What is the word but in grammar

Table of Contents

  1. What is the first word of a sentence called?
  2. Do you put a comma after but?
  3. Where do I put a comma?
  4. How do you use but?
  5. Why do we use but?
  6. What is the purpose of the word but?
  7. Can sentences begin with but?
  8. Can you end a sentence with but?
  9. What’s another word for but?
  10. How do you start sentences?
  11. How do you use the first place in a sentence?

Preposition. Sometimes, the wordbut” is classified as a preposition that means “except.” It is commonly used after the words all, any, no, every, none, nothing, etc. In the sample sentence below: This is nothing but an insult. The wordbut‘ is considered as a preposition that means “other than.”

What is the first word of a sentence called?

incipit

Do you put a comma after but?

Often, a coordinating conjunction will connect two independent clauses — like the word “but.” But — and it’s a big but — your middle school teacher may have told you to always throw a comma before “but.” Don’t do that! You should only put a comma before “but” when connecting two independent clauses.

Where do I put a comma?

Comma Use

  1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. …
  2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

How do you use but?

The rule for but is the same as that for the other six coordinating conjunctions: and, for, or, nor, so, and yet. If the conjunction precedes an independent (main) clause, use a comma: “Jack tried a new diet, but he still gained weight.”

Why do we use but?

We use but as an alternative to except (for), apart from and bar to introduce the only thing or person that the main part of the sentence does not include. It is often used after words such as everyone, nobody, anything, anywhere, all, no, none, any, every.

What is the purpose of the word but?

We use but to link items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). But is used to connect ideas that contrast.

Can sentences begin with but?

Of course, there are style guides that discourage it, but it’s perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with “but” when writing. … By all means, start sentences with “but” from time to time, but remember that “but” also belongs after a comma.

Can you end a sentence with but?

Sentence-final but as it is known is a well documented feature of English as spoken in Ireland, much of Scotland and also in Australia and New Zealand. Although it is perfectly grammatical, it is not considered formal and won’t be seen in formal writing or documents.

What’s another word for but?

What is another word for but?

nevertheless yet
however though
although still
all the same be that as it may
but still despite that

How do you start sentences?

Creative Sentence Structures

  1. Begin with a verb ending with -ing. …
  2. Begin with a verb ending with -ed. …
  3. Begin with a prepositional phrase. …
  4. Begin with an adverb. …
  5. Begin with an adjective. …
  6. Begin with a phrase that tells when. …
  7. Begin with a phrase that tells where. …
  8. Begin with a sound word.

How do you use the first place in a sentence?

1 —used at the end of a sentence to indicate what was true or what should have been done at the beginning of a situation We should never have gone there in the first place. I didn’t care much for the job in the first place.

In the English language, the word “but” is also used for multiple purposes. It can serve as a conjunction, a preposition, an adverb, or a noun in sentences.

  1. Conjunction

This word is commonly categorized under conjunctions because it can connect two clauses together and form a single sentence. In the sample sentence below:

She stumbled but didn’t fall.

The word “but” links together the clauses “she stumbled” and “didn’t fall,” and is therefore considered as a conjunction.

Definition:

a. used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned

  • Example:
  • He was called, but he did not answer.

b. used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated

  • Example:
  • One cannot but sympathize with the old man.

      2.    Preposition

Sometimes, the word “but” is classified as a preposition that means “except.” It is commonly used after the words all, any, no, every, none, nothing, etc. In the sample sentence below:

This is nothing but an insult.

The word “but’ is considered as a preposition that means “other than.”

Definition:

a. except; apart from; other than.

  • Example:
  • She teaches nothing but ballet all day long.

      3.    Adverb

In some cases, the word “but” can be used as an adverb that means “merely,” and can modify a verb or an adjective. For instance, in the sample sentence below:

She is but a shadow of her old self.

The word “but” is an adverb that can also mean “nothing but” or “only.”

Definition:

a. no more than; only

  • Example:
  • He is but a child.

     4.    Noun

Other times, this word is also categorized as a noun that refers to an argument against something. Take for example, the sentence below:

There are no buts when it comes to regulations.

In this sentence, the word “but” is used as a noun that also means “objection.”

Definition:

a. a reason someone gives for not doing or agreeing with something

  • Example:
  • I told you, no buts.

