and many native speakers think the “al-” prefix is redundant and unnecessary. For that reason, “though” is more common today.

• I’d like to take you to dinner, although I don’t think you’ll agree to that.
• There have been many reports of injuries in this area, although the police haven’t confirmed anything suspicious.
• The news is full of lies, although no one is sure how or why they get there.

Despite That

“Despite that” is the first alternative way of saying “however” that uses more than one word in this list. We like it because it works well in more formal situations.

“Despite that” is a formal phrase. We use it to talk about a counterargument from the previous point raised, and many essays are elevated in quality when using a phrase like “despite that.”

While many of the one-word options above are great for both formal and informal cases, “despite that” is mostly only for formalities. That makes it the ideal candidate for essay writing, research papers, and work emails.

• The findings have proved many things wrong about this study; despite that, I’m still willing to progress with my initial hypothesis.
• You could find faults wherever you look. Despite that, the world is still beautiful in its own way.
• I have found many discrepancies in the profit register. Despite that, I believe this work is dutiful and moral.

Be That As It May

“Be that as it may” is another phrase rather than a one-word choice. We use it in the same way as “despite that,” and it means that while the previous point means one thing, we’d like to raise another idea.

“Be that as it may” is another formal option that you’ll only find in those situations. It will rarely be used in a casual environment.

• We have yet to see results. Be that as it may, we will keep working towards them.
• You don’t know what you’re doing here. Be that as it may, you’ve got a right to see what we’re doing.
• Be that as it may, I don’t think you can talk to me in such a manner.

Having Said That

“Having said that” is synonymous with “be that as it may,” to mean that, while we’re saying one thing, we’re about to raise a point that highlights the opposite.

Again, “having said that” is a formal choice, though it’s not quite as formal as some of the others.

• You shouldn’t be here. Having said that, I think you can help me.
• There are many more places to explore in this world. Having said that, studies show it’s unlikely that we’ll ever explore them.
• The solar system is a vast expanse of nothing. Having said that, I’m excited to see where space travel might take us.

What Does “However” Mean?

“However” means despite the previous statement. We use it when we want to talk about a contradicting idea to the one we just raised, even if that seems counterintuitive to the goal of our writing.

The definition of “however,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary , is “despite whatever amount of degree.”

Can You Say “But However”?

“But however” is never grammatically correct. It’s known as reduplication, where we use two words that have the same meaning. Ultimately “but however” means “but but” or “however however.” Both of those statements are grammatically incorrect.

Which Is Better: But Or However”?

According to this graph , “but” is more popular than “however,” making it the more recognized and thus better choice than “however.”

Many people prefer using “but” because it’s much easier to find a place to write it in your writing. Also, because it comes with less strict punctuation rules, it’s easier for people still trying to learn the language to use it effectively.

You might also like: How To Use However In The Middle Of A Sentence (9 Examples)

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• “Despite” or “Despite Of” – Correct Version Revealed
• Previous Work or Previous Works – Which Is Correct?
• 10 Best Words to Use Instead of “But” to Start a Sentence
• 10 Other Words for “However” in an Essay

22 of the Best Synonyms for ‘However’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

There are lots of strange ideas surrounding the word ‘however’. Some teachers tell their students they shouldn’t begin a new sentence with the word ‘but’, and should substitute the word ‘however’ instead.

However (as it were), this misses the fact that ‘but’ and ‘however’ are different classes of words, with ‘but’ being a conjunction and ‘however’ being an adverb.

Curiously, the Oxford English Dictionary ( OED ) names Shakespeare as the first citation of ‘however’ as a synonym for ‘but’ or ‘notwithstanding’: Shakespeare’s late history play Henry VIII , co-authored with John Fletcher, contains the lines: ‘All the Land knowes that: / How euer, yet there is no great breach.’ As the tautological ‘How euer, yet’ shows, ‘However’ is being used to mean ‘yet’ or ‘nevertheless’ here.

In any case, there’s nothing wrong with using ‘but’ at the start of a sentence – and much can go wrong if you misuse ‘however’, treating it as a simple synonym for ‘but’. Let’s take a closer look at some of the alternatives to the word ‘however’ and how they can be used in speech and writing.

