Meaning & use
use of but
Last updated
UK/ˌjuːs əv ˈbʌt/
US/ˌjuːs əv ˈbʌt/
Meaning
phrase
the way the word 'but' is used to connect ideas that contrast.
Grammar: This is a noun phrase about grammar; it is not a verb phrase, so it does not change with the subject.
Patterns
- the use of but in a sentence
- the correct use of but
The teacher explained the use of but in compound sentences.
This exercise tests your use of but and however.
Common combinations
- the use of but in a sentence
- The use of but in a sentence is common in everyday writing.
- the correct use of but
- The correct use of but requires a comma before it when joining two clauses.
- the use of but and however
- Compare the use of but and however in these two sentences.
Synonyms and how they differ
- however
- However is more formal and often starts a new sentence; but is more common and joins clauses directly.
- yet
- Yet can mean the same as but in formal writing, but it is less common in everyday speech.
Opposites
Word family
- but conjunction
- used to introduce a contrast
Commonly confused: use of but or but vs. however?
use of but vs but vs. however
But joins two clauses with a comma; however usually starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'but' correctly?
Choose one answer.
But joins two clauses with a comma before it. Option B puts the comma in the wrong place; options C and D wrongly mix but and however.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “use of but”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.