There are no grammatical reasons why you can’t start sentences with “but” (or other conjunctions). Some people don’t like it because they think it’s unoriginal or repetitive, but that doesn’t mean it’s incorrect. Still, this article will look at some other options you can use.
The preferred words include using no conjunction, “however,” and “nevertheless.” If you really want to avoid using a conjunction, it’s possible to reword the sentence to make sure that “but” doesn’t come at the start of a sentence (it could come in the middle).
No Conjunction
Sometimes, no conjunction is needed. “But” doesn’t have to come at the start of the sentence. Instead, you can place it somewhere in the middle (or avoid it entirely) to help make your sentence flow a bit better.
Here’s an example to show you what we mean:
- Darren and Suzie went to the market. But they weren’t sure what they would find.
In the above example, “but” starts the second sentence. Here are two options that could replace it:
- Darren and Suzie went to the market, but they weren’t sure what they would find.
- Darren and Suzie went to the market. They weren’t sure what they would find.
Example one allows “but” to work as a conjunction to connect the clauses rather than start a new sentence. Example two removes “but” entirely and just keeps the sentences independent.
- Sally and Andrew wanted to go there later, but I wasn’t sure if that was going to work out very well for them.
- I wanted it to go better, but I suppose I didn’t get much of a say in whether or not that was going to happen.
- It wasn’t easy going out on that day, but I made sure to get things done my way. I’m glad I took the time to do it.
However
“However” is a common formal replacement for “but.” It works really well when you’re trying to contradict a previous point and add information that might help the reader to understand something more about what you’re saying.
- The time is right. However, someone still wasn’t sure whether they wanted to continue moving with the plan, as we discussed.
- It wasn’t over yet. However, it seemed like the other team had given up already. Maybe the game was closer to the end, after all.
- You can’t say that. However, I understand why you might be feeling a little bit torn over this. I’ll see what I can do to help.
Nevertheless
“Nevertheless” is another great option to use instead of “but.” It allows you to disregard the previous information so that you can make more sense of whatever comes in the clause that follows “nevertheless.”
“Nevertheless” can also be “nonetheless” in some sentences. They are synonymous phrases, so it depends on which one you prefer.
- They did think about it together. Nevertheless, neither of them could come up with a decent solution that pleased both agendas.
- I thought you had stopped coming. Nevertheless, you’re here now, and we have a few things that we could really use your help with.
- We told you to wait. Nonetheless, we suppose you might be able to help us out since you’re here much earlier than we planned.
Still
“Still” is a simple but effective word to replace “but.” It’s not all that common, but it works really well to show that some information still stands strong, even if the previous sentence or information might have gone against it.
“Still” is used when you’re trying to show that something still has meaning even if it contradicts your previous thought or idea.
- The game was over. Still, both teams looked like they were ready to play some more. The fans were buzzing for extra time.
- I thought about it. Still, I didn’t see why I had to worry about the outcome. It has nothing to do with me, after all.
- They wanted more. Still, there wasn’t any way for them to express this to the others. They were going to have to settle with nothing.
Yet
“Yet” is a great replacement for “but.” It’s not always the most popular choice at the start of the sentence (most people prefer it in the middle), but it can still work well at the start.
“Yet” and “but” are almost entirely synonymous. If you can use “but” at the start of the sentence, you know you can use “yet” in the same manner. Make sure that a comma comes after it when it’s at the start.
- Something was wrong. Yet, everyone seemed to be working on their own ideas. It made for a very awkward time for everyone.
- I wanted to talk about it. Yet, Dan said it would be better if we waited until everyone had left to give us more space and privacy.
- The teacher walked out of the class. Yet, most people continued working diligently on their assignments. I was very confused.
On The Other Hand
“On the other hand” allows you to introduce a countering point or new information. It works best when you’re creating a narrative that plays with two (or more) explanations or reasons behind something.
It’s commonly used with the introductory sentence “on the one hand.” You might start the first sentence with “on the one hand,” and the second sentence will then begin with “on the other hand.”
- On the one hand, it made a lot of sense. On the other hand, someone had to do something to make sure that things didn’t go wrong.
