However vs. But: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
“However” and “But” are both conjunctions used to introduce contrast, but “However” is more formal and usually starts a new sentence.
Key Differences
“However” and “But” serve as conjunctions within the English language to illustrate contrast between two clauses or sentences. “However” tends to be more formal and is often used to start a new sentence or is set off by commas within a sentence. It provides a smooth transition between contrasting statements, adding a sense of refinement to the expression of contrasting ideas. Conversely, “But” is more common and informal, usually connecting contrasting clauses within a single sentence, delivering a direct and straightforward contradiction or exception.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The usage of “However” is versatile; it is not restricted to illustrating contrast but can also convey the sense of ‘in whatever way’ or ‘to whatever extent’. It's a multifunctional adverb that can introduce a statement contrasting with a preceding statement. “But”, on the other hand, is a conjunction that is more fixed in its role, primarily used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned, often bringing a surprising or opposing viewpoint in a more immediate manner.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
“However” requires more careful punctuation, usually necessitating a semicolon or a period before it and a comma after it when it is used to connect two independent clauses. It is meticulously used to maintain the grammatical coherence and the formal tone of the sentence. “But”, being more casual, needs only a comma to separate the contrasting clause, making it more user-friendly and a frequent choice in everyday communication, particularly in spoken English.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The application of “However” is preferred in formal writings, such as academic papers, official documents, or business correspondence, due to its formal and polished tone. “But” is ubiquitous, found in both formal and informal contexts, and is a fundamental conjunction that is taught early to English learners due to its simplicity and frequency of use. The choice between “However” and “But” often depends on the degree of formality and the grammatical structure preferred by the speaker or writer.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Usage
Used to start a new sentence or within a sentence.
Usually connects contrasting clauses within a sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Punctuation
Requires careful punctuation like semicolons or commas.
Requires only a comma.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Versatility
Can convey different senses and is multifunctional.
Fixed in its role to introduce contrast.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Context
Preferred in formal writings.
Ubiquitous, found in both formal and informal contexts.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
However and But Definitions
However
Used to introduce a statement contrasting with a preceding statement.
He was very tired; however, he continued to work.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
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But
Used to introduce a word or clause expressing contrast.
He is old but strong.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
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However
To whatever degree or extent.
The results, however accurate, are not conclusive.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
However
In whatever way or to whatever extent.
However you do it, please finish the task on time.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
With the exception that; except that. Often used with that
Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.
Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Everyone but Father left early.
I like everything but that.
Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.
She is very old but still attractive.
You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.
I am not rich but [I am] poor.
Not John but Peter went there.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
I cannot but feel offended.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Except with; unless with; without.
So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Touch not the cat but a glove.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.
And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.
It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
Only; solely; merely.
Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
If they kill us, we shall but die.
A formidable man but to his friends.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.
Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
But
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
FAQs
Does “However” need careful punctuation?
Yes, “However” requires careful punctuation like semicolons or commas.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Is “But” more common and informal?
Yes, “But” is more common and informal compared to “However.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can “However” start a new sentence?
Yes, “However” is often used to start a new sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is “However” more versatile in meaning?
Yes, “However” is more versatile and can convey different senses.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can “However” convey the sense of ‘to whatever extent’?
Yes, “However” can be used to convey the sense of ‘to whatever extent’ or ‘in whatever way’.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Is “But” fixed in its role to introduce contrast?
Yes, “But” has a more fixed role primarily to introduce a phrase or clause expressing contrast.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Does “But” usually connect clauses within a sentence?
Yes, “But” usually connects contrasting clauses within a single sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is “However” more suitable for formal writing?
Yes, “However” is often preferred in formal writings due to its polished tone.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Is “But” ubiquitous in formal and informal contexts?
Yes, “But” is ubiquitous and can be found in both formal and informal contexts.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Are “However” and “But” both used to introduce contrast?
Yes, both “However” and “But” are used to introduce contrast.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does the usage of “However” depend on the degree of formality and grammatical structure?
Yes, the usage of “However” often depends on the desired degree of formality and the preferred grammatical structure.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can “But” be used with just a comma?
Yes, “But” usually needs only a comma to separate the contrasting clause.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Is “But” simple and fundamental in learning English?
Yes, “But” is fundamental and is usually one of the first conjunctions taught when learning English.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does “However” introduce a statement contrasting with the preceding one?
Yes, “However” is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the preceding one.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can “But” be used to express exception?
Yes, “But” can also be used to express exception, like in “nothing but.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