Synonyms for ‘however’

Let’s start with BUT . This short, simple word is a conjunction, because it is used to join clauses together, much like ‘and’. Consider these two statements, involving going to look for the cat:

A: I looked in the garden and the cat was there.

B: I looked in the garden but the cat wasn’t there.

In both cases, the ( italicised ) conjunction) joins the two clauses together, but in B, of course, the cat isn’t there so the conjunction but is used. But we could also have used however here:

I looked in the garden; however , the cat wasn’t there.

However is an adverb rather than a conjunction, hence the comma that follows it. Adverbs are often words ending in -ly , such as happily or sadly or quickly , and one can imagine a slightly different sentence that might read:

I looked in the garden; happily , the cat was there.

So but is a simpler and more direct way of saying virtually the same thing as however in such examples.

Another short word, YET , serves a similar function, and can therefore serve as a synonym for however , as in ‘I looked in the garden, yet the cat wasn’t there’.

The word STILL works slightly differently from but and yet and is, in some ways, closer to however than either of those. Indeed, in syntax it is often literally closer to however , since the two are used together, as in this example from the historian Thomas Babington Macaulay in 1825: ‘Still, however, there was another extreme which, though far less dangerous, was also to be avoided.’

In such an example, ‘still’ means something similar to NONETHELESS (or NEVERTHELESS : they are both synonyms for each other): that is, DESPITE THAT , THAT BEING SAID , ALL THE SAME , or JUST THE SAME .

For instance, ‘I know it’s useless buying a lottery ticket; still , someone’s got to win, haven’t they?’ A synonym for still in this sense (and for nonetheless/nevertheless ) is NOTWITHSTANDING .

AFTER ALL also performs this function, as in Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene (1590): ‘Yet after all, he victour did suruiue’ means essentially, ‘however, he survived as victor’.

Indeed, a suite of words which also convey this idea of just the same or notwithstanding are REGARDLESS , ANYHOW , ANYWAY , and EVEN SO . Remember to steer clear of ‘irregardless’, a word frowned upon because it makes no sense (the ir- prefix presumably negates the word regardless , so its meaning would be the opposite of ‘regardless’).

THOUGH and ALTHOUGH are two more words which can be used more or less interchangeably with however . For instance, ‘He’s a good singer; however, he’s no Frank Sinatra’ could be rewritten quite easily to read, ‘He’s a good singer, (al)though he’s no Frank Sinatra’.

Using though (or although ) arguably softens the blow of the criticism of the person’s singing in the second half of the sentence, in a way that however does not: however acts as performative throat-clearing before delivering the stinging indictment of the singer’s abilities, whereas though and although keep the emphasis slightly focused towards the start of the sentence, and the good news (‘He’s a good singer …’).

A slightly more archaic synonym for however is HOWBEIT . Whereas albeit has lasted, howbeit , which means roughly BE THAT AS IT MAY , has become largely obsolete and so is best avoided as an archaism or old-fashioned word. Of course, if you’re writing historical fiction, it may be just the term you’re looking for!

Antonyms for ‘however’

If however sees the clause which follows it swerving away from the clause which precedes it (as in the example ‘I looked in the garden; however , the cat wasn’t there’), then good antonyms for however see the two clauses agreeing with each other: the latter one follows naturally and smoothly from the former.

With this in mind, we might identify THEREFORE , THUS , and SO as antonyms for however .

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Words and Phrases to Use instead of HOWEVER

Published by My Lingua Academy on 7 Sep 2022 7 Sep 2022

Hi English learners! Are you writing an essay or an email? Are you fed up with the same old words and phrases? In this lesson, we will look at 10 words and phrases to use instead of “however” with lots of example sentences so you can learn how to use them in context.

Here is the list:

Nevertheless

Despite/in spite of, be it as it may, having said that.

“However” can be used as an adverb showing a relation between the two sentences.

• Sara has always been a good student. Last month, however, she got some bad grades.

It can also be used as an adverb before an adjective or another adverb:

• Robert couldn’t win the game however hard he tried .

