Yet and however

[irmamar]

Yet imperial expansion took place.

In this sentence, may I use however instead?

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Yet imperial expansion took place.

In this sentence, may I use however instead?

You may. Permission granted.

[irmamar]

May I change always 'however' for 'yet'?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

May I change always 'however' for 'yet'?

No - they overlap, but not always. 'However' is never the first word of a sentence, 'yet' can be. 'Yet' has a wider application than just concessive.

On second thoughts, however, your idea is a good one. (not yet here)
They were exhausted, yet they didn't stop to look for the lost child. (also however here)
Most of the plants get nitrogen straight from the soil, however, there are some species which capture and digest some insects. (not yet here)

However has the sense of regardless of that, a contradiction, whereas yet has the sense of even so, in addition.

Most of the children wore red socks. Two, however, wore blue. - here, you would not use yet.

[irmamar]

Thank you.

[Awaken]

Originally Posted by Perikles

No - they overlap, but not always. 'However' is never the first word of a sentence, 'yet' can be. 'Yet' has a wider application than just concessive.

On second thoughts, however, your idea is a good one. (not yet here)
They were exhausted, yet they didn't stop to look for the lost child. (also however here)
Most of the plants get nitrogen straight from the soil ; however, there are some species which capture and digest some insects. (not yet here)

However has the sense of regardless of that, a contradiction, whereas yet has the sense of even so, in addition.

Most of the children wore red socks. Two, however, wore blue. - here, you would not use yet.

I made a grammar suggestion above. When joining two independent clauses with "however," using a semicolon is more common.

I also disagree with the statement that "However" can not start a sentence.

"However big the fool, there is always a bigger fool to admire him." - In this case, "however" is being used in a different way, but it can start the sentence.

When used as a substitute for "yet" or "nevertheless":
"You and many others may think it is poor grammar. However, most modern writers use it start a sentence in today's writing." - In this case, "however" is better interpreted as "nevertheless" and is very common in modern day writing.

“It is a great deal easier to go down hill than up. However, they kept on, with unabated perseverance.” - Charles Dickens

A perfect example of using "however" to start a sentence instead of "nevertheless" or "yet."

irmamar - In most cases, "however" can be substituted with "yet" when the meaning is "nevertheless."

"However much you spend, I will reimburse you." - "However" here cannot be exchanged with "yet" as it doesn't mean "nevertheless."

[pjt33]

I think I use "however" in sentence-initial position far more than in other positions.

[Perikles]

I was commenting on the use of however as an alternative to yet, not when used in the sense of no matter how before an adjective or another adverb.

[sosia]

I'm glad we have some english leveled contributors able to considerate to this level/deep.
Thanks, really to Perikles, Awaken, pjt33, hermit, rusty, poli and many more...

[Awaken]

Originally Posted by pjt33

I think I use "however" in sentence-initial position far more than in other positions.

I do as well.

Originally Posted by Perikles

I was commenting on the use of however as an alternative to yet, not when used in the sense of no matter how before an adjective or another adverb.

I know, but I just wanted to clear up the fact that it can be used as the start of the sentence, even when being used as a substitute for "yet." Or at least this is how I was taught and have read with modern grammar. There are some older grammar texts that disagree though.

"The war was hopeless for the men of the south. Yet, they marched on anyway. "

"The war was hopeless for the men of the south. However, they marched on anyway"

Originally Posted by sosia

I'm glad we have some english leveled contributors able to considerate to go to this level.
Thanks, really to Perikles, Awaken, pjt33, hermit, rusty, poli and many more...

I am very thankful for the native Spanish speakers with such a great understanding of English that they are able to understand our explanations.

"Considerate" is an adjective. Perhaps "go" or "dive" would work. "dive this deep" or "go to this level" are both common phrases.

[sosia]

Thanks

[irmamar]

Thank you, Awaken, for your point of view. Very helpful.