"But," vs "However,"

Question

"But," vs "However,"

Both "but" and "however" can be used to show contrast or introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence. They are interchangeable in many cases, but "however" is considered more formal than "but." The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use "but," to introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence. It is a common and informal way to show contrast.

Examples:

I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.
She is very talented, but she lacks confidence.

Alternatives:

however,
yet,
although,
nevertheless,

Use "however," to introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence when you want to convey a more formal tone. It is suitable for written and formal contexts.

Examples:

I wanted to go to the party; however, I was too tired.
She is very talented; however, she lacks confidence.

Alternatives:

but,
yet,
although,
nevertheless,

Answer 1

But,

This is a correct and commonly used way to introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence.

Answer 2

However,

This is a correct way to introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence, but it is considered more formal than using "but."

"But," vs "However,"

But,

However,

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