We normally use “however” as conjunction joining two clauses.

• You can make this cake however you want – with or without eggs.

Let’s look at some alternatives to “however”:

Just like “however”, we use “nevertheless” to show contrast. It has a similar meaning to “despite that”.

• Tom was tired and sleepy; nevertheless , he kept on walking.
• Though enormously rich, he was nevertheless a thrifty, penny-pinching person.
• Mary never wanted to be a housewife but she nevertheless got married and ended up as one.

We use the phrase “even so” for emphasis. For example. when you want to say that something is surprising news in spite of what you have said previously.

• Sandra ate too much already but even so , she helped herself with a cake.
• The temperature rose later in the day but even so , we were still feeling cold.
• Brian’s room was very untidy; even so , he didn’t mind sitting and reading at his desk.

We use “still” to emphasize that something exists despite something said or done in the sentence.

• Robert still enjoyed his day off despite the bad weather.
• Albert was looking for his telephone all around the place but still couldn’t find it.
• Although his leg hurt he was still able to drive.

“Yet” is a conjunction we normally use to make a contrast between two clauses or sentences.

• There was no particular reason for Fiona to be in a bad mood, yet she felt pretty sad.
• It was cold yet sunny.
• The joke he told us seemed a bit strange yet very funny.

This is another conjunction we use to express contrast. It is used to say that something is happening differently from what is usual or sensible.

• Although he’s been working there for a long time, he wanted to change jobs.
• Roberta was sitting on the balcony and smoking although the doctor told her not to.
• Although he spent a few months in prison for robbery, he decided to be an honest man.

An adverb “otherwise” means different, in another way than supposed.

• Sylvia thought that the book was a bit long but otherwise she enjoyed reading it.
• Michael’s parents paid for his university. Otherwise , he couldn’t have afforded it.
• Mind your steps on the floor, otherwise , you will fall.

“Despite” and “in spite of” mean that something is happening though something else may stop or prevent it from happening.

• They were walking in the park despite the rain.
• In spite of his mother’s disagreement, he decided to move abroad.
• In spite of the fact that he was over eighty, he was still healthy and in good shape.

The phrase “after all” means in spite of what was said previously.

• Sandra never wanted to live in the country but when her son got married and bought a house in the village she had to visit him every now and then after all.
• Mary is not supposed to work. She’s over seventy, after all.
• Peter was never worried about money. After all , he knew he would inherit a lot of money from his parents when they die.

We use the phrase “be it as it may” when we want to change the subject or continue talking about something else, regardless of whether we finished the previous discussion or not.

• We were good friends back in school days. Be it as it may , I’ll never see him again, I suppose.
• Be it as it may , we don’t expect people affected by the earthquake to deal with the consequences by themselves.

We use the phrase “having said that” to indicate that something is true despite what you said before that.

• This restaurant is quite expensive; having said that , the food is great.
• You will lose weight if you stick to this diet; having said that, try to bring more variety into your diet, as well.
• Brian’s motorbike was in perfect condition, but having said that , it needed a new seat.

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Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas - My Lingua Academy · 15 Jan 2024 at 8:27 am

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Other Ways to Say HOWEVER : 42 Powerful Synonyms for However in English

Other Ways to Say However

However synonyms with examples.

Learn another word for however with example sentences.

All the same , there is some truth in what he says.

Although  it was late, there was still enough time to keep the rendezvous .

The boy is so fat  and yet  he runs very fast.

Anyhow , we must find a way out of this impasse.

It’s going to be difficult.  Anyway , we can try.

At any rate , the size of new fields is diminishing.

I can’t really explain it, at the same time I’m not convinced.

I accept that he’s old and frail; be that as it may , he’s still a good politician.

A word is no arrow,  but  it can pierce the heart.

But despite that , Gloucestershire County Council still can’t find another school that will accept him as a full time student.

He has many faults,  but for all that  I like him.

We waited on for another hour,  but still  she didn’t come.

This is better,  but then again  it costs more.

He gives permission, and,  contrariwise , she refuses it.

Despite  the bad weather, we enjoyed ourselves.

