'However' can be used to join two simple sentences to make a compound sentence. 'However' indicates that the relationship between the two independent clauses is one of contrast or opposition. The engineers claimed that the bridge was safe; however, they were still not prepared to risk crossing.

Is it wrong to use however?

The question I get asked most frequently about "however" is whether it is OK to use "however" at the beginning of a sentence, and the answer is yes: it is fine to start a sentence with "however." You just need to know when to use a comma and when to use a semicolon.

How do you use the word however?

1. As a conjunctive adverb, however is used to combine two sentences and show their contrast or opposition. In this case, use a semicolon (;) before and a comma (,) after the word however. o The festival was to be held today; however, it was canceled due to the rainy weather.