But vs However vs I'll tell you something though

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

But

High-frequency chunk A1 conjunction

However

Top 1,000 (very common) A1 adverb

I'll tell you something though

Common idiom

	But	However	I'll tell you something though
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/bət//bʌt/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/bət//bʌt/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/haʊˈevə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/haʊˈevər/"]/	🇬🇧 //aɪl tɛl jʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ðoʊ// 🇺🇸 //aɪl tɛl jʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ðoʊ//
Meaning	Used to show contrast or exception.	but; shows contrast between two ideas.	A phrase used before sharing an important or surprising point.
Example	I wanted to go, but it started to rain.	He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.	I'll tell you something though, I never expected them to win.
Register	Neutral	Neutral	Neutral
How common	High-frequency chunk	Top 1,000 (very common)	Common idiom
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	I'll tell you something, I'll tell you something else, I'll tell you something important
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.	Confused with 'I'll tell you something' - missing 'though'., Used in formal settings - it’s more casual.
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.	Use in conversations when you want to emphasize an upcoming point. It's informal but can be used in various contexts.

See it in real clips

However...

Now if, however, there's no reasonable doubt...

Peaky Blinders › S1 E1

However, my opinion has not changed.

However...

Now if, however, there's no reasonable doubt...

However

How I Met Your Mother › S1 E1

I'll tell you something, though. If a woman,

I'll tell you something though

Frequently asked questions: But vs However vs I'll tell you something though

What's the difference between But, However, and I'll tell you something though?

But: Used to show contrast or exception. However: but; shows contrast between two ideas. I'll tell you something though: A phrase used before sharing an important or surprising point.

Can you show an example of each?

But: I wanted to go, but it started to rain. However: He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate. I'll tell you something though: I'll tell you something though, I never expected them to win.

Can I use But, However, and I'll tell you something though interchangeably?

Not always. But, However, and I'll tell you something though 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.