- I needed to know more. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure if it was my place to ask anyone else for help. I thought it best to wait it out.
- I could have done that alone. On the other hand, it definitely helped to have a few extra hands to get me through it quicker.
To Counter That
“To counter that” is a decent sentence starter to replace “but.” It’s not commonly used because it works best when you’re introducing a counter-argument into a sentence. This is most apparent if you’re debating or discussing with other people.
- The argument was clear. To counter that, Timmy decided it was better to talk over the student. It wasn’t an effective strategy.
- I said many things. To counter that, someone else wanted me to explain one of my points, and I really didn’t have a good explanation.
- The tides were high. To counter that, it seemed like nobody on the beach cared, and most of them stayed where they were.
Even So
“Even so” is a fairly popular choice when it comes to starting a sentence similarly to “but.” It allows you to introduce a contradictory idea to the previous sentence. It usually means you’ve done something against your better judgment.
For example, if someone has told you one thing, you might do something completely different. In this case, even though someone has given you guidance, you’ve ignored it, meaning that “even so” can introduce this ignorance.
- I needed to go home early. Even so, I made the most of my time out with them. I didn’t just want to leave them all while they had fun.
- I thought about it before. Even so, I couldn’t come up with a reason why we would ever do things this way. It was a bit ridiculous.
- The teacher told us what to do. Even so, none of us really understood what was required. We just kind of smiled and laughed.
Despite That
“Despite that” allows you to cancel out the content of the previous sentence. While a fact may be true, “despite that” shows that you’re trying to ignore it, or you’re moving past it without putting any more thought into it.
“Despite that” (or “in spite of that”) are very popular choices when you’re looking for a more formal replacement for “but.” They work well because they allow you to move past the previous sentence without spending longer than you need to explain it.
- There were a few rumors flying around. Despite that, I put on a brave face and tried to ignore most of the kids. It was hard to do.
- I knew there was something going on. Despite that, I let it go behind my back. Now, I’m suffering from my negligence.
- I thought you said something to me about this. Despite that, I guess you’ll have to come back and help me again later today.
Except
“Except” is a tricky word to start a sentence with. People tend to avoid it because it feels more smooth to include in the middle of a sentence. Still, it’s a good choice to replace “but” in some cases.
- I wanted more out of it. Except, maybe it would have been easier if I could have just done what I was supposed to do in the first place.
- Tim said he could go. Except that his mother made sure that he wasn’t allowed out of the house after six. Bummer.
- I could have told you that. Except, I didn’t think it was appropriate at the time. I didn’t mean to waste anybody’s time.
You may also like:
Is “But Nevertheless” Redundant? (Full Explanation)
Is “But Although” Correct? (Meaning & Punctuation)
10 Best Words to Use Instead of “And” to Start a Sentence
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Don’t know what to say instead of but? In this article, I will show you eight easy alternatives for the English word but.
The English word but is a short and easy word. It’s one of the first words you learn when you start learning English.
As a result, we use it a lot. Maybe even too often.
The problem is that you don’t want to sound repetitive.
As a confident English speaker, you want to know good alternative words you can use instead of “but.”
When you write and speak English professionally, it’s good to know other ways to say but.
The Meaning of “But”
*Note: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
The English word but is a conjunction. Therefore, we use it to connect two ideas.
By saying but, you add another statement.
Usually, this additional idea is different from the first idea. Thus, you can use but to link and contrast two different ideas.
Example:
It’s been a good year for our business, but we have to do a lot more to reach our goals.
The meaning of but in the dictionary
Keep Punctuation and Sentence Structure in Mind with “But”
What do you have to keep in mind if you want to use alternative words for but?
In most cases, the conjunction but will come after a comma.
The country’s economy is in a recession, but people are still buying our products.
If you are wondering what to say instead of but, remember that you sometimes cannot simply replace the word without changing the sentence.
In some cases, you cannot simply swap the words and leave the rest of the sentence.
Instead, you have to start a second sentence or use a semicolon to divide the two ideas in the sentence.
