Alternatives to “But”
When writing, it’s essential to vary your language to keep it engaging and precise. The word “but” is commonly used to introduce a contrast or exception; however, there are many other words and phrases that can be used to achieve the same effect. This post explores five alternatives to “but” along with their meanings and examples to help you diversify your writing.
List of Alternatives
- However
- Although
- And yet
- Nevertheless
- Even so
- Yet
- Still
- Despite
- Whereas
- On the other hand
- Nonetheless
- Even though
1. However
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
- Example: Mario loves dogs. However, he hates cats.
- Explanation: “However” is used here to contrast Mario’s love for dogs with his hatred for cats.
2. Although
Used to introduce a statement that makes the main statement in a sentence seem surprising.
- Example: Although Mina adores cats, she can’t have one because she’s allergic to them.
- Explanation: “Although” introduces the fact that Mina adores cats, which contrasts with the fact that she cannot have one.
3. And yet
Used to introduce a contrasting idea that emphasizes a surprising continuation.
- Example: Keiko’s got eleven cats, four dogs, and a rabbit, and yet she wants more pets.
- Explanation: “And yet” highlights the surprising fact that despite having many pets, Keiko still wants more.
4. Nevertheless
In spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same.
- Example: Keeping horses can be very expensive. Nevertheless, I’ve got three of them.
- Explanation: “Nevertheless” is used to acknowledge the expense of keeping horses while contrasting it with the speaker’s decision to have three horses.
5. Even so
Despite what has just been said.
- Example: My dog’s old, smelly, and he pees in the house. Even so, I love him to bits.
- Explanation: “Even so” is used to contrast the negative aspects of the dog with the speaker’s enduring love for him.
6. Yet
Meaning: Used to introduce a contrasting idea or to add information that seems surprising given the previous statement.
- Example: She has a kind heart, yet she can be very strict.
- Explanation: “Yet” introduces the contrast between being kind-hearted and strict.
7. Still
Meaning: Used to introduce a contrasting idea, emphasizing persistence or continuation in spite of circumstances.
- Example: He was tired, still he finished his work.
- Explanation: “Still” contrasts his tiredness with his determination to finish the work.
8. Despite
Meaning: Used to indicate that something happens even though there is an obstacle.
- Example: Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
- Explanation: “Despite” introduces the obstacle (the rain) that contrasts with the action (going for a walk).
9. Whereas
Meaning: Used to compare two different facts or situations.
- Example: John is very outgoing, whereas his brother is quite reserved.
- Explanation: “Whereas” compares John’s outgoing nature with his brother’s reserved nature.
10. On the other hand
Meaning: Used to introduce a different, contrasting point of view or situation.
- Example: I love the city life. On the other hand, the countryside offers peace and tranquility.
- Explanation: “On the other hand” introduces a contrasting idea about the benefits of the countryside.
11. Nonetheless
Meaning: Despite what has just been said; still; nevertheless.
- Example: It was raining heavily. Nonetheless, we decided to go hiking.
- Explanation: “Nonetheless” is used to contrast the heavy rain with the decision to go hiking.
12. Even though
Meaning: Used to emphasize a surprising contrast between two facts.
- Example: Even though he was injured, he completed the marathon.
- Explanation: “Even though” emphasizes the surprising contrast between his injury and his completion of the marathon.