Cool MateBut what vs However vs What about
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But what
However
What about
| But what | However | What about | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bʌt wɒt//🇺🇸 //bʌt wɑt// | 🇬🇧 /["/haʊˈevə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/haʊˈevər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɒt əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //wɑt əˈbaʊt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to introduce a contrast or question. | but; shows contrast between two ideas. | A way to ask for someone's opinion on a subject. |
| Example | I understand your point, but what if we consider the other side? | He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate. | What about going to the beach this Saturday? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | ||
| Collocations | but what about, but what if | however, you should, however, it is important, however, I believe | What about that, What about this, What about me |
| Antonyms | - | therefore, consequently | - |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly formal contexts, where other phrases are more suitable., Incorrectly placing 'but' at the start of a sentence when it should connect to a clause. | Confused with 'how ever' which means in what way., Omitting a comma before 'however' when it starts a sentence., Using 'however' inappropriately in very casual contexts. | Confused with 'What about that?' - often used differently in context., Not using it to introduce new topics when needed., Overusing in formal discussions where direct questions are preferred. |
| Usage notes | "But what" is typically used informally to question or contradict something previously said. It's less formal than other phrases. | Use 'however' to introduce a contrasting idea in a sentence. It's suitable in both spoken and written English but more common in formal writing. Avoid using it at the beginning of informal conversations. | Used in conversation to introduce a new topic or ask for opinions. Appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: But what vs However vs What about
What's the difference between But what, However, and What about?
But what: A phrase used to introduce a contrast or question. However: but; shows contrast between two ideas. What about: A way to ask for someone's opinion on a subject.
Which is more common: But what, However, and What about?
However is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
But what: I understand your point, but what if we consider the other side? However: He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate. What about: What about going to the beach this Saturday?
Can I use But what, However, and What about interchangeably?
Not always. But what, However, and What about are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.