Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[puzzle]

Dear teachers,
Can you tell me how to understand the use of "but" in the following sentence?
She did not look happy but glared at him.
Can we use "and" here? Why "but"
Thank you very much!

[pugachevV]

You have asked a good question. I think and is the better conjunction in this case, because if she was unhappy, it is not really unusual that she might glare at somebody.

If you use but you are usually expecting something in contrast to what has already been said.
e.g. She looked happy, BUT she glared at him would be quite normal.