What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
except
Example
Everyone was invited to the party except for John. [except: preposition]
Example
I like all fruits except for bananas. [except: conjunction]
but
Example
I wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining. [but: conjunction]
Example
I can't help but feel disappointed. [but: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
But is more commonly used than except in everyday language. But is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while except is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between except and but?
Except is more formal than but, and is typically used in more formal contexts such as academic writing or legal documents. But is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
