But vs. Yet: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"But" is used to introduce a contrast or exception, whereas "yet" indicates a contrast with an expectation or a surprising continuation.
Key Differences
"But" is commonly used to introduce a contradiction or an exception to a previous statement. For example, "I want to go out, but it's raining." On the other hand, "yet" often introduces a sense of contradiction with an expectation or something that hasn't happened so far, as in, "He's old, yet very active."
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Nov 22, 2023
In terms of usage, "but" is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts to show contrast or exception. For instance, "She is strict but fair." Conversely, "yet" is typically used in more specific scenarios, especially when implying that something might happen in the future, like "She hasn't arrived yet."
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Nov 22, 2023
"But" can also serve to introduce a positive aspect following a negative one, such as in, "The task is hard, but rewarding." In contrast, "yet" is often used in negative contexts or questions, suggesting that something expected has not occurred, like "Has he called yet?"
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Nov 22, 2023
The tone conveyed by "but" can be neutral or mildly contrasting. For example, "He is young but wise." However, "yet" often carries a tone of surprise or unexpectedness, as in, "She's had little training, yet she performed well."
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Nov 22, 2023
In conclusion, while "but" and "yet" both introduce contrasts, "but" is used for general contradictions or exceptions, and "yet" emphasizes an ongoing situation or a surprising element, often related to time.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basic Function
Introduces contrast/exception
Indicates surprising continuation/contrast
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Nov 22, 2023
Sentence Example
"He’s smart, but lazy."
"He’s smart, yet he doesn't work hard."
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Nov 22, 2023
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But and Yet Definitions
But
Correction/Clarification
Not blue, but green. (Corrects or clarifies a previous statement)
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Nov 22, 2023
Yet
Expectation vs. Reality
He hasn’t succeeded yet. (Something expected hasn't occurred)
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Nov 22, 2023
Yet
Time-Related Contrast
It's late, yet the lights are on. (Contrast related to time)
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Nov 22, 2023
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
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Oct 19, 2023
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But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
In affirmative use: still.
He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
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Oct 19, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
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Oct 19, 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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Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
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Oct 19, 2023
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
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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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Yet
Continuation with Contrast
She's tired, yet she continues working. (Continues action despite contrast)
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Nov 22, 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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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
But
Contrast/Exception
I'd go, but I'm busy. (Introduces a contrasting idea)
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Nov 22, 2023
But
Positive after Negative
It's small but comfortable. (Positive aspect following negative)
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Nov 22, 2023
But
Surprising Contrast
He's quiet but insightful. (Unexpected or surprising contrast)
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Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "but" start a sentence?
Yes, "but" can start a sentence, especially for emphasis.
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Nov 22, 2023
What is "but" mainly used for?
"But" is primarily used to introduce a contrast or exception.
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Nov 22, 2023
How is "yet" different from "but"?
"Yet" usually indicates a surprising continuation or a contrast with an expectation, often related to time.
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Nov 22, 2023
How does "but" affect sentence structure?
"But" connects two clauses with contrasting information.
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Nov 22, 2023
Does "yet" imply something about the future?
Often, "yet" suggests that something might happen in the future.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is "yet" used in positive contexts?
"Yet" is commonly used in negative contexts or questions about expectations.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can "but" be replaced with "yet" in sentences?
Sometimes, but the nuance and emphasis might change.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is "yet" always used in the middle of a sentence?
No, "yet" can also start sentences or questions.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can "but" indicate a surprise?
"But" can introduce surprising contrasts but less emphatically than "yet."
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Nov 22, 2023
Is it grammatically correct to use "but" frequently in writing?
Overuse of "but" can make writing choppy; it's best used sparingly for impact.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can "yet" be used in compound sentences?
Yes, "yet" can be used in compound sentences to indicate contrast or surprise.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is "yet" used more in spoken or written English?
"Yet" is common in both, but its use might be more nuanced in written English.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is "yet" formal or informal?
"Yet" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Nov 22, 2023
How does context change the use of "but"?
The context determines whether "but" introduces contrast, exception, or clarification.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can "but" express a concession?
Yes, "but" can express a concession, acknowledging one fact before presenting another.
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Nov 22, 2023
Does the position of "but" in a sentence matter?
Yes, the position can affect emphasis and meaning.
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Nov 22, 2023
How does tone change with "yet"?
"Yet" often adds a tone of surprise, expectation, or ongoing situation.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do "but" and "yet" have the same meaning in negative sentences?
They can be similar, but "yet" often adds a sense of ongoing expectation.
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Nov 22, 2023
What is a common mistake when using "yet"?
A common mistake is using "yet" when no time-related expectation or surprise is involved.
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Nov 22, 2023
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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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