How do we use "however" in spoken English to mean something contradictory to what we've just said?

We usually use ''however'' in a formal speech. When we say "however" at the beginning of a sentence, we can always stress the second syllable to emphasise the contradictory idea we are going to introduce, but remember to keep the tone down or flat. For example:

• There have been a lot of criticism on our recent policy. However (the tone is down or flat), it is important to weigh up the pros and cons.

We can also use ''however'' in the middle or at the end of a clause when we want to express the opposing idea mildly. In this case, we unstress "however" and pause when we say it. For instance:

• There have been a lot of criticism on our recent policy. It is, however, important to weigh up the pros and cons.

• There have been a lot of criticism on our recent policy. It is important to weigh up the pros and cons, however.

We should avoid using any discourse markers repeatedly in our speech or writing. There are some synonyms of "however". In formal or semi-formal situations, we could use:

''On the contrary, ... ''

''By contrast, ... ''

''In fact, ... ''

''On the other hand, ... ''

In informal conversation with friends, colleagues or families, the following phrases sound more natural:

''Having said that, ... ''

''That said, ... ''

''But (then again), ... ''

''Instead, ... ''

''... , although/though ... ''