Table of Contents

  1. Where does the go on the word but?
  2. What are the 5 Rules of commas?
  3. How do you use but in a sentence examples?
  4. What is a but?
  5. Is buttocks a bad word?
  6. What’s another word for but?
  7. What do the word Punta mean?
  8. What does Punta mean in Philippines?
  9. What does putah mean in English?
  10. How do you avoid using but?
  11. Can I use However instead of but?
  12. Can you start a sentence off with but?
  13. What words do you never start a sentence with?
  14. Is so therefore grammatically correct?
  15. What can I put instead of and?
  16. What is another name for 2?
  17. What is in addition mean?
  18. Does including mean in addition to?
  19. What is a good transition word?
  20. What comes after in addition to?
  21. Does a comma follow in addition?
  22. What type of conjunction is in addition?
  23. What type of phrase is in addition?
  24. Is it in addition to or in addition too?
  25. Is in addition a phrase?
  26. Is additionally a formal word?

The word but is one of the seven coordinating conjunctions in English (the others are and, or, so, for, nor, and yet). It’s used to connect two statements that contrast or contradict each other in some way.

Where does the go on the word but?

Using Coordinating Conjunctions to Link Independent Clauses First, let’s address why you’ll typically put the comma before the word but. Often, you’ll use but and the other coordinating conjunctions (and, for, nor, or, so, and yet) to link together two independent clauses.

What are the 5 Rules of commas?

Five Comma Rules

  • Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.
  • Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause.
  • Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet)
  • Use a comma to separate items in a series.

How do you use but in a sentence examples?

“I want to go to the party, but I am so tired.” “I like her, but I don’t like her friend.” “I studied for the test, but I don’t think I did well.” “I’m hungry, but I have nothing to eat.”

Wiktionary. butnoun. An instance or example of using the word “but” It has to be done u2013 no ifs or buts.

Is buttocks a bad word?

It is a crass word, and is considered vulgar by some, but much depends on the context in which it is used. I personally think it is just an “ugly-sounding” word.

What’s another word for but?

What is another word for but?

nevertheless yet
however though
although still
all the same be that as it may
but still despite that

What do the word Punta mean?

It basically means the ‘tip’ or ‘point’ of something (tip of your tongue, tip of the iceburg, etc., but for more accurate and other meanings, click the dictionary tab and type in the word – you will get detailed information.

What does Punta mean in Philippines?

Definition for the Tagalog word punta: puntá [noun] destination; direction; coming; going.

What does putah mean in English?

1 (prostituta) whore; prostitute.

How do you avoid using but?

Most people avoid using ‘but’ as an attempt to avoid being negative… or to soften the delivery of a message….Using Positive, Benefit Driven Language AND The Word ‘but’:

  1. ‘Remove the word all together – skip it’
  2. Except.
  3. Besides.
  4. However.
  5. Nonetheless.
  6. Otherwise.
  7. Unfortunately.
  8. Instead.

Can I use However instead of but?

No, we can not use “However” instead of “But” in each sentence, because both ‘But’ and ‘However’ are two words in English language that have to be understood with precision so that they can be used correctly either in spoken or written English.

Can you start a sentence off with but?

Of course, there are style guides that discourage it, but it’s perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with “but” when writing. By all means, start sentences with “but” from time to time, but remember that “but” also belongs after a comma.

What words do you never start a sentence with?

Never begin a sentence—or a clause—with also. Teach the elimination of but, so, and, because, at the beginning of a sentence. A sentence should not commence with the conjunctions and, for, or however….

Is so therefore grammatically correct?

“So” sometimes means “and it follows that”, “therefore” means “for this reason”, and “so therefore” can mean “and it follows for this reason that”. “So” is more of a conjunction; “therefore” more of an adverb with an antecedent. Punctuation usually reflects this difference.

What can I put instead of and?

You can use words instead of “And”, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, then, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc.

What is another name for 2?

What is another word for two?

pair couple
twin deuce
doublet duet
dyad tandem
twosome couplet

What is in addition mean?

phrase. You use in addition when you want to mention another item connected with the subject you are discussing.

Does including mean in addition to?

include Add to list Share. The verb include means to consider as a part of something. The verb include also means adding something (or someone) to a category or group. Once you try bungee jumping, you might want to include, or add, that to your list of favorite things.

