everything but vs anything but

Both 'everything but' and 'anything but' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Everything but' is used to indicate that all things except one are included, while 'anything but' is used to emphasize that something is definitely not the case.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 964 views

The phrase 'everything but' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that all things except one are included.

"everything but"

This phrase is used to emphasize that almost everything is included, except for one particular thing. It is often used to describe a situation where nearly all possibilities are covered except for a specific exclusion.

Examples:

She packed everything but the kitchen sink for the camping trip.
The store had everything but the item I was looking for.
He knew everything about the topic but the most recent developments.
I have everything but the tools needed to complete the project.
The party had everything but good music.

Show examples from the web [+]

The ENP should be everything but enlargement.
Just skip everything but the last few minutes.
I've tried everything but a blackjack.
Blaze got everything but the skeleton.
I taught you everything but common sense.
I trust him with everything but stock tips.
You did everything but stick your tongue down his throat.
We do everything but flip the switch.
We've done everything but threaten them.
Funny, I saw everything but a herpes ad around here.
I did everything but bring it home.
I give away everything but secrets, Liz.
I believe in everything but God.
Louis has everything but this watch.
He's looking at everything but your eyes.
I do everything but strap on the pregnancy harness myself.
We've got everything but a passer.
This sucker'll do everything but cook your breakfast.
We did everything but exchange gunshots.
Got everything but pâté de foie gras.

Alternatives:

all but
everything except
everything apart from
everything other than
everything save

The phrase 'anything but' is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something is definitely not the case.

"anything but"

This phrase is used to strongly emphasize a negative statement, indicating that the opposite of what is being described is true. It is often used to express a strong denial or contradiction.

Examples:

The weather was anything but sunny during our vacation.
His speech was anything but boring; it was captivating.
The situation is anything but ideal for starting a new business.
The movie was anything but a comedy; it was a drama.
Her reaction was anything but expected.

Show examples from the web [+]

Did anything but put me at peace.
Because computer models are really only most effective in controlled environments, and this situation is anything but controlled.
However, what I found was anything but a grieving widow.
His love is anything but unconditional, and often anything but love.
Granting the European Commission discharge is anything but self-evident.
This week's anything but normal.
Europe cannot offer anything but aid.
Review is anything but a formality, Michael.
Their message is anything but peaceful.
Nobody here understands anything but money.
Never did anything but the right thing.
One important reason was that political responsibility proved anything but transparent.
You're anything but ordinary, Meredith.
I couldn't do anything but keep on walking.
It's a mistake to make anything but hamburgers.
But these Ferengi are anything but benevolent.
His life has been anything but quiet.
I've never seen pre do anything but lead.
I'm anything but all right, Mother.
I can't have anything but the best.

Alternatives:

far from
anything other than
nothing like
definitely not
certainly not

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