Despite  that  you still owe me $100, I am willing to lend you another $100.

He refused to help me,  despite the fact that  I asked him several times.

It was raining, even so  we had to go out.

She hasn’t phoned,  even though  she said she would.

He has many faults, but  for all that  I like him.

He forgets most things, but  having said that , he always remembers my birthday.

Howbeit , we never met again.

In any case , she couldn’t have held a conversation there.

They went on with their basketball match  in spite of  the rain.

In spite of everything , I still believe that people are really good at heart.

In spite of that , the availability both here and in Britain should be known to the public at large.

I put on my raincoat and big straw hat. But we got soaked just the same .

He was very tired;  nevertheless  he went on walking.

Though he’s fool, I like him  nonetheless .

Notwithstanding  she is beautiful,she doesn’t think it goes for much.

On the flip side , accepting them and not having your needs met is not healthy either.

I want to go to the party, on the other hand  I ought to be studying.

He had worked very hard on the place; she, per contra , had little to do.

Regardless   of how often I correct him, he always makes the same mistake.

Even though you dislike us,  still and all  you should be polite.

That said, there are still places to get free Internet access.

Though  John and Andrew look exactly alike, they act quite differently.

She actually enjoys confrontation,  whereas  I prefer a quiet life.

Other man live to eat,  while  I eat to live.

The path was dark, yet I found my way.

Synonyms for However with Examples | Infographic

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HOWEVER Synonym: 23 Useful Words to Use Instead of HOWEVER

Posted on Last updated: October 24, 2023

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HOWEVER Synonym! Learning synonyms in English is one of the best ways to bolster your vocabulary. In this lesson, you will learn a list of synonyms for HOWEVER with picture and example sentences.

Table of Contents

HOWEVER Synonym List

• Nonetheless
• Notwithstanding
• All the same
• Be that as it may
• For all that
• In spite of
• On the other hand
• Without regard to
• At any rate
• In any case
• Just the same
• Nevertheless

HOWEVER Synonyms with Examples

Learn synonyms or other words for HOWEVER with example sentences.

Though he’s a fool, I like him  nonetheless .

He still went home,  notwithstanding  the midnight.

Withal , I always hold an optimistic attitude.

He still yearned after her, even  after all  these years.

I don’t need the literature at present. Thank you very much  all the same .

Anyhow , I must insist that you cannot steal.

I know you don’t like him but  be that as it may , you can at least be polite to him.

The law cannot make all men equal,  but  they are all equal before the law.

She looked lovely,  despite  her strange apparel.

For all that  he was an attractive little creature with a sweetly expressive face.

In spite of  their quarrel, they remain the best of friends.

I want to go to the party, but  on the other hand , I ought to be studying.

The female is generally drab, the male  per contra  brilliant.

Though  you cast out nature with a fork, it will still return.

The 2008 bonus plan was also designed to kick in  without regard to  paper losses.

I shall go and see the patient  anyway .

Well, I’m not going home on foot,  at any rate .

In any case , he is a friend of mine.

Don’t worry about looking handsome, or being strong and brave. Just as you love me unconditionally,I love you  just the same .

Fanned fires and forced love never did well  yet .

Synonym for However | Image

Learn HOWEVER Synonyms (Other Words for HOWEVER)

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• Writing Tips

Alternatives to the Word ‘But’ for Academic Writing

3-minute read

• 4th November 2015

Anne might not be the most celebrated Brontë, but she was on to something in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall , in which the titular tenant notes that ‘there is always a “but” in this imperfect world’.

The same is certainly true of academic writing , where the word ‘but’ is an essential (though sometimes overused) term for constructing grammatical sentences, particularly when comparing two points.

With short words like ‘but’, you shouldn’t worry too much about repetition. Nevertheless, sometimes an alternative (like ‘nevertheless’) can improve the flow of your prose, so herein we provide a few alternatives to the word ‘but’ that you can use in your written work.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words used to connect two parts of a sentence, such as ‘but’, ‘and’ and ‘because’. The term ‘but’ connects two parts of a sentence while also setting up a contrast (e.g. ‘It was delicious, but the texture was awful’). In these cases, ‘but’ can be substituted with one of the following:

• Although (e.g. ‘I love dancing, although my feet hurt afterwards.’)
• Though (e.g. ‘I haven’t slept in a week, though I hope tonight I can rest properly.’)
• Yet (e.g. ‘It was terrible, yet I still want to go back and try again.’)

