How can you know when to use ‘but’ and ‘though’?
Listen in today and find out the very subtle difference between the two.
You’ll learn how to use these two conjunctions to connect in English.
English conjunctions
Lindsay asks Aubrey what her favorite season is.
Aubrey responds that winter in Arizona is her favorite season.
Lindsay asks a follow-up question and says, “What about the fall? When the hot air is cooling down, you can go out.”
Aubrey says that fall in Arizona is not pleasant because the temperature is so hot.
Lindsay’s follow-up question was really interesting.
She used the word ‘but’ to compare these seasons.
Today’s question
Today’s episode is inspired by a YouTube viewer’s question:
What a good morning, big thanks to you Lindsey & Aubrey you’re doing a great job, I just was wondering about the differences between “But” and “though”, are they used for the same purpose and one of them can be in middle of phrases and the other in the end, or it is further than this?
@sa-tv1gt
This episode is part two of a series about conjunctions.
You can check out part one here: AEE 2346: This is Tricky English Grammar, Though.
The conjunction ‘but’
Lindsay and Aubrey talk about the two conjunctions ‘but’ and ‘though.’
Throughout this episode, you will learn the difference between the two and how you can use them in your English conversations.
The conjunction ‘though’ can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Details about this can be found in Part 1 of this series.
For today’s episode, Lindsay and Aubrey are going to focus on the conjunction ‘but.’
The word ‘but’ is typically used in the middle of a sentence as a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses.
Independent clauses are phrases that can stand alone as a sentence.
The word ‘but’ is used to introduce contrasting ideas.
Examples
Here are some examples:
- I was supposed to have class today but it was canceled.
- We don’t usually eat out but we didn’t feel like cooking today.
When talking about contrasting thoughts, your tone changes to emphasize the contrast.
You may have heard that ‘but’ should not be used at the start of a sentence.
However, this is acceptable for informal conversations and writing.
For business writing or formal writing, you should avoid starting a sentence with ‘but.’
Mini roleplay
Lindsay: I’m leaving at 4:30 for the game.
Aubrey: But I thought you had to be there at 4:00 pm.
Lindsay: They pushed it back and it starts at 5:00 pm now.
How to choose ‘though’ or ‘but’
When you need to emphasize the contrast, it’s recommended to use ‘though’.
You also use ‘though’ when you spontaneously realize a comparison or emphasis as you’re talking.
Here are some examples of comparing ‘but’ and ‘though.’
Think of these sentences as a conversation:
- I’m hoping Mark comes to the party, BUT he didn’t come last time so I doubt it.
- I’m hoping Mark comes to the party, THOUGH he didn’t come last time so I doubt it.
Notice that with ‘though’ there is an emphasis on the contrast.
It means that Mark most likely won’t attend the party.
Other expressions with ‘but’ and ‘though’
Many interesting expressions in English use the word ‘but’.
Today we share two of these that you can use in your daily conversations.
#1 No ifs, ands, or buts
This just means you are certain and definite.
You won’t take no for an answer.
Example:
We are going to Disneyland this year. No ifs, ands, or buts!
#2 No buts!
This is an expression you can use to tell someone you won’t accept any excuses.
You can also say ‘no excuses’ which has a similar meaning.
Example:
Aubrey: You’re coming to my party Saturday, right?
Lindsay: Well, I…
Aubrey: No buts! You have to be there!
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Aubrey using the phrases shared in today’s episode.
This will help you use these in an English conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are at a family reunion.
Lindsay: I’m so glad you made it! Your parents usually come but I don’t think I’ve seen you at one of these before.
Aubrey: I know! It’s the first time I’ve been able to attend. Something always comes up but this time I was like, “I’m going! No ifs, and, or buts!”
Lindsay: That’s what my mom said to me when I told her I had to work. She said, “No buts!”
Aubrey: Your mom is the best, though she did beat me at Uno this morning.
Takeaway
To level up your English skills, it’s key to use conjunctions like ‘but’ and ‘though’ in a natural way.
Today, Lindsay and Aubrey talked about how to contrast ideas and make your speech sound more fluent and engaging.
Remember, you can emphasize contrasts with ‘but’ or make your point more definite with expressions like, “No ifs, ands, or buts.”
Try these tips and experiment with your own sentences to sound more confident in English conversations.
What other conjunctions do you want to learn more about?
Let us know in the comments below.
