but

Everyday

1. But joins two ideas that are different or surprising together. tree →
2. But means except: «all but one». tree →
3. But can mean only: «He is but a child» (old style). tree →
4. «Buts» are objections: «no ifs or buts». tree →
5. (casual) In Australia, NZ, Scotland and Ireland «but» at the end of a sentence means «though»: «It's cold, nice day but.» tree →
6. (casual) «But» at the start shows surprise or a protest: «But Mum, I only had 2!» tree →
7. (formal) Exams say «however», «nevertheless», «whereas», «notwithstanding», «with the exception of» and «save for» (except). tree →

In the lessons

often brings a change or a part that does not fit; in writing, a joining word that shows contrast; phrases «all but», «nothing but», «but also», «no buts», «but for» (without); in casual talk «but Mum!», «nice day but», «yeah but no but»; in rough talk «no buts, give it here», «but nothing, you're grounded»; in the exam voice «however», «with the exception of», «save for», «whereas»

Examples

• He had 10 apples, but he ate 3. tree →
• She wanted 5 books, but bought only 2. tree →
• All but 4 sheep ran away. tree →
• The ticket costs 8 dollars, but kids pay half. tree →
• I like rain, but not thunder. tree →
• Everyone came but Sam. tree →
• We ate nothing but pizza all week. tree →
• No buts, it's time for bed! tree →
• But Mum, he got 5 and I only got 2! tree →
• Cold arvo, good game but. tree →
• All pupils, save for 4, attended. Given an enrolment of 30, determine the attendance. tree →
• The price is 8 dollars; however, a reduction of half applies to minors. tree →
• But the Skin Horse only smiled. tree →

Note

Often brings a take-away or an exception. Trap: «all but 4» means 4 are left, not 4 gone. «Nothing but» means only. «save for 4» and «with the exception of 4» in an exam also mean except 4. «however» in an exam means but. «But» at the end of an Australian sentence means «though», with no number meaning. «But» sounds like «butt».

In Jewish tradition

often brings a change or a part that does not fit; in writing, a joining word that shows contrast; phrases «all but», «nothing but», «but also», «no buts», «but for» (without); in casual talk «but Mum!», «nice day but», «yeah but no but»; in rough talk «no buts, give it here», «but nothing, you're grounded»; in the exam voice «however», «with the exception of», «save for», «whereas»

Examples

• And He said: 'Nay; but thou didst laugh.' (Torah GEN.18.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• But the LORD hearkened unto me that time also. (Torah DEU.9.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Torah GEN.6.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• But he told not his father. (Prophets 1SA.14.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• Was it not but a word?' (Prophets 1SA.17.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• But what is it even then? (Prophets 1KI.14.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Often brings a take-away or an exception. Trap: «all but 4» means 4 are left, not 4 gone. «Nothing but» means only. «save for 4» and «with the exception of 4» in an exam also mean except 4. «however» in an exam means but. «But» at the end of an Australian sentence means «though», with no number meaning. «But» sounds like «butt».