As well as conjunctions, you can link and contrast two ideas with an adverb or an adverbial phrase . Perhaps the most commonly used is ‘however’, so we will use this to illustrate how these words can substitute for ‘but’.

The key difference is that while conjunctions typically link two clauses in one sentence, adverbials like ‘however’ set up a contrast between two separate sentences:

Conjunction: I love dancing, but my feet hurt afterwards.

Adverbial: I love dancing. However, my feet hurt afterwards.

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As you can see, this can be handy when you want to begin a new sentence with a contrast. Having said this, the term ‘however’ can also appear mid-sentence or after a semicolon:

It was terrible. I still, however, want to go back.

It was terrible; however, I still want to go back.

Other adverbials that can be used to replace ‘but’ include:

• Nonetheless (e.g. ‘I ran fast; nonetheless, the horse won the race.’)
• Nevertheless (e.g. ‘It seemed like a mad idea. Nevertheless, it worked.’)
• Despite this (e.g. ‘I prepared for the exam thoroughly. Despite this, I failed.’)
• Having said that (e.g. ‘I will never drink again. Having said that, pass me a beer.’)

As a final point, one alternative to ‘but’ you might see is ‘on the other hand’. Ideally, though, this should only be used when the initial point has been introduced with ‘On the one hand’:

On the one hand , I did break everything in your house. On the other hand , it was my birthday, so you should forgive me.

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12 Alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” in an Essay

Essays are hard enough to get right without constantly worrying about introducing new points of discussion.

You might have tried using “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in an essay, but are there better alternatives out there?

This article will explore some synonyms to give you other ways to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing.

Can I Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?

You can not say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. It sounds jarring to most readers, so you’re better off using “first, second, third” (removing the -ly suffix).

Technically, it is correct to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” You could even go on to say “fourthly” and “fifthly” when making further points. However, none of these words have a place in formal writing and essays.

Still, these examples will show you how to use all three of them:

Firstly , I would like to touch on why this is problematic behavior. Secondly , we need to discuss the solutions to make it better. Thirdly , I will finalize the discussion and determine the best course of action.

• It allows you to enumerate your points.
• It’s easy to follow for a reader.
• It’s very informal.
• There’s no reason to add the “-ly” suffix.

Clearly, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” are not appropriate in essays. Therefore, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready to go.

Keep reading to learn the best synonyms showing you what to use instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” Then, we’ll provide examples for each as well.

What to Say Instead of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

• First of all
• One reason is
• Continuing on
• In addition

1. First of All

“First of all” is a great way to replace “firstly” at the start of a list .

We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point .

Here are some examples to show you how it works:

First of all , I would like to draw your attention to the issues in question. Then, it’s important that we discuss what comes next. Finally, you should know that we’re going to work out the best solution.

2. To Begin

Another great way to start an essay or sentence is “to begin.” It shows that you’re beginning on one point and willing to move on to other important ones.

It’s up to you to decide which phrases come after “to begin.” As long as there’s a clear way for the reader to follow along , you’re all good.

These examples will also help you with it:

To begin , we should decide which variables will be the most appropriate for it. After that, it’s worth exploring the alternatives to see which one works best. In conclusion, I will decide whether there are any more appropriate options available.

“First” is much better than “firstly” in every written situation. You can include it in academic writing because it is more concise and professional .

Also, it’s somewhat more effective than “first of all” (the first synonym). It’s much easier to use one word to start a list. Naturally, “second” and “third” can follow when listing items in this way.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it:

First , you should know that I have explored all the relevant options to help us. Second, there has to be a more efficient protocol. Third, I would like to decide on a better task-completion method.

4. One Reason Is

You may also use “one reason is” to start a discussion that includes multiple points . Generally, you would follow it up with “another reason is” and “the final reason is.”

