but

[bʌt]

but Definition

• 1. used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned
• 2. used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated

Using but: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "but" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I have no choice but to leave.

• Example

  She is intelligent but lazy.

• Example

  He was poor but happy.

• Example

  I can't help but laugh.

but Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for but

• however
• nevertheless
• yet
• still
• though

Antonyms for but

• also
• furthermore
• and

Idioms Using but

• but what

  used to introduce a statement that makes what has just been said seem less certain

  Example

  He's a good student, but what if he fails the test?

• can't help but

  cannot avoid or resist doing something

  Example

  I can't help but feel sorry for him.

• no buts

  used to refuse to accept an excuse or argument

  Example

  I don't want to hear any more excuses. No buts!

Phrases with but

• all but

  almost; nearly

  Example

  The project is all but finished.

• but for

  if it were not for

  Example

  But for your help, I would have failed.

• nothing but

  only; just

  Example

  The movie was nothing but a disappointment.

Origins of but

from Old English 'be-utan', meaning 'outside of'

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Summary: but in Brief

The conjunction 'but' [bʌt] introduces a phrase or clause that contrasts with what has already been mentioned, or indicates the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated. It is often used to express limitations or exceptions, as in 'She is intelligent but lazy.' The phrase 'all but' means almost or nearly, while 'but for' means if it were not for. The idiom 'can't help but' expresses the inability to avoid or resist doing something.