But Conjunction: Usage, Meaning & Examples

Meaning 1：however (but)

but 🔊

/bʌt/

conj.

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or differs from what was said before.

however 🔊

➕

/haʊˈevər/

conj.

"But" is a conjunction used to introduce a phrase or clause that contrasts with or modifies what has just been said.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'būtan' (outside, except), combining 'be' (by) + 'ūtan' (out).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'BUT' as 'Big Unexpected Turn' – signals a contrast or shift.

📖 Example

I planned to finish my homework early, but my friend invited me to play video games. 🔊 I planned to finish my homework early, but my friend invited me to play video games.

🔗 Collocations

not only...but also... – Used to connect two positive statements, emphasizing both.

but for – Except for; without (usually in conditional sense).

nothing but – Only; merely.

🔄 Synonyms

however (adv.) – Used to introduce a contrasting statement; more formal than 'but'.

yet (conj.) – Used to introduce a contrasting idea; similar to 'but' but sometimes more emphatic.

nevertheless (adv.) – In spite of that; used to introduce a contrasting point in formal contexts.

🚫 Antonyms

and (conj.) – Used to connect similar or additional ideas, indicating addition rather than contrast.

similarly (adv.) – Indicates likeness or agreement, opposite of contrast.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old English 'būtan' (outside, except). Evolved into a contrastive conjunction. No myth; key in English reasoning.