but
Meaning
"But" is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or exception in a statement, often indicating a shift in thought or an opposing idea.
💡 A common mistake is using "but" to start a sentence in formal writing; it is often better to use it within a sentence.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
She
went
to
the
park
to
read
her
book
,
but
the
wind
kept
turning
the
pages
and
made
it
hard
to
concentrate
.
She
put
the
book
in
her
bag
and
walked
to
a
small
caf
é
nearby
where
she
bought
a
hot
coffee
.
While
she
waited
for
the
drink
,
she
checked
her
phone
and
replied
to
a
message
from
a
friend
.
After
sitting
down
with
the
coffee
,
she
felt
more
relaxed
and
continued
reading
quietly
.
When
the
sun
broke
through
the
clouds
,
she
decided
to
take
a
short
walk
along
the
river
.
Common Phrases
but not
but also
but rather
Synonyms
Related Words
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