but */*/*/

weak [bət] , strong [bʌt]

grammar word summary: But can be: ■ a conjunction: She's 83 but she still goes swimming every day. ■ a preposition: There's been nothing but trouble since he came.

1) used for introducing a different idea used for joining two ideas or statements when the second one is different from the first, or surprising after the first

Anna's an intelligent girl, but she's lazy.[/ex]

a simple but effective way of filtering water[/ex]

I thought I had solved the problem. But I'd forgotten one thing.[/ex]

2) used for changing the subject spoken

used when you are saying that you should not say any more about a particular subject

It was really awful. But you don't want to hear about that.[/ex]

3) used in polite questions and statements spoken

used after expressions such as ‘I'm sorry' and ‘excuse me' to introduce a polite question, request, or statement

Excuse me, but is there a post office anywhere around here?[/ex]

I'm sorry, but all our operators are busy at the moment.[/ex]

4) except used especially after words such as ‘nothing', ‘everyone', or ‘anything' to mean ‘except'

She does nothing but grumble all day long.[/ex]

5) used for expressing surprise spoken

used for showing that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree

‘I've decided to resign.' ‘But why?'[/ex]

But you promised not to do anything without asking me first.[/ex]

•

but for — except for something, or without something[/ex]

The work was now complete, but for a final coat of paint.[/ex]