easy
I wanted to play outside, but it started to rain.
What does But mean?
But connects ideas that contrast.
Dictionary definition
A word used to show contrast or add a different idea.
Example sentences
But in a sentence
medium
The puzzle looked hard, but we solved it together.
hard
The plan was simple, but the team still needed to check every detail.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice but in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of But
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does but do in a sentence?
But connects ideas that contrast or change direction.
Practice 2
Which word can be close in meaning to but?
However can show contrast, similar to but.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses but correctly?
This sentence uses but to connect two contrasting ideas.
Practice complete
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But
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WordBut.
Partconjunction.
MeaningBut means But connects ideas that contrast.
ExampleExample: I wanted to play outside, but it started to rain.
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Nice work—you practiced but.
Synonyms
Words like But
howeverUse to show contrast, often at the start of a new sentence.
yetUse to show contrast between two ideas.
Antonyms
Opposite words
andUse to add ideas without showing contrast.
becauseUse to give a reason instead of a contrast.
Synonym practice
Want to practice but synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "I wanted to play outside, but it rained," then compare close word choices. Practice but synonyms.
Word family
But word family
Base word
but
conjunction
but
Base form.
Related words
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Student support
Understand But
Hint for students
But shows a contrast or a change from what you expected.
Common mix-up
But is not the same as and. And adds another idea; but shows that the second idea is different or surprising.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows but without using the word but. Model sentence: I packed my swimsuit; however, the pool was closed. Clue words: packed my swimsuit, however, pool was closed Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show two ideas that contrast?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: 'I wanted to play outside, but it started raining.' Why does but fit better than because?
Learning activities
Practice But and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BUT” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice BUT
Sentence Builder
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