Cool MateBut what vs However
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But what
Top 3,000 (common)
However
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Most common: However
| But what | However | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bʌt wɒt//🇺🇸 //bʌt wɑt// | 🇬🇧 /["/haʊˈevə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/haʊˈevər/"]/ |
| Meaning | A phrase used to introduce a contrast or question. | but; shows contrast between two ideas. |
| 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. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: But what vs However
What's the difference between But what and However?
But what: A phrase used to introduce a contrast or question. However: but; shows contrast between two ideas.
Which is more common: But what and However?
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.
Can I use But what and However interchangeably?
Not always. But what 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.