Which should you use, but or however? The coordinating conjunction but is used to link two contrasting ideas. But joins words, phrases, or clauses that have the same grammatical form.
| Correct: |
The stories are short but captivating. |
| Correct: |
He is not a writer but a painter. |
| Correct: |
She is talented, but she has an attitude problem. |
The conjunctive adverb however is also used to link two contrasting ideas. However connects two independent clauses. When using however to join two independent clauses, remember to use a semicolon or a period before the conjunctive adverb. Remember to use a comma to set off however.
| Correct: |
She is talented; however, she has an attitude problem. |