What is a good transition word?

And, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, than, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc., again, further, last, finally, not only-but also, as well as, in the second place, next, likewise, similarly, in fact, as a result, consequently, in the same way, for example, for instance.

What comes after in addition to?

2. We use “In addition to” followed by a noun / pronoun or V ing. In addition to basketball, I’m good at volleyball. Fernando can speak English and French in addition to Spanish.

Does a comma follow in addition?

When three or more elements are joined, a comma is used. In addition (prepositional phrase) and additionally (adverb) are connective words that add information in one clause to the information in the next clause. The word(s) are separated by a comma.

What type of conjunction is in addition?

conjunctive adverbs

What type of phrase is in addition?

The phrase ‘in addition’ is not a prepositional phrase. The phrase ‘in addition to’ functions as a preposition in a sentence.

Is it in addition to or in addition too?

How to Use Too. Too is also a useful little word, but it’s not a preposition like to, and it doesn’t have as many meanings. You can use it instead of “besides,” “in addition,” “also,” or “as well.” But you can use it for other things, too, like when you want to indicate excessiveness.

Is in addition a phrase?

You use in addition when you want to mention another item connected with the subject you are discussing.

Is additionally a formal word?

Additionally, moreover, furthermore, and admittedly are very formal and are seldom found in colloquial contexts.

BUT (2)

The word but is one of the seven coordinating conjunctions in English (the others are and, or, so, for, nor, and yet). It’s used to connect two statements that contrast or contradict each other in some way.

For example, learning English is difficult but fun! But getting into the specifics of such commonly used words can be tricky. This article will answer some questions you may have about how to use but.

When do I use a comma?

According to standard grammar, a comma is used before a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses.

An independent clause is a clause with both a subject and a verb so that it can stand on its own. If the second clause does not contain a subject, then no comma is needed.

  • He liked the meal, but not the dessert. (No comma)
  • He liked the meal, but didn’t like the dessert. (No comma)
  • He liked the meal, but he didn’t like the dessert. (Here, the subject is listed both times, making both clauses independent. A comma is appropriate.)

However, this is a rule that not many native speakers are aware of. Most people will place commas according to where they would naturally make a small pause while speaking.

When do I use “but rather”?

While but can be used to contrast two statements, it can also be used in the construction “not this but that.” For example:

  • It wasn’t a drought but more of a dry spell.

This sentence is saying that whatever happened wasn’t a drought. Instead, it was a dry spell. To convey this idea, we use the conjunction but. We could also replace this with the phrase but rather.

  • It wasn’t a drought but rather more of a dry spell.

The phrase but rather could also just be a combination of but and rather in their separate usages.

  • You’d think he would break up with her face-to-face. But rather than doing that, he decided to do it over the phone. (Here, but is used as a contrast to the previous sentence, not in combination with rather.)

What’s the difference between “but” or “yet”?

But and yet are conjunctions with very similar meanings, and usually, when you can use the word yet, you can replace it with but.

The difference is that yet means something more like “despite that” or “regardless of that.” Grammatically speaking, it has a concessive meaning.

  • He’s given her so many red flags, yet she still wants to be with him. (In other words, He’s given her so many red flags. Despite that, she still wants to be with him.)
  • I attended every lecture in the class, and yet I still don’t understand anything. (It’s possible to use yet with and, making it more of an adverb than a conjunction.)
  • Apparently, she keeps a calendar, yet she always forgets about the plans she makes.

In all these examples, you could probably replace yet with but and still have it make sense.

  • He’s given her so many red flags, but she still wants to be with him.
  • I attended every lecture in the class, but I still don’t understand anything.
  • Apparently, she keeps a calendar, but she always forgets about the plans she makes.

The difference is that but only creates a simple contrast. If you really want to say, “This is true, but none of it really matters because…”, then yet is a much better way to convey that nuance.

When can I use “but” at the beginning of a sentence?

While you may have formally been taught that a sentence can’t begin with a conjunction, the reality is that you can begin any sentence with a conjunction. The two following examples basically mean the same thing:

  • I’ll come with you and keep you company if you want. But I’m not going to enjoy it.
  • I’ll come with you and keep you company if you want, but I’m not going to enjoy it.

