other words for but in essay

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80+ Alternatives for “But”: A Word List for Writers

The Simplest Words Are Often the Toughest to Replace

Can you imagine devising alternatives for a, an, or the ?

Fortunately, those words don’t stand out. Readers usually slip over them without a second thought.

However, but , like many words, isn’t invisible when it appears too often. Endless repetitions frustrate readers. Likewise with its most common replacement, however .

Imagine a Man and a Woman Resolving a Dispute

Ron leaned toward Edwina. “ But you said you would —”

She pointed her finger at him. “ But I changed my mind.”

They both stood, glaring at each other, but not budging an inch from their spots on the edge of the swimming pool. A voice floated over the fence, but it was too soft to decipher.

Ron yelled , “Who is it?”

But the voice remained silent.

Edwina propped her hands on her hips but kept glaring at Ron. “It’s probably your moth —”

“Not his mother,” replied the voice, “ but I’ll give you three guesses. Then I’ll throw you both into the pool if you don’t kiss and make up.”

Seven appearances of but in seven paragraphs. Let’s consider an edited version:

Ron leaned toward Edwina. “You said you would —”

They both stood, glaring at each other, and not budging an inch from their spots on the edge of the swimming pool. A voice floated over the fence — a voice too soft to decipher.

Ron yelled, “Who is it?”

The voice remained silent.

Edwina propped her hands on her hips, continuing to glare at Ron. “It’s probably your moth —”

This example illustrates how instances of but can be reduced by deletion. Seven occurrences have been trimmed to two: in dialogue, where rules about repetition become less important. Even so, the conversation here comes across better with most of the repetitions removed.

Story prompt: Who does that voice belong to, and why are Ron and Edwina arguing?

What’s Happening to Arnold?

Arnold’s lips trembled. Nearly a century had crept by, but he would never forget the day he lost Anna. He tried to calm himself, but anxiety battered his thumping heart, which beat faster every moment. His lungs screamed for air, but nothing could get past the spasms in his throat.

He clutched his chest and reached for his cell phone but couldn’t force his fingers to cooperate. He slumped to the floor.

Arnold had always feared death, but as Anna’s face floated before his eyes, a wave of warmth and peace enveloped him. “Anna,” he said, “where have you been?”

Can we replace all instances of but ?

Arnold’s lips trembled. Nearly a century had crept by. However , he would never forget the day he lost Anna. He tried to calm himself. Even so , anxiety battered his thumping heart, which beat faster every moment. His lungs screamed for air, yet nothing could get past the spasms in his throat.

He clutched his chest and reached for his cell phone, although he couldn’t force his fingers to cooperate. He slumped to the floor.

Arnold had always feared death. In spite of that , as Anna’s face floated before his eyes, a wave of warmth and peace enveloped him. “Anna,” he said, “where have you been?”

Did the edited version unsettle you because your brain wanted to think but every time you encountered a substitute? Teaching point: Direct replacements for but function best if limited.

Let’s try a combination edit that relies on both deletion and replacement:

Arnold’s lips trembled. Nearly a century had crept by, yet he would never forget the day he lost Anna. He tried to calm the anxiety battering his thumping heart, which beat faster every moment. His lungs screamed for air — air that couldn’t get past the spasms in his throat.

He clutched his chest. Reached for his cell phone with fingers that refused to cooperate. He slumped to the floor.

Arnold had always feared death. Why? A wave of warmth and peace enveloped him as Anna’s face floated before his eyes. “Anna,” he said, “where have you been?”

One direct replacement for but remains. Rewording removes the rest.

Sometimes But Is the Better Alternative

Analyze this statement from a man arguing with a buddy in a truck-stop café:

“He avows that he’s ‘very, very intelligent.’ That being said , his actions contradict his words.”

This snippet might suit a news commentator or a political scientist, but not a stereotypical trucker.

How about this instead?

“He says he’s ‘very, very intelligent,’ but actions speak louder than words.”

The long-winded but replacement is scratched, one verb is replaced, and a cliché is added.

Takeaway: Don’t slash every occurrence of any word. Analyze each instance.

Direct Replacements For But

Explore rewording before you consult this list. Then, if you opt for alternatives, choose with care. Modern fiction novelists might make different choices than period fiction writers would.

A albeit, all the same, alternatively, although, anyhow, apart from that, aside from that, at any rate, at the other end of the scale, at the same time, at variance with that, au contraire

B to D bar, barring, barring that, be that as it may, besides, brushing that aside, by contrast, contrariwise, conversely, despite that, discounting that, disregarding that

E and F even if, even so, even supposing that, even with that, except, except that, excepting, excepting that, excluding that, for all that, forgetting that

H and I having said that, howbeit, however, ignoring that, in any case, in any event, in consideration of that, in spite of that, in the face of that, inversely

J to N just the same, leaving that behind, letting that pass, more to the point, nevertheless, nonetheless, not considering that, not taking that into consideration, notwithstanding

O on the contrary, on the other hand, on the other side of the coin, other than that, overlooking that

P to S passing over that, paying no attention to that, paying no heed to that, paying that no mind, per contra, regardless, save, skipping over that, still, still and all

T to Y that being said, that said, then again, though, undeterred by that, vice versa, what’s more, whereas, with that said, with the exception of, without regard to, yet

Red-Pencil Time

Can you edit away all or most instances of but in the following exercises?

