However vs I'll tell you something though

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

However

Top 1,000 (very common) A1 adverb

I'll tell you something though

Common idiom

Most common: However

	However	I'll tell you something though
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/haʊˈevə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/haʊˈevər/"]/	🇬🇧 //aɪl tɛl jʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ðoʊ// 🇺🇸 //aɪl tɛl jʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ðoʊ//
Meaning	but; shows contrast between two ideas.	A phrase used before sharing an important or surprising point.
Example	He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.	I'll tell you something though, I never expected them to win.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Common idiom
CEFR level	A1	-
Part of speech	adverb
Collocations	however, you should, however, it is important, however, I believe	I'll tell you something, I'll tell you something else, I'll tell you something important
Antonyms	therefore, consequently	-
Common mistakes	Confused with 'how ever' which means in what way., Omitting a comma before 'however' when it starts a sentence., Using 'however' inappropriately in very casual contexts.	Confused with 'I'll tell you something' - missing 'though'., Used in formal settings - it’s more casual.
Usage notes	Use 'however' to introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence. It's suitable in both spoken and written English but more common in formal writing. Avoid using it at the beginning of informal conversations.	Use in conversations when you want to emphasize an upcoming point. It's informal but can be used in various contexts.

See it in real clips

However...

Now if, however, there's no reasonable doubt...

Peaky Blinders › S1 E1

However, my opinion has not changed.

However...

Now if, however, there's no reasonable doubt...

However

How I Met Your Mother › S1 E1

I'll tell you something, though. If a woman,

I'll tell you something though

Frequently asked questions: However vs I'll tell you something though

What's the difference between However and I'll tell you something though?

However: but; shows contrast between two ideas. I'll tell you something though: A phrase used before sharing an important or surprising point.

Which is more common: However and I'll tell you something though?

However is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

However: He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate. I'll tell you something though: I'll tell you something though, I never expected them to win.

Can I use However and I'll tell you something though interchangeably?

Not always. However and I'll tell you something though are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.