Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[YMKatherine]

I'd like to know : Is there any difference between the use of "however" and "but"? If yes, please give me some examples. Thanks a lot.

[Mary W. Ng]

But, a coordinating conjunction, is used to link two contrasting ideas. But joins words, phrases, or clauses that are of the same grammatical form.
1. The stories are short but captivating. (But joins two adjectives: short and captivating.)
2. He is not a writer but a painter. (But joins two noun phrases: a writer and a painter.)
3. She is talented, but she has an attitude problem. (But joins two independent clauses: she is talented and she has an attitude problem.)

However, a conjunctive adverb, is also used to link two contrasting ideas. However connects two independent clauses.
1. She is talented; however, she has an attitude problem. (However joins two independent clauses: she is talented and she has an attitude problem.)
_________________
Mary W. Ng
Helping students learn grammar
http:www.aimpublishing.com