This page lists 8 conjunctions that start with H, running from “however” to “howsoever.” The list mixes everyday connectors with formal and old-fashioned ones, and it covers several types of conjunctions. You can use these words to show contrast, give a reason or result, describe how something happens, or mark the order of events.

Conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses and show how the ideas in a sentence relate to each other. English teachers often use the mnemonic FANBOYS to help students remember the seven coordinating conjunctions, but many other conjunction types exist beyond that short list.

Below you’ll find the table with the conjunction, its definition, an example usage, and a description.

Conjunction: The word or word pair itself, listed in the order the table follows, so you can quickly find the one you want.

Definition: A short explanation of what the conjunction means and which type it is, so you know exactly how it works in a sentence.

Example Usage: A sample sentence that shows the conjunction in context, which helps you see its punctuation and word order and copy the pattern in your own writing.

Description: Extra notes on tone, formality, and typical use, so you can decide whether the word fits casual conversation, school essays, or formal and legal writing.

Conjunctions

ConjunctionDefinitionExample Usage
howeverA conjunctive adverb that introduces a contrast with the previous statementI wanted to go; however, it started to rain.
henceA conjunctive adverb meaning “for this reason” or “as a result”The road was closed; hence, we took the long way around.
howA subordinating conjunction meaning “the way in which” or “that”She showed me how the machine works.
however (subordinating use)A subordinating conjunction meaning “in whatever way” or “no matter how”However you decide to do it, make sure it’s finished by Friday.
henceforthA conjunctive adverb meaning “from this point on”The rule has changed; henceforth, all reports are due on Monday.
hardly…whenA correlative conjunction pair meaning “immediately after”Hardly had we sat down when the lights went out.
howbeitA conjunctive adverb meaning “nevertheless” or “even so”He promised to help; howbeit, he never showed up.
howsoeverA subordinating conjunction meaning “in whatever way” or “to whatever extent”Howsoever hard you try, you can’t please everyone.

Descriptions

however
One of the most common contrast words in writing. It links two independent clauses or sentences and is usually set off with a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
hence
A fairly formal word that signals a result or consequence. It appears more often in written and academic English than in everyday speech.
how
Introduces a clause that explains a manner or method. It can also mean “that”, as in “I remember how he used to sing.”
however (subordinating use)
Used at the start of a clause to say the method or degree doesn’t matter. It is separate from the contrast word of the same spelling.
henceforth
A formal word that links a past situation to a new rule or state of affairs. It is common in legal, official, and business writing.
hardly…when
Describes one event happening right after another. It usually triggers inverted word order in the first clause, which gives it a slightly formal tone.
howbeit
An old-fashioned word that works like “however”. You’ll mostly find it in older literature, Bible translations, and deliberately archaic writing.
howsoever
A formal and dated version of “however” in its “no matter how” sense. It is now rare outside of legal or literary writing.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.