For most of the alternatives I will show you, you have to change the structure or punctuation of your sentence.
You have two options: Start a new sentence or use a semicolon.
___________________; however,______________.
___________________. However, ______________.
You can use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together. Here is a list of examples you can use with a semicolon, but there are many others that also work.
- however
- moreover
- therefore
- consequently
- otherwise
- furthermore
- nevertheless
- thus
- yet
- for example
- namely
Let’s look at eight ways to say but – but by changing each sentence a bit.
1. however
/ˌhaʊˈev.ɚ/
The word however is most often used to show a contrast.
You can use however to introduce a different idea by starting a new sentence or by separating two closely related sentences with a semicolon.
Examples:
Tim is one potential candidate for the job. However, there are others.
It’s been a good year for our business; however, we have to do a lot more to reach our goals.
2. though
/ðoʊ/
The word though is another alternative to but. It is mainly used in speaking.
Examples:
We need to hire help, though it will be difficult to find the right person for the job.
I speak English quite well, though I have never had formal lessons.
3. whereas
/werˈæz/
The word whereas is a more formal alternative to but. We use it to show a contrast between two ideas.
Examples:
She’s very hard-working, whereas I struggle to achieve my goals.
He complained about the problem, whereas I was looking for solutions.
4. although
/ɑːlˈðoʊ/
You can also use although instead of but to link two different statements.
Although is used more in writing. Just like though, it means ‘in spite of.’ Read more about the difference between though and although here.
Examples:
I liked the ideas he presented in the meeting, although I don’t think the board will accept them.
This month has been productive overall, although we had to multitask a few times.
5. yet
/jet/
The word yet is used to add a new statement that is in contrast to the first statement. We often use yet in writing and rarely in spoken English.
Examples:
She’s focused on her career. Yet, she also thrives in her personal life.
He presented very good ideas in the meeting. Yet, I don’t think the board will accept them.
6. except
/ɪkˈsept/
If you want to say but not, you can use the word except instead. It means but not or not including.
Examples:
Our whitepaper includes marketing topics, except social media marketing.
The whole team attended the meeting except Sarah.
7. nevertheless
/ˌnev.ɚ.ðəˈles/
The word nevertheless is a great alternative to but and however. We use the same punctuation as with however: either after a full stop or after a semicolon, then followed by a comma.
Examples:
Nevertheless, there may be other reasons that we don’t know about.
It’s been a good year for our business; nevertheless, we have to do a lot more work to reach our goals.
8. despite this
/dɪˈspaɪt ðɪs/
If you want to replace but, you can also use despite this. This phrase introduces a contrast, as well. In this case, it means that the second statement is not influenced or prevented by what was said before.
Examples:
The country’s economy is in a recession. Despite this, people are still buying our products.
She just returned from a business trip this morning. Despite this, she will attend the meeting.
Pro Tip: Use Writing Tools to See the Words in Context
Grammarly is a helpful tool that I use for all my writing. It’s an English proofreader. You can use the Grammarly app or browser extension to mark spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes. Grammarly even gives you suggestions on how to improve these mistakes!
Still not sure what to say instead of but? On the Thesaurus website, you can test which word you can use in your sentence instead of but. This feature is an easy way to see how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
I also recommend Writefull to any English learner. This is a powerful tool that helps you improve your writing for free. Whenever you are not sure how to use a word in English, you can look it up on Writefull and see how it is used in context with examples from real texts, such as books, news, and scientific articles.
Conclusion
The English conjunction but is a great word. It’s short and useful.
But… you can also use many other words and phrases instead of but to avoid repetition.
Moreover, varying your vocabulary lets you communicate more clearly in English.
When swaping but with another word, pay attention to the sentence structure and punctuation – it might have to change.
When you choose certain alternative words and phrases for but, you have to change the punctuation in your sentence.
Depending on which alternative you chose, you might need to add a semicolon or divide the sentence into two.
You can use several online tools to help you write correctly in English.
