But and however can have the same meaning if we use them before a contrasting, unexpected clause. In the following sentences, but and however are used in the same sense:
- The campaign is good but they should not go over the top.
- The campaign is good, however, they should not go over the top.
- I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it.
- I am patient with stupidity; however, not with those who are proud of it.
But is a conjunction (joining two clauses and comes at the beginning of the second clause) while however is an adverb (conjunctive adverb). Notice that however comes after a semi-colon (and at times, a full stop) and it is enclosed with commas on the examples above. Having the characteristics of adverbs, however can go in various positions in a sentence, as shown below:
- Fate, however, moves quite as certainly and mysteriously as the cosmic law.
- However, fate moves quite as certainly and mysteriously as the cosmic law.
- Fate moves quite as certainly and mysteriously as the cosmic law, however.