but

Meanings

1. 1conjunction

   Used to introduce a word or clause that contrasts with what has just been said.

   Grammar: Joins two clauses or words directly, often after a comma: I wanted to go, but I was tired.

   Patterns

   • clause + but + clause
   • adjective + but + adjective

   She is young but very experienced.

   I called him twice, but he didn't answer.

   The hotel was cheap but clean.

2. 2preposition

   Except; apart from.

   Grammar: Used after words like all, everyone, no one, nothing: Everyone but Tom agreed.

   Patterns

   • all but someone/something
   • no one but someone
   • nothing but something

   Everyone but Maria had already left.

   There was nothing but silence in the room.

   I've told no one but you.

3. 3adverbformalliterary

   Only; just.

   Grammar: Formal or literary; used to emphasize that something is only a small amount or a single thing: She is but a child.

   Patterns

   • be but a something
   • have but a few something

   He is but a beginner in this field.

   We have but a few minutes left.

Common combinations

last but not least

Last but not least, I'd like to thank my parents.

not only ... but also ...

She not only sings but also plays the piano.

but then

I was going to complain, but then I decided not to.

all but

The team all but won the championship.

Synonyms and how they differ

however

However is more formal and usually starts a new sentence with a comma after it; but joins clauses within one sentence.

yet

Yet is similar to but but is more formal and often suggests surprise: It was strange, yet true.

although

Although introduces a concessive clause and can come at the beginning of a sentence: Although it rained, we went out.

Commonly confused: but or butt?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “but”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words