Further Reading: Business English Words
Use these 20 words instead of “very” in business
15 Words to use instead of “good”
What to say instead of “important” in English
You’ll use some terms frequently in your written work. “But” is one of these words: the twenty-second most common word in English, in fact! Consequently, you shouldn’t worry too much about the repetition of “but” in your writing. But if you find yourself using it in every other sentence, you might want to try a few alternatives. How about the following?
Other Conjunctions
“But” is a conjunction (i.e., a linking word) used to introduce a contrast. For example, we could use it in a sentence expressing contrasting opinions about Queen guitarist Brian May and his hairdo:
I like Brian May, but I find his hair ridiculous.
One option to reduce repetition of “but” in writing is to use the word “yet:”
I like Brian May, yet I find his hair ridiculous.
“Yet” can often replace “but” in a sentence without changing anything else, as both are coordinating conjunctions that can introduce a contrast.
Alternatively, you could use one of these subordinating conjunctions:
- Although (e.g., I like Brian May, although I find his hair ridiculous.)
- Though (e.g., I like Brian May, though I find his hair ridiculous.)
- Even though (e.g., I like Brian May, even though I find his hair ridiculous.)
As subordinating conjunctions, these terms can also be used at the start of a sentence. This isn’t the case with “but,” though:
Though I like Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous. – Correct
But I like Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous. – Incorrect
Other subordinating conjunctions used to introduce a contrast include “despite” and “whereas.” If you’re going to use “despite” in place of “but,” you may need to rephrase the sentence slightly. For instance:
Despite liking Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous.
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I like Brian May’s guitar solos, whereas I find his hair ridiculous.
How to Use “However”
One common replacement for “but” in academic writing is “however.” But we use this adverb to show a sentence contrasts with something previously said. As such, rather than connecting two parts of a sentence, it should only be used after a semicolon or in a new sentence:
I like Brian May’s guitar solos. However, I find his hair ridiculous.
I like Brian May’s guitar solos; however, I find his hair ridiculous.
“However” can be used mid-sentence, separated by commas. Even then, though, you should separate the sentence in which it appears from the one with which it is being contrasted. For instance:
I like Brian May’s guitar solos. I do, however, find his hair ridiculous.
Here, again, the “however” sentence contrasts with the preceding one.
Other Adverbial Alternatives to “But”
Other contrasting adverbs and adverbial phrases can be used in similar ways to “however” above. Alternatives include:
- Conversely (I like Brian May’s guitar solos. Conversely, I find his hair ridiculous.)
- Nevertheless (I like Brian May; nevertheless, I find his hair ridiculous.)
- In contrast (I like Brian May’s guitar solos. In contrast, I find his hair ridiculous.)
One popular phrase for introducing a contrast is “on the other hand.” In formal writing, though, this should always follow from “on the one hand:”
On the one hand, I like Brian May’s music, so I do admire him. On the other hand, his hairstyle is terrifying, so I do worry about him.
Finally, if you’re ever unsure which terms to use as alternatives to “but” in writing, having your document proofread by the experts can help.
Contexts ▼
Conjunction
Implying that the following clause contrasts with the preceding clause
On the other hand
(following a negative clause) Indicating the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated
… more ▼
Conjunction
▲
Implying that the following clause contrasts with the preceding clause
nevertheless
yet
however
though
although
still
all the same
be that as it may
but still
despite that
even so
for all that
in spite of that
nonetheless
howbeit
just the same
regardless
notwithstanding
still and all
natheless
withal
but nevertheless
at any rate
on the other hand
instead
at the same time
after all that
even though
“She may have aged, but her beauty has not waned.”
Conjunction
▲
On the other hand
whereas
while
conversely
in contrast
although
contrarily
on the contrary
though
yet
at the same time
but then
by contrast
on the other hand
then again
however
whilst
notwithstanding
albeit
even though
except
only
nevertheless
even if
altho
when
instead
if
in spite of the fact that
despite the fact that
howbeit
except for the fact that
where
oppositely
tho’
if it were not for the fact that
as
despite being
in spite of being
for all that
much as
granted
regardless
nonetheless
still
even when
except that
despite the fact
just the same
notwithstanding that
notwithstanding the fact that
all the same
granted that
despite that
despite the possibility that
be that as it may
besides the fact that
but still
granting the fact that
more ❯
“Sally was tall, but her sister was short.”
