Cool MateBut vs However
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But
High-frequency chunkA1conjunction
However
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
| But | However | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/bət//bʌt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bət//bʌt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/haʊˈevə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/haʊˈevər/"]/ |
| Meaning | Used to show contrast or exception. | but; shows contrast between two ideas. |
| Example | I wanted to go, but it started to rain. | He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | conjunction | adverb |
| Collocations | but I thought, but what about, but still, but then, but also | however, you should, however, it is important, however, I believe |
| Antonyms | and, or | therefore, consequently |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'but' with 'and' when showing contrast., Starting a sentence with 'but' in very formal writing., Using a comma before 'but' when the clauses are very short. | 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. |
| Usage notes | 'But' is used to connect two contrasting ideas. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English but may sound abrupt in very formal writing. | 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. |
Frequently asked questions: But vs However
What's the difference between But and However?
But: Used to show contrast or exception. However: but; shows contrast between two ideas.
Are But and However the same CEFR level?
But: A1, However: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use But and However interchangeably?
Not always. But and However 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.