but

Pronunciation

• enPR: bŭt, IPA ^(key): /bʌt/
• SAMPA: /bVt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Homophone: butt

Coordinator

Coordinator but

1. You use but to join two ideas and show that they are not the same.

   I would take you there, but I do not have my car.

   The changes were small but important.

   "Do you speak French?" "No, but I speak Spanish."

   It says this not in words but in pictures.

2. You use but to change the topic.

   I understand. And I'm sorry. But there is nothing I can do about it now.

   And that's important, but another thing that has changed is the location.

Preposition

Preposition but

1. except

   He ate everything but the meat.

   Any day but tomorrow would be fine.

   I forgot my bag. I guess there's nothing to do but go back.

   There are very few rules of grammar but have exceptions.

   I had no choice but to sign the contract.

   There is no one but is interested in it.

Adverb

Positive but

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. only

   There is but one sun and one earth to live on.