Conjunction
▲
(following a negative clause) Indicating the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated
save
except
other than
if not
otherwise than
but for
except for
barring
bar
excluding
excepting
outside
omitting
only
apart from
aside from
with the exception of
“There was nothing he could do but continue to work hard.”
Conjunction
▲
Except for the fact that
except
except that
only
if it were not for
were it not for
except for the fact that
if it were not for the fact that
were it not for the fact that
yet
excepting
though
saving
however
although
even though
albeit
excepting that
saving for the fact that
excepting the fact that
besides the fact that
“I should have tidied up the apartment, but I was too lazy.”
Conjunction
▲
Despite the fact that
even if
although
though
albeit
notwithstanding
altho
yet
except
granted
tho’
allowing
even though
despite the fact that
in spite of the fact that
notwithstanding the fact that
despite the fact
as much as
even when
notwithstanding that
despite being
in spite of being
only
except that
while
whilst
when
howbeit
whereas
as
however
admitting
despite the possibility that
even supposing
for all that
granted that
much as
granting the fact that
Preposition
▲
Indicating an exception
except
apart from
except for
besides
bar
excepting
excluding
aside from
barring
save
with the exception of
disregarding
leaving out
not including
omitting
outside
outside of
save for
passing over
short of
beside
exclusive of
without
saving
other than
not counting
but for
beyond
forbye
leaving aside
with the exclusion of
with the omission of
discounting
to the exclusion of
restricting
debarring
bating
if there are no
if there is no
ruling out
minus
exempting
if not
if not for
sans
lacking
absent
less
wanting
destitute of
deprived of
bereft of
over and above
without going so far as
in any other way than
devoid of
in the absence of
not having
needing
wanting for
in need of
with no
shorn of
w/o
starved of
in default of
requiring
more ❯
“Everyone but John had left the party.”
Preposition
▲
In spite of
for
in spite of
despite
notwithstanding
regardless of
setting aside
against
even after
even with
for all
in the face of
irrespective of
with
after all
apart from
aside from
excluding
to counterbalance
after
amidst
undeterred by
in defiance of
heedless of
in contempt of
in the teeth of
no matter
without being affected by
disregarding
whatsoever
ignoring
whatever
discounting
not considering
no matter what
indifferent to
careless of
taking no notice of
unconcerned about
without regard to
unmindful of
negligent of
without considering
leaving aside
without heed of
without consideration of
paying no attention to
without reference to
careless about
irregardless of
in despite of
without attention to
although
though
over
Adverb
▲
To the exclusion of everyone or everything else
just
only
merely
simply
at most
no more than
purely
a mere
nothing but
solely
nobbut
exclusively
alone
entirely
wholly
plainly
completely
totally
absolutely
uniquely
barely
utterly
and nothing else
to the exclusion of everyone else
to the exclusion of everything else
for no other reason
at best
nothing more than
and no one else
at a push
quite
all
exactly
altogether
essentially
sommer
all in all
in toto
singly
individually
singularly
onliest
undividedly
single-handedly
fully
specifically
one and only
exhaustively
without exception
for nothing other than
unadulteratedly
undilutedly
unaided
independently
unassisted
unalloyedly
autonomously
solo
unaccompanied
single-handed
without help
unsupervised
under your own steam
all alone
on your own
in solitary
without assistance
no one but
more ❯
“I admire many authors like Hemingway, Twain, and Dickens to name but a few.”
