Difference Wiki

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

Formality

More formal and polished.
More informal and common.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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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

However

No matter how.
However hard he tried, he couldn’t lift the box.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023

But

Except; apart from; other than.
I have no choice but to go.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023

However

Nevertheless, still.
It is expensive; however, it’s worth the price.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023

But

Only; just.
There is but one God.
Sara Rehman
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

But

However; though.
It’s a sunny day but quite cold.
Sawaira Riaz
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

But

On the contrary
The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 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) Without the result that
It never rains but it pours.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

However

In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
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

But

Usage Problem Except.
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

But

Merely; just; only
Hopes that lasted but a moment.
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

But

Used as an intensive
Get out of here but fast!.
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

A concern or objection
My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

However

(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
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

But

Outside of.
Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.
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

But

Merely, only, just, no more than
Christmas comes but once a year.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

However

(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

But

Though, however.
I'll have to go home early but.
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

But

(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.
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

(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

But

(obsolete) Until.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

But

That.
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

(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023

But

A limit; a boundary.
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

(archaic) Use the word "but".
But me no buts.
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

Except; besides; save.
Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?
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

A limit; a boundary.
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

But

On the contrary; yet.
The job is simple but important.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Sumera 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.

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