Why make a clause with a conjunction its own separate sentence? It depends on how you like to break up your sentences.

Periods usually convey more of a break between ideas than commas do. You might also want to avoid run-on sentences that use too many commas.

When do I use “but also”?

The phrase but also is similar to but rather, but instead of meaning “not this but that,” it means “not just this but also that.” It’s used to add even more additional information than might be expected.

  • They not only spilled beer all over the floor but also broke one of the lamps.
  • You’re not just a mother but also a friend.

When using this phrase, be sure to create parallel constructions if you want to be grammatically correct. This means linking phrases of the same kind together.

In the following sentence, the placement of the word only makes it so that it connects nouns together, therefore making it a parallel construction.

  • He doesn’t know only Spanish but also Portuguese and Italian.

This next sentence is incorrect because it connects a verb (“to know”) with nouns (“Portuguese and Italian”).

  • He not only knows Spanish but also Portuguese and Italian.

When I can I use “but not limited to”?

You can use the phrase including but not limited to when you want to list some items in a category, but you also want to indicate there are many more besides that.

It basically means the same thing as the word including by itself but emphasizes the high amount of things in a given category. Usually, this phrase is found in legal contexts, maybe because the wording is more precise.

  • The job involves many tasks, including but not limited to serving customers, checking inventory, cleaning the workspace, and taking phone calls.
  • Natural language processing has a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to chatbots, language translation, sentiment analysis, and spell check.
  • The book covers many topics, including but not limited to the Civil War, the Reconstruction Era, and Jim Crow laws.

What’s the difference between “but” and “although”?

This question is tricky because although can have two different usages.

The first is to mean “despite the fact that” or “even though,” which is like saying, “What I’m about to say doesn’t really matter.” In this case, the clause that although introduces will usually come before the main clause.

  • Although it was scorching outside, we still decided risk sunburns and go hiking.
  • Although I had a test the next morning, I decided to go out with my friends and ended up coming home late.

Then there is the second usage of although, which is to mean the same thing as but, except it tends to indicate more of an afterthought rather than a firm contrast.

This is usually when although comes after the main clause, which is how you’ll be able to tell the difference between the two meanings.

  • I really didn’t want to go to the show, although it did end up being somewhat interesting. (This can be like saying, Now that I think about it, it was sort of interesting.)
  • Mark’s thinking about transferring schools, although I’m not sure why. I thought he liked it here. (Using although instead of but indicates that the main topic is about Mark, not what the speaker thinks.)

If you want to create a contrast or transition between what you were just talking about and a topic that’s just as important, it might be better to use but instead of although, such as in this sentence:

  • Mental illness can be difficult or awkward to talk about, but there are many ways we can be supportive.

The main point is not that mental illness is a difficult subject. Instead, the speaker is trying to transition into a topic they want to talk about. This makes but a much more appropriate choice than although.

What’s the difference between “but” and “except”?

Except (that) is another conjunction that means something similar to but, except it indicates more of an exception than a contrast (I just used it now!).

Maybe you want to state something that’s true except for one detail. In that case, except will help you convey that better than but.

  • He and I are on good terms, except he still needs to pay me the money he owes.
  • We have everything we need for dinner, except that I still need to buy oil.
  • A: Everything’s fine, except

B: Except what?

Don’t confuse this with the phrase except for, which is used as a preposition, not a conjunction. You can only follow it with noun phrases.

  • Everyone submitted their entries on time except for him.
  • He and I are on good terms, except for the fact that he still needs to pay me the money he owes.

Practice

Time for some practice! The following sentences each have an error in them. Try to spot them and see if you can correct them.

  1. It’s not the concerts themselves rather the social experience that I enjoy.
  2. I can teach you how to play many genres, including and not limited to jazz, rock, country, and the blues.
  3. He drives not only poorly but also can’t park properly.
  4. A lot of times, we follow rules, but don’t really understand why.
  5. He spent hours and hours more on the painting, but it still looks bad. (What could you replace but with to show that his work was useless?)
  6. Overall, the movie was great, but the ending could have been better. (What could you replace but with to indicate more of an exception?)
  7. Overall, the movie was great, but the ending could have been better. (What could you replace but with to indicate more of an afterthought?)