Adverb
▲
In spite of what preceded
at the same time
having said that
even so
however
in spite of that
nevertheless
nonetheless
still
though
yet
all the same
be that as it may
despite that
for all that
just the same
notwithstanding
regardless
anyhow
at any rate
in spite of everything
natheless
after everything
anyway
in any event
still and all
withal
come what may
despite everything
howbeit
with that being said
after all
although
despite this
besides
even
that said
in any case
furthermore
in spite of this
then again
in spite of what preceded
all things considered
but for all that
and yet
not the less
irregardless
but despite that
but still
but in spite of that
even though
on the other hand
conversely
on the flip side
whereas
on the other side of the coin
meanwhile
instead
in contrast
by contrast
then
au contraire
anyways
when all is said and done
at all events
despite the fact that
contradictorily
inversely
contrastingly
contrarily
contrariwise
to the contrary
on the contrary
as an alternative
in opposition
oppositely
that being said
this being said
with this in mind
more ❯
Noun
▲
A condition or qualification attached to an agreement or statement
proviso
condition
provision
qualification
rider
stipulation
clause
reservation
restriction
limitation
strings
contingency
if
requirement
caveat
article
disclaimer
prerequisite
specification
term
doubt
uncertainty
vagueness
constraint
hesitation
precondition
supposition
modification
lack of certainty
requisite
demand
catch
terms
fine print
kicker
codicil
obligation
essential
necessity
sine qua non
circumscription
small print
must
rule
need
exception
exemption
arrangement
postulate
must-have
limit
string
criterion
amendment
revision
addendum
adjunct
addition
point
passage
item
paragraph
agreement
restraint
stricture
check
chapter
detail
regulation
fetter
supplement
measure
attachment
clarification
imperative
particular
note
mitigation
softening
hedge
necessary condition
nonnegotiable
element
exaction
prescription
compulsion
heading
complication
corollary
outline
prearrangement
suggestion
motion
matter
head
terms and conditions
allowance
essential condition
necessary thing
obligatory condition
basic
guideline
necessary
duty
needful
rudiment
moderation
instruction
tempering
lessening
reduction
reserve
parameter
alteration
part
section
curb
control
stress
subsection
demarcation
division
order
delineation
description
limits
bounds
no-no
contract
settlement
engagement
ultimatum
designation
string attached to something
non-negotiable point
string attached
more ❯
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See Also
What is the opposite of but?
Sentences with the word but
Words that rhyme with but
What is the past tense of but?
What is the plural of but?
Translations for but
Use our Synonym Finder
Nearby Words
but after that
but afterwards
butanamide
butanamides
but-and-ben
but and bens
busy yourself
busy with
busy street
busy signals
busy signal
busy schedule
3-letter Words Starting With
b
bu
The word but is a useful word that often ominously precedes a lot of bad news or tough criticism. But is a word that appears in many of our sentences and is one of the most commonly used words in the English language. But–and this is a big but–we might be overusing the word just a bit. It makes sense why we would overlay on but; after all, it is a short little word that can easily connect sentences together. However, there are so many other words and phrases that sadly aren’t getting to shine with but hogging all the spotlight. The word but may not like it, but it is time for but to butt out and let someone else slip into our sentences for a little while.
What does but mean, and why do we use it so much?
The word but is often used in two major ways: to express a contrast or to express an exception. The sentence Jenny is tall, but her parents are short is an example of but used to show contrast; Jenny’s height is totally different from her parents’. The sentence Everyone but Rahul was right-handed shows how but is used to express exception; Rahul is the only left-handed person, which makes him unique from everybody else.
In addition to having these two very common uses, the word but is also one of the seven coordinating conjunctions. In short, coordinating conjunctions allow us to easily connect independent sentences by simply using a comma. For example, we can combine the two shorter sentences Rabbits are fast and Turtles are slow into the larger sentence Rabbits are fast, but turtles are slow. This is a fairly easy way of combining sentences, so we often rely on but to join sentences together.
That isn’t all, though. Besides its big job as a conjunction, but can also be used as a preposition as in We tried everything but the kitchen sink or as an adverb as in There is but one road that leads to safety. With how versatile and useful the word but is, it is no wonder that we might overwork it sometimes!
✏️ Examples of but in sentences
The following examples show some of the different ways we often use but in sentences:
- I thought the book was really boring, but everyone else liked it.
- Nobody but Camila was able to last more than five minutes in the cold water.
- We could do nothing but stare in horror as the sandcastle collapsed.
- She knew of only but one way to calm the crowd: Karaoke!
