Can I use "but" instead of "yet"? What is the difference between "but" and "yet" in this case?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Excellent question. As conjunctions, "but" and "yet" are interchangeable. One is often substituted for the other to avoid repetition. However, in this case, we cannot simply swap them because of the use of "and". I think "and yet" is being used to give emphasis to the fact that germs are everywhere. Ex: He has a good job, but he never has any money. Ex: He has a good job, yet he never has any money. Ex: He has a good job, and yet he never has any money.