but
A1Universal (used across all registers from casual to formal)
Definition
Meaning
Used to introduce a contrasting idea, statement, or exception to what has just been said; indicates opposition or qualification.
Can function as a preposition meaning 'except' or 'apart from', as a noun meaning a restriction or objection, and as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'no more than'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a conjunction, 'but' signals a pivot in logic or narrative, often introducing a counterpoint that qualifies, contradicts, or softens the preceding clause. Its force can range from strong contradiction to mild contrast. As a preposition, it implies exclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal syntactic differences. In informal British English, sentence-final 'but' (e.g., 'I don't want to, but.') is occasionally heard, a usage less common in AmE. The use as an adverb meaning 'only' (e.g., 'I have but one life to give') is more frequent in formal/literary contexts in both variants.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of contrast and exception.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with no significant disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
CLAUSE, but CLAUSEnot only PHRASE, but (also) PHRASENOUN but NOUN (prepositional)everyone/no one/nothing but NOUNVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “But me no buts”
- “Last but not least”
- “But for the grace of God”
- “It never rains but it pours”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to present counter-arguments, exceptions in reports, or qualifying statements in negotiations (e.g., 'The projections are strong, but we must consider market volatility.').
Academic
Common in argumentation to acknowledge opposing viewpoints or introduce limiting factors (e.g., 'The theory is elegant, but the empirical support remains inconclusive.').
Everyday
Ubiquitous in daily conversation to express contrast, objection, or change of topic (e.g., 'I'd love to come, but I'm busy that night.').
Technical
Used precisely to state exceptions or conditions in specifications, legal documents, or code comments (e.g., 'The function runs for all inputs, but null values.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No common verb use.
American English
- No common verb use.
adverb
British English
- We can but try our best.
- He is but a child.
American English
- We can but hope for a solution.
- It took but a moment.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective use.
American English
- No common adjective use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like tea, but I don't like coffee.
- She is small but very strong.
- Everyone but John came to the party.
- The plan looked perfect, but we overlooked the cost.
- I have no choice but to accept your offer.
- Not only was he late, but he also forgot the documents.
- The evidence is circumstantial, but nevertheless compelling.
- All but one of the original manuscripts have been lost.
- But for your quick thinking, the situation would have been disastrous.
- The proposal is innovative, but it begs the question of long-term sustainability.
- His apology was nothing but a calculated attempt to save face.
- One cannot but admire her tenacity in the face of such adversity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BUT' as a verbal speed bump (BUTT). It signals you're about to hit a contrast that slows down or changes the direction of the thought.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS A BARRIER / CONTRAST IS A TURNING POINT. 'But' acts as a pivot or wall between two differing ideas.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'но' as a direct translation for every 'but'. English often uses 'however' or sentence structure for formal contrast.
- The prepositional use ('everyone but me') translates to 'кроме', not 'но'.
- In 'I cannot but agree', it's a set phrase meaning 'I must agree', not a direct negation.
Common Mistakes
- Using a comma after 'but' when it starts a sentence (generally acceptable in modern usage).
- Using 'but' redundantly with 'although' ('Although it was late, but we went out.' - INCORRECT).
- Overusing sentence-initial 'but' in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'She is anything but reliable,' what is the meaning of 'but'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, starting a sentence with 'But' is grammatically acceptable and common for stylistic effect, especially to emphasise a contrast. However, it may be discouraged in very formal academic writing where 'However,' is often preferred.
'But' is a coordinating conjunction, joining two independent clauses. 'However' is a conjunctive adverb, requiring a semicolon or full stop before it. 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause. 'But' is more direct and common in speech; 'however' and 'although' are slightly more formal.
No. A comma is used before 'but' when it joins two independent clauses (e.g., 'I ran, but I missed the bus.'). No comma is used if it's joining shorter phrases or when used as a preposition (e.g., 'nothing but trouble').
Ensure parallel structure after each part. The elements joined should be the same grammatical form (e.g., 'She is not only intelligent but also kind' [adjective+adjective]. 'He not only sings but also dances' [verb+verb]). The 'also' can be omitted, especially before a clause.