But vs. However: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 11, 2024
But is used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned. However is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
Key Differences
But and However are both conjunctions used to introduce contrasts, but they differ in formality and structure. "But" is more common in informal speech and writing, whereas "however" is typically used in more formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
But directly connects two clauses in a sentence, often without a comma, making the contrast immediate and direct. However, on the other hand, usually appears at the beginning of a new sentence or clause and is often followed by a comma, introducing the contrast in a more detached way.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
But often precedes a simple contrast or exception, while However is used for introducing a statement that contrasts with what has just been said, and is often followed by a more elaborate explanation or reasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
But is typically used in everyday conversation due to its straightforward and succinct nature. However, being more formal, is often found in academic and professional writing, providing a more nuanced and polished way to present a contrast or exception.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
But can also function as a preposition or an adverb, showing its versatility in different grammatical roles. However, in contrast, primarily serves as an adverb or a conjunction, with its usage more restricted to introducing contrasting statements or conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Position
Links clauses within a sentence
Often starts a new sentence or clause
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Jan 11, 2024
Flexibility
Can be a preposition or adverb
Primarily an adverb or conjunction
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Jan 11, 2024
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But and However Definitions
However
To Soften a Correction or Refutation
He said it was red; however, it's actually blue.
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Dec 15, 2023
However
To Begin a Sentence with a Contrasting Idea
She said she would come. However, she didn't show up.
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Dec 15, 2023
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However
To Indicate a Degree of Difference
This method is effective; however, the other is more efficient.
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Dec 15, 2023
But
To Introduce a Surprise Element
She's a great singer but also an amazing painter.
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Dec 15, 2023
However
To Qualify a Previous Statement
The journey was long; however, it was worth it.
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Dec 15, 2023
But
To Introduce an Afterthought
I forgot to mention, but the meeting is tomorrow.
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Dec 15, 2023
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
With the exception that; except that. Often used with that
Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.
Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
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Dec 13, 2023
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Everyone but Father left early.
I like everything but that.
Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.
She is very old but still attractive.
You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.
I am not rich but [I am] poor.
Not John but Peter went there.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
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Dec 13, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
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Dec 13, 2023
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
I cannot but feel offended.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
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Dec 13, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
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Dec 13, 2023
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
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Dec 13, 2023
However
To Introduce a Contrasting Statement
It's a small car; however, it's very powerful.
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Dec 15, 2023
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Except with; unless with; without.
So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Touch not the cat but a glove.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.
And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.
It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
Only; solely; merely.
Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
If they kill us, we shall but die.
A formidable man but to his friends.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.
Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.
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Dec 13, 2023
But
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'but' used more in speaking or writing?
'But' is commonly used in both, but more so in speaking due to its informality.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'however' start a sentence?
Yes, 'however' often starts a sentence, particularly in formal writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is 'but' ever used as anything other than a conjunction?
Yes, 'but' can also be a preposition or an adverb.
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Jan 11, 2024
Can 'however' be used to introduce a list?
It's uncommon; 'however' typically introduces a contrasting statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'but' introduce a question?
Yes, e.g., "I know it's late, but can we talk?"
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'but' connect two independent clauses?
Yes, it's a common use for 'but'.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Does 'but' always indicate contradiction?
Mostly, but it can also introduce additional information.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Do 'but' and 'however' always need a comma?
'But' usually does not require a comma, whereas 'however' often does when it begins a new clause.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'however' be placed in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, 'however' can be mid-sentence, typically set off by commas.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is 'but' appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, though 'however' might be preferable for a more formal tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'but' and 'however' be used interchangeably?
They can often be used interchangeably, but 'however' is more formal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Are there synonyms for 'but' and 'however'?
Yes, words like 'yet', 'though', and 'nonetheless' can be similar in use.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Can 'however' be replaced with 'but' in formal documents?
Yes, though it may slightly alter the formality.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is 'however' used in everyday conversation?
It's less common in casual speech due to its formal tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is 'however' ever used at the end of a sentence?
Rarely, as it usually introduces a contrast at the beginning.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Does 'but' imply a stronger contrast than 'however'?
Not necessarily; context determines the strength of the contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is 'but' used in legal or academic writing?
Yes, though 'however' might be more prevalent in very formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
How does 'however' impact the flow of a paragraph?
It provides a smooth transition to a contrasting point or idea.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
How does 'however' affect the tone of a statement?
It often makes the statement sound more measured or formal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with 'but'?
Yes, though traditionally discouraged, it's widely accepted now.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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