but
conjunction
UK/bʌt/US/bʌt/
Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned, or implying a slight opposition or qualification.
Example Sentences
He wanted to go to the party, but he had too much work to do.
I’m sorry, but I can’t stay any longer.
She is quite strict, but also very fair with her students.
They tried their best, but they couldn’t fix the issue in time.
We’ve got plenty of snacks, but we need more drinks for the guests.
I love living in the city, but I sometimes miss the peace of the countryside.
He promised he would arrive by noon, but unforeseen traffic jams and a minor car breakdown delayed him by several hours, causing him to show up late anyway.
We were all hoping for a quiet weekend, but the sudden storm brought heavy rain, howling winds, and hours of emergency repairs around the neighborhood.
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preposition
UK/bʌt/US/bʌt/
Except; apart from; other than.
Example Sentences
Everyone but Sarah has arrived.
No one but you could have solved that puzzle.
Take any seat but the one in the corner; it's broken.
We have no choice but to accept their offer.
He ate everything but the crust of the sandwich.
The entire class passed but for one student who missed the exam.
All the roads but the main highway were flooded after the heavy rains, forcing drivers to take a lengthy detour through unfamiliar territory in order to reach their destination.
Their coach encouraged them to try new tactics but maintain focus on defense, hoping to balance aggressive play with solid protection of their goal.
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adverb
UK/bʌt/US/bʌt/
Only; merely; no more than (somewhat formal or literary).
Example Sentences
He is but a child, so don't judge him too harshly.
She felt it was but a moment before the sun set.
I am but a humble traveler seeking shelter.
We had but a few seconds left to catch the last train.
It was but a minor mistake; you can correct it easily.
He offered but a vague explanation for being late.
The aging castle was but a shadow of its former grandeur, yet it retained a certain regal charm that spoke of centuries past.
They realized they had traveled for days, yet had but a faint idea of how far they still had to go before reaching the hidden valley.
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How to Use
Used to connect contrasting ideas or highlight an exception.Grammatically, this word functions primarily as a coordinating conjunction to link clauses or phrases, often signaling a contrast or an opposing point. For example, “I wanted to attend the meeting, but I was already running late.” By placing it between two clauses, you can emphasize how the second clause differs or conflicts with the first. In more nuanced usages, it can convey an unexpected twist: “They prepared extensively, but the game still ended in defeat.” You can also use it at the beginning of a sentence to add emphasis, though more formal writing sometimes discourages this practice. Beyond showing contrast, it may introduce exceptions, as in “Everyone but Jill came to the party,” here functioning more like a preposition. Whether spoken or written, it typically appears before the second element in a sentence. Keep sentence structure in mind: if each clause is independent, use a comma before it. If you want to amplify tension or drama, place it at the start, but be sure it flows naturally. Overusing this word can dilute its impact, so vary your transitions—using “yet,” “however,” or “though”—to maintain clarity and style.
Alternatives
If you need variety or a slightly different shade of meaning, consider alternatives like “yet,” “however,” “still,” “nevertheless,” and “though.” Each brings its own nuance. “Yet” and “however” are often used in slightly more formal contexts, adding weight or deliberation to the contrast. “Still” suggests an ongoing truth in the face of something contrary (“We’ve faced setbacks; still, we remain committed”). “Nevertheless” can impart a sense of determination or resilience in spite of obstacles. “Though” is frequently placed at the beginning or end of a clause to soften the contrast. Additionally, “except” or “apart from” can replace its prepositional function in contexts such as “Everyone came except Jill.” These variants help keep writing fresh and clear, preventing repetitive structures and bridging ideas with stylistic range. Pick the term that best suits your tone—something more formal for academic or professional documents, or more casual for everyday speech. By using alternatives, you ensure each transition or exception matches the rhythm and emphasis you wish to convey. The right choice will sharpen contrasts, add variety to your language, and reflect the nature of the ideas you’re connecting.
Writing
In writing, this little word plays a crucial role in crafting cohesive sentences and building logical flow. Whether in essays, reports, or creative pieces, it sets up contrasts that guide readers from one point to another. A well-placed “but” can sharpen a counterargument in a persuasive essay: “We recognize the significant costs, but the long-term benefits outweigh them.” In narrative writing, it can switch the mood or pivot the story line—“They thought the night would be ordinary, but everything changed at midnight.” However, rely on it judiciously: overusing it can make your text sound abrupt or repetitive. Diversify your transitions with synonyms like “yet” or “however” for variety. Also, consider the syntax: shorter sentences employing “but” can deliver a punchy effect, while placing it in the middle of a complex sentence allows you to present multiple layers of contrast. In formal compositions, some style guides advise caution when beginning a sentence with it, but modern usage often permits that for a more conversational feel. Balance is key: use “but” to highlight critical points of divergence without disrupting the overall flow. Effective deployment of this conjunction can keep arguments strong, stories engaging, and explanations clear.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “but” is an easy, natural way to indicate a shift in thinking or offer a mild contradiction. You might say, “I love pizza, but I’m trying to watch my diet,” to maintain a friendly tone while expressing a conflicting desire. It can also subtly soften disagreements: “I hear what you’re saying, but I think there’s another angle.” In discussions with friends or family, it helps introduce alternative viewpoints or mitigate enthusiastic claims, such as, “That sounds fun, but we should check our budget first.” When telling stories, it sets up suspense or surprise—“I got to the store, but they were already out of what I needed!” It’s typically effortless to slip into conversation, connecting ideas without formality. Just be sure not to overuse it, as constant contrasts can come across as negative or dismissive. When you do need to pivot or clarify your stance, “but” works nicely for a quick transition. If you’d like more variety, switch to “though” or “still” on occasion to keep the flow of chat lively and avoid sounding repetitive. This straightforward conjunction, used thoughtfully, helps conversations stay balanced and friendly.
Etymology
The word “but” finds its roots in Old English, specifically the forms “butan” or “be-utan,” meaning “outside” or “without.” Over time, it evolved to embody the broader function of an adversative conjunction, highlighting exceptions and contrasts. Early linguistic traces show it often used in contexts pointing out limitations or boundaries—originally tied more to the idea of ‘apart from’ or ‘unless.’ Middle English saw the usage expand, cementing its role as the go-to connector of contradictory or differing points. As English developed, “but” became firmly entrenched as a powerful yet concise way to link thoughts in various tones, from colloquial speech to high literary style. Its capacity to handle subtle shading, switching from the realm of exceptions (“Everyone but me”) to stark contrasts (“I tried, but I failed”), underscores its versatility. While many words in English have specialized over centuries, “but” retains a broad utility, a testament to its historical and ongoing usefulness in bridging, contrasting, or partitioning ideas. Its unassuming presence makes it one of the most frequently used connecting words, subtly shaping the direction and meaning of countless English sentences.
