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Getting Smarter through Language

Conjunctions “And,” “But,” “So,” and “Or” | (A-Level, Basic) Page 2

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"But" — Showing a Contrast or Difference

We use the coordinating conjunction “but" to combine two sentences or ideas and express a contrast or difference between the ideas.

In the following example, Mila and Jack want different things:

Mila wants to stay home.

Jack wants to go to the movies.

You can combine the ideas and show the contrast by using “but.”

Mila wants to stay home, but Jack wants to go to the movies.

 

Examples using "but"

Mila wants to live in an apartment, but Jack prefers living in a house.

It’s cold in New York, but it’s warm in Miami.

I can read French, but I can’t speak it very well.

John needs to buy a new car, but he doesn’t have the money.

John works hard, but he doesn’t make a lot of money.

Up Next: "So" — Showing a Logical Conclusion or Effect

Continue the lesson to learn about the coordinating conjunction “but.”