Answers:

  1. It’s not the concerts themselves but rather the social experience that I enjoy. (You need the whole phrase but rather, not just rather.)
  2. I can teach you how to play many genres, including but not limited to jazz, rock, country, and the blues. (“Including and not limited to” is not a standard expression.)
  3. He not only drives poorly but also can’t park properly. OR Not only does he drive poorly, but he also can’t park properly. (Either of these makes the sentence a parallel construction.)
  4. A lot of times, we follow the rules but don’t really understand why. (The second clause is not an independent clause, so you don’t need to use a comma.)
  5. He spent hours and hours more on the painting, yet it still looks bad. (Now, you can tell more how useless his effort was.)
  6. Overall, the movie was great, except the ending could have been better. (Now, it’s specified that the ending was really the one thing wrong with the movie.)
  7. Overall, the movie was great, although the ending could have been better. (Now, it sounds more like the speaker doesn’t care as much about the ending.)

  • Top Definitions
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This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.

[ buht; unstressed buht ]

/ bʌt; unstressed bət /

This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.


conjunction

on the contrary; yet: My brother went, but I did not.

except; save: She was so overcome with grief she could do nothing but weep.

unless; if not; except that (followed by a clause, often with that expressed): Nothing would do but that I should come in.

without the circumstance that: It never rains but it pours.

otherwise than: There is no hope but by prayer.

that (used especially after doubt, deny, etc., with a negative): I don’t doubt but he will do it.

who not; that not: No leaders worthy of the name ever existed but they were optimists.

(used as an intensifier to introduce an exclamatory expression): But she’s beautiful!

Informal. than: It no sooner started raining but it stopped.

preposition

with the exception of; except; save: No one replied but me.

adverb

only; just: There is but one God.

noun

buts, reservations or objections: You’ll do as you’re told, no buts about it.

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Idioms about but

    but for, except for; were it not for: But for the excessive humidity, it might have been a pleasant day.

Origin of but

1

before 900; Middle English buten,Old English būtan for phrase be ūtan on the outside, without. See by, out

synonym study for but

grammar notes for but

1. But, like and, is a common transitional word and often begins sentences. When it is used in the middle of a sentence as a coordinating conjunction like and or so, it is not followed by a comma unless the comma is one of a pair setting off a parenthetical expression: His political affiliations make no difference, but his lack of ethics does. The cast is nearly complete, but, our efforts notwithstanding, we lack a star. See also and, so1.
2, 10. When but is understood as a conjunction and the pronoun following it is understood as the subject of an incompletely expressed clause, the pronoun is in the subjective case: Everyone lost faith in the plan but she ( did not lose faith ). In virtually identical contexts, when but is understood as a preposition, the pronoun following it is in the objective case: Everyone lost faith but her. The prepositional use is more common. However, when prepositional but and its following pronoun occur near the beginning of a sentence, the subjective case often appears: Everyone but she lost faith in the plan. See also doubt, than.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH but

but , butt

Words nearby but

busybody, busy Lizzie, busyness, busy signal, busywork, but, butabarbital sodium, butadiene, but and ben, butane, butanoic acid

Other definitions for but (2 of 4)


noun Scot.

the outer or front room of a house; the outer or front apartment in an apartment house.

the kitchen of a two-room dwelling, especially of a cottage.

Origin of but

2

1715–25; noun use of but1 (adv.) outside, outside the house

Other definitions for but (3 of 4)


noun plural (especially collectively) but, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) buts.

Other definitions for but (4 of 4)


a combining form meaning “containing a group of four carbon atoms,” used in the formation of compound words: butene.

Origin of but-

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say but?

The conjunction but means “on the contrary,” and is used to indicate contrast or opposition between elements in a sentence. How is but different from however, nevertheless, still, and yet? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Words related to but

although, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, still, though, yet, aside from, barring, disregarding, except, omitting, passing over, without

How to use but in a sentence

  • And more I cannot explain/but you, from what I did not say/will infer what I do not say.

  • And there is always the easy-but-true charge of Hollywood hypocrisy.

  • Sheets of bright-but-not-too-bright blue streaked with thin clouds.

  • And in those conflicts, the Predator would be all-but-useless.

  • And we all remember good-but-overpraised songs like If I Had a Hammer and the treacly classic Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

  • When he first worked her she had the old bee-but boiler, 24 feet in diameter.