It’s a more streamlined alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” So, we recommend using it when you want to clearly discuss all points involved in a situation.

This essay sample will help you understand more about it:

One reason is that it makes more sense to explore these options together. Another reason comes from being able to understand each other’s instincts. The final reason is related to knowing what you want and how to get it.

“Second” is a great follow-on from “first.” Again, it’s better than writing “secondly” because it sounds more formal and is acceptable in most essays.

We highly recommend using “second” after you’ve started a list with “first.” It allows you to cover the second point in a list without having to explain the flow to the reader.

Check out the following examples to help you:

First, you should consider the answer before we get there. Second , your answer will be questioned and discussed to determine both sides. Third, you will have a new, unbiased opinion based on the previous discussion.

6. Continuing On

You can use “continuing on” as a follow-up to most introductory points in a list.

It works well after something like “to begin,” as it shows that you’re continuing the list reasonably and clearly.

Perhaps these examples will shed some light on it:

To begin, there needs to be a clear example of how this should work. Continuing on , I will look into other options to keep the experiment fair. Finally, the result will reveal itself, making it clear whether my idea worked.

Generally, “next” is one of the most versatile options to continue a list . You can include it after almost any introductory phrase (like “first,” “to begin,” or “one reason is”).

It’s great to include in essays, but be careful with it. It can become too repetitive if you say “next” too many times. Try to limit how many times you include it in your lists to keep your essay interesting.

Check out the following examples if you’re still unsure:

To start, it’s wise to validate the method to ensure there were no initial errors. Next , I think exploring alternatives is important, as you never know which is most effective. Then, you can touch on new ideas that might help.

One of the most effective and versatile words to include in a list is “then.”

It works at any stage during the list (after the first stage, of course). So, it’s worth including it when you want to continue talking about something.

For instance:

First of all, the discussion about rights was necessary. Then , it was important to determine whether we agreed or not. After that, we had to convince the rest of the team to come to our way of thinking.

9. In Addition

Making additions to your essays allows the reader to easily follow your lists. We recommend using “in addition” as the second (or third) option in a list .

It’s a great one to include after any list opener. It shows that you’ve got something specific to add that’s worth mentioning.

These essay samples should help you understand it better:

First, it’s important that we iron out any of the problems we had before. In addition , it’s clear that we have to move on to more sustainable options. Then, we can figure out the costs behind each option.

Naturally, “third” is the next in line when following “first” and “second.” Again, it’s more effective than “thirdly,” making it a much more suitable option in essays.

We recommend using it to make your third (and often final) point. It’s a great way to close a list , allowing you to finalize your discussion. The reader will appreciate your clarity when using “third” to list three items.

Here are some examples to demonstrate how it works:

First, you need to understand the basics of the mechanism. Second, I will teach you how to change most fundamentals. Third , you will build your own mechanism with the knowledge you’ve gained.

11. Finally

“Finally” is an excellent way to close a list in an essay . It’s very final (hence the name) and shows that you have no more points to list .

Generally, “finally” allows you to explain the most important part of the list. “Finally” generally means you are touching on something that’s more important than everything that came before it.

For example:

First, thank you for reading my essay, as it will help me determine if I’m on to something. Next, I would like to start working on this immediately to see what I can learn. Finally , you will learn for yourself what it takes to complete a task like this.

12. To Wrap Up

Readers like closure. They will always look for ways to wrap up plot points and lists. So, “to wrap up” is a great phrase to include in your academic writing .

It shows that you are concluding a list , regardless of how many points came before it. Generally, “to wrap up” covers everything you’ve been through previously to ensure the reader follows everything you said.

To start with, I requested that we change venues to ensure optimal conditions. Following that, we moved on to the variables that might have the biggest impact. To wrap up , the experiment went as well as could be expected, with a few minor issues.

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Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

Articles Related to essay

To 'Essay' or 'Assay'?

You'll know the difference if you give it the old college essay

Thesaurus Entries Near essay

Cite this entry.

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on essay

Nglish: Translation of essay for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of essay for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essay

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