Alternatives of contrast
The first major way we use but is to show contrast, contradiction, or opposition. Luckily for us, there are plenty of other words we can use to show relationships like these. In fact, we can find one among but’s coordinating conjunction friends in the word yet. Because yet is also a coordinating conjunction, we can swap it in for but without even needing to change the sentence. For example:
• We need a new car, but we can’t afford one.
• We need a new car, yet we can’t afford one.
While yet is an easy substitution for but to mean contrast, it isn’t the only option. Some other useful words and phrases that can fill in this role include:
• although, despite, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, though, even though, on the other hand
Typically, we can use one of the above words/phrases in place of but while only making small changes to our sentences and without changing the sentence’s meaning. For example:
• The flight is on Saturday, but it might be delayed because of snow.
• The flight is on Saturday. However, it might be delayed because of snow.
Put some fun into your language by using these alternatives to fun.
Make the swap
The following pairs of sentences show how we can express a contrast by first using but and then by swapping it out for a similar word. Notice that the new sentences still express the same meaning.
• The painting looks great, but something is still missing.
• The painting looks great, yet something is still missing.
• The soldiers were heavily outnumbered, but they stood their ground anyway.
• The soldiers were heavily outnumbered. Nevertheless, they stood their ground anyway.
• Jessie and James act mean, but they are good people at heart.
• Jessie and James act mean. Still, they are good people at heart.
Alternatives of exception
The second major way that we use but is to express an exception. Again, we have a variety of different words and phrases with the same meaning that we can use to give but a break. Some of these words include:
• except, barring, save, without, excluding, minus, disregarding, omitting, aside from, not including, other than, apart from, leaving out
Most of the time, we can even substitute one of these words/phrases into a sentence without needing to change anything else. For example:
• Every student but Ryan enjoys basketball.
• Every student except Ryan enjoys basketball.
Make the swap
The following pairs of sentences show how we can state exceptions by first using but and then swapping it out for a similar word or phrase. Take note that the meaning of the sentence doesn’t change.
• All the animals but the tigers are sleeping.
• All the animals apart from the tigers are sleeping.
• I like all flavors of ice cream but mint.
• I like all flavors of ice cream other than mint.
• Every guard was loyal but one.
• Every guard was loyal, save one.
You can review all these alternatives in our word list here.
Change the sentence
It might be the case that the word but is just not the word we were looking for. In that case, we may need to take more drastic action and really change up a sentence. We might exchange but for a different word that alters the meaning of the sentence or even rewrite our sentences entirely.
Sometimes, we may want to frame our sentence in a way in which we don’t put two things in opposition or contrast, even if they are different. For example, we may just want to present two different options or state two different but equally important opinions.
Whatever our reasons, we have several different ways we could get but out of the sentence. The simplest way, which often won’t involve changing a sentence too much, is to swap out but for one of the other coordinating conjunctions. For example:
• I like dogs, but I don’t like cats. (Two opposing thoughts.)
• I like dogs, and I don’t like cats. (Two equal, different thoughts.)
• She might win big, but she might lose it all. (Two contrasting thoughts.)
• She might win big, or she might lose it all. (Two alternative outcomes.)
If we can’t use a different coordinating conjunction, we will often need to make more significant changes to our sentences in order to follow proper grammar. So, we might use a subordinating conjunction or split our clauses apart into separate sentences. For example:
• We wanted to go to the beach, but it rained all day.
• We didn’t go to the beach because it rained all day.
• Keith needed new shoes, but he couldn’t afford them.
• Keith needed new shoes. However, he couldn’t afford them.
Examples
Let’s look at different ways we can take but out of a sentence. You’ll notice that some of the sentences will change their grammar or even their meaning after but is replaced.
• Jason lives at Camp Crystal Lake, but he doesn’t work there.
• Jason lives at Camp Crystal Lake, and he doesn’t work there.
• She wants a new pony, but only if she can name it Pinkie Pie.
• She wants a new pony under the condition that she can name it Pinkie Pie.
• I didn’t practice much, but I won the game anyway.
• Despite the fact that I didn’t practice much, I won the game anyway.
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