  • Till now one with sudden hiss: «But-good Christ-just look-why, the roof’s leaning—!»

  • Our friend with his infinite variety and flexibility, we know-but can we put him in?

  • Eligible single gentlemen pass and repass-but there is no invitation for to inquire within or without.

  • And again there came to Honoria that ache of longing for the but-half-disclosed glory and fulness of life.

British Dictionary definitions for but (1 of 2)

but1

/ (bʌt, unstressed bət) /


conjunction (coordinating)

contrary to expectationhe cut his knee but didn’t cry

in contrast; on the contraryI like opera but my husband doesn’t

(usually used after a negative) other thanwe can’t do anything but wait

conjunction (subordinating)

(usually used after a negative) without it happening or being the case thatwe never go out but it rains

(foll by that) except thatnothing is impossible but that we live forever

sentence connector

informal used to introduce an exclamationmy, but you’re nice

preposition

except; savethey saved all but one of the pigs

but for were it not forbut for you, we couldn’t have managed

adverb

just; merely; onlyhe was but a child; I can but try

Scot, Australian and NZ informal though; howeverit’s a rainy day: warm, but

all but almost; practicallyhe was all but dead when we found him

noun

an objection (esp in the phrase ifs and buts)

Word Origin for but

Old English būtan without, outside, except, from be by + ūtan out; related to Old Saxon biūtan, Old High German biūzan

British Dictionary definitions for but (2 of 2)


noun

the outer room of a two-roomed cottage: usually the kitchen

preposition, adverb

in or into the outer part (of a house)Compare ben 1

Word Origin for but

C18: from but (adv) outside, hence, outer room; see but 1

Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with but


In addition to the idioms beginning with but

  • but for
  • but good

also see:

  • all but
  • all over but the shouting
  • anything but
  • can’t help but
  • close but no cigar
  • everything but the kitchen sink
  • it never rains but it pours
  • last but not least
  • no ifs or buts
  • nothing but
  • sadder but wiser
  • separate but equal
  • slow but sure
  • spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
  • there but for the grace of god

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

But is a conjunction.

But as a linking word

We use but to link items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). But is used to connect ideas that contrast.

main idea

but

contrast

I love fruit

They’ve bought a house in Manchester

I am allergic to strawberries.

they still haven’t sold their house in London.

The phrase but not is common:

The room has been painted but not in the colour that I asked for.

I’d love to go for a pizza with you but not tonight.

But meaning ‘except’

But means ‘except’ when it is used after words such as all, everything/nothing, everyone/no one, everybody/nobody:

The cleaning is done now, all but the floors. They still have to be washed.

I arrived at the airport and realised that I’d brought everything but my passport!

Everyone but Anna has checked in.

Nobody but the receptionist was left in the lobby of the hotel.

We use object pronouns after but (me, you, him, us, etc.) even in subject position:

Everybody but me has paid.

No one but him would get a job like that.

In formal situations, we can use subject pronouns after but:

Everyone but she knew how the drama was going to end.

But for + reason

But for is used to introduce the reason why something didn’t happen:

But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago. (The traffic was very heavy – if it weren’t for the traffic, I’d have been here an hour ago.)

They would have been badly injured but for the fact that they were wearing seat belts. (They were wearing seat belts – if it weren’t for the fact that they were wearing seat belts, they would have been badly injured.)

All but meaning ‘almost completely’

I had all but finished the essay when the computer crashed and I lost it all.

His parents had all but given up hope of seeing him again.

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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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”

alternatives for 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”

but - Business English vocabulary

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

1 —used as a function word to indicate connection or addition especially of items within the same class or type —used to join sentence elements of the same grammatical rank or function.

Contents

  • 1 What is and and but in grammar?
  • 2 What do you call and in grammar?
  • 3 Is the word and a conjunction?
  • 4 What type of word is and?
  • 5 What is the difference between but and and?
  • 6 How Use A and an?
  • 7 Why we use and in a sentence?
  • 8 Is and a conjunction or preposition?
  • 9 What are the 7 conjunctions?
  • 10 What are the 4 types of conjunctions?
  • 11 What are the 7 types of conjunctions?
  • 12 What does SND mean?
  • 13 What can I say instead of and?
  • 14 How do you explain a conjunction to but?
  • 15 Do u put a comma after Because?
  • 16 What are examples of conjunctions?
  • 17 Is it an or a umbrella?
  • 18 Is an ant correct?
  • 19 Where do we put an?
  • 20 Can you use AND and & in the same sentence?

