# but

/ˈbət/ (US) · /bˈʌt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/but
Updated: 2026-06-15

## Senses

### 1. contrast

conjunction · CEFR A1

used to introduce a statement that is different from what you just said.

For teachers: used to introduce a clause that contrasts with or contradicts the preceding statement.

- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
- The initial results of the study were promising, but the research team cautioned that further peer-reviewed trials were necessary before drawing conclusions.

### 2. except

preposition · CEFR B1

used to mean 'except' or 'apart from'.

For teachers: used to indicate an exception to a preceding general statement, often following negative or universal quantifiers like 'no one' or 'everyone'.

- Everyone in the office attended the meeting but the manager.
- The committee found no alternative but to postpone the project until the necessary funding could be secured through private investment.

### 3. only

adverb · CEFR C1 · Literary

used to mean 'only' or 'just'.

For teachers: used as a restrictive adverb meaning 'merely' or 'no more than'.

- He is but a child and does not understand the rules yet.
- The grand cathedral, once a symbol of imperial power, was now but a crumbling ruin reclaimed by the surrounding forest.

### 4. though

adverb · CEFR C1 · British English · Dialect

used at the end of a sentence to mean 'however'.

For teachers: used as a sentence-final conjunctive adverb to indicate a contrast with a previous statement.

- It was a very expensive car, but.
- The weather was miserable for the entire trip; we had a great time, but.

Usage: In certain dialects, particularly in Scotland and Northern England, 'but' is placed at the end of a clause for emphasis or contrast.

### 5. an objection

noun · CEFR B2

a reason for not doing something or a doubt.

For teachers: an objection, caveat, or condition, typically used in the plural phrase 'no ifs, ands, or buts'.

- I want you to finish your homework now—no buts.
- The contract was signed without any 'buts' from the legal department, much to the relief of the negotiating team.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.