The word but is one of the seven coordinating conjunctions in English (the others are and, or, so, for, nor, and yet). It’s used to connect two statements that contrast or contradict each other in some way.

What do you call and in grammar?

These words are called conjunctions, in that they conjoin, or link, phrases or clauses. The conjunctions in the English language are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. This can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS.

Is the word and a conjunction?

What is a conjunction? Conjunctions are words that join together other words or groups of words. A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses of equal importance. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, or, and but.

What type of word is and?

What type of word is and? And is a conjunction, and in particular a coordinating conjunction. Conjunctions are words that join together other words or groups of words, and coordinating conjunctions specifically connect words, phrases, and clauses that are of equal importance in the sentence.

What is the difference between but and and?

But – conjunction – used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned. And – conjunction – used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences that are to be taken jointly.

How Use A and an?

The two indefinite articles in English are a and an. The indefinite article an is used to make pronunciation easier when reading a text aloud. The general rule is to use a when the indefinite article precedes a word beginning with a consonant sound and an when it precedes a word starting with a vowel sound.

Why we use and in a sentence?

“And” can only be used once in a sentence to connect big ideas. “And” can be used two times in a sentence when making a list of things. Just like too many bridges, too many “ands” make a sentence hard to follow.

Is and a conjunction or preposition?

Here are some examples of conjunction: and, but, either/or, neither/nor, not only, because, although, until, while, unless, since, or. Here are few sentences with prepositions in it. Prepositions are underlined.

What are the 7 conjunctions?

The seven coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

What are the 4 types of conjunctions?

There are four kinds of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs.

What are the 7 types of conjunctions?

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, they are – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. The easiest way to remember these conjunctions is with an acronym called FANBOYS. Among all these conjunctions “so” can be used both as coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

What does SND mean?

SND

Acronym Definition
SND Securing Cisco Network Devices
SND Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification (biological method)
SND Supply and Demand
SND Society of Newspaper Design (now Society for News Design)

What can I say instead of and?

synonyms for and

  • along with.
  • also.
  • as a consequence.
  • as well as.
  • furthermore.
  • including.
  • moreover.
  • together with.

How do you explain a conjunction to but?

The conjunction but is used to suggest a contrast.

  1. It was a sunny day, but the wind was cold. (Here the second clause suggests a contrast that is unexpected in the light of the first clause.)
  2. The stick was thin but it was strong.
  3. He was ill but he went to work.
  4. She is poor but honest.

Do u put a comma after Because?

Because is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause; good style dictates that there should be no comma between these two clauses. An exception can and should be made when the lack of a comma would cause ambiguity.

What are examples of conjunctions?

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. e.g., but, and, because, although, yet, since, unless, or, nor, while, where, etc. Examples.

Is it an or a umbrella?

The U in umbrella is pronounced as a vowel sound ( Λ using the phonetic alphabet) and so we use ‘an’. We therefore say ‘an umbrella‘.

Is an ant correct?

An ant is correct one. Because we always use ‘an’ when next word have vowel (a, e, i ,o, u) as a first letter. An ant is correct. ‘An’ is used before words beginning either with a vowel or a vowel sound.

Where do we put an?

The rule is that you use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound and “an” before words that start with a vowel sound.

Can you use AND and & in the same sentence?

Yes it can be used together. Sentence examples: Should I do it, in case he forgets?

Continue Learning about English Language Arts

In grammar what do you call the words why where and what?

In linguistics, words like why, where, when and how are usually called wh-words. The words what, which, who, whom, and whose are a subtype of wh-words called interrogative pronouns.


In English grammar,what do you call words that function like a bridge?

"Conjunction junction, what’s your function?


What is the punctuation mark in English grammar called an ellipse?

An ellipse looks like three dots or periods: …


Is it proper grammar to say an hour?

I think it’s proper grammar to ask your question like this:
Is it proper grammar to say, «an hour»?


What is the most popular English grammar book?

The English Grammar Book I like most is Students’ English
Grammar by Jake Allsop

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