Trevor stamped his feet . “ But I don’t wanna go, Mummy. And you can’t make me can’t make me can’t make me.”

Brittney bit her lip, attempting to contain her anger, but she couldn’t prevent the sharpness that edged into her voice. “Yes, I can. You’ve already missed two days of school, but there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“ But I’m hot and my stomach hurts and my throat is sore. … And … and … I can’t find my homework.”

“You mean the homework you didn’t do because you were too busy playing video games?”

He squeezed out a solitary tear.

But his mom didn’t fall for it. Trevor could produce tears better than any Hollywood actor. “Ten minutes. You be ready in ten minutes or you’re grounded for ten days. No video games. No TV. No dessert.”

Suggested solution

Trevor stamped his feet. “ But I don’t wanna go, Mummy. And you can’t make me can’t make me can’t make me.”

Although Brittney bit her lip in an attempt to contain her anger, she couldn’t prevent the sharpness that edged into her voice. “Yes, I can. You’ve already missed two days of school, and there’s nothing wrong with you.”

However, his mom didn’t fall for it. Trevor could produce tears better than any Hollywood actor. “Ten minutes. You be ready in ten minutes or you’re grounded for ten days. No video games. No TV. No dessert.”

Notes: For the sake of realism, Trevor’s dialogue is untouched . Brittney’s single but is replaced by and. Although and however also make guest appearances.

Louis scanned the heads in the crowd. Everyone but Darlene had shown up for the party. He tried to ignore the disappointment in the pit of his stomach, but it gnawed at him so much that he pulled his phone from his pocket. He stared at the screen. If I call her, she’ll think I’m needy. But if I don’t call her, she’ll think I don’t care.

He tapped his FAVORITES button, but an incoming call interrupted him before he was able to bring up her number. Another unknown caller? That’s the third in less than ten minutes. But against his strict policy to ignore telemarketers and strangers, he answered.

A voice crackled in his ear . “Louis? Is that you? I’ve been trying to reach you, but your phone keeps going to voicemail.”

“Darlene! Where are you? And why isn’t your number showing up?”

“It’s a burner. But I can’t explain right now. Meet me at my place in ten minutes.”

“Ten minutes.”

The line went dead.

Louis scanned the heads in the crowd. Everyone except Darlene had shown up for the party. Despite his efforts to ignore the disappointment in the pit of his stomach, it gnawed at him so much that he pulled his phone from his pocket. He stared at the screen. If I call her, she’ll think I’m needy. But if I don’t call her, she’ll think I don’t care.

He tapped his FAVORITES button —

An incoming call interrupted him before he was able to bring up her number. Another unknown caller? That’s the third in less than ten minutes. Against his strict policy to ignore telemarketers and strangers, he answered.

A voice crackled in his ear. “Louis, is that you? I’ve been trying to reach you, but your phone keeps going to voicemail.”

“It’s a burner. I can’t explain right now. Meet me at my place in ten minutes.”

Notes: Everyone but Darlene becomes everyone except Darlene. The second sentence is reworded to remove but. To preserve a feeling of reality, Louis’s internal monologue isn’t altered. An em dash and new paragraph show the interruption of his attempt to bring up Darlene’s number. But against is changed to against. Darlene’s first words are left as is, although to amp the pace, but is removed from her second bit of dialogue. Louis’s final but remains as well.

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15 thoughts on “ 80+ Alternatives for “But”: A Word List for Writers ”

Hello Kathy. I plan on doing a review for The Writer’s Lexicon. I love it. It sits on my desk and the pages are already showing signs of wear (in one week). 😉 Thanks again for all you do.

Thanks, Robyn. I’m glad you find it helpful. 🙂

Do you have any words/phrases/concepts you’d like me to tackle?

YES! Can you go more in-depth with WAS? In your book, you cover to go but (oops, :-)) was is my sticky wicket. PLEASE. Thank you, Kathy.

How about this one, Robyn?

100 Ways to Avoid “To Be” Verbs in Writing .

It begins on page 237 of The Writer’s Lexicon print edition.

I was reading the chapter when I noticed your reply. OR I read the chapter as your reply zoomed in. I love that but (ugh, two baddies) I confess to skimming the chapter. Maybe I didn’t want to see the bad news on my favorite passive verb. Ha.

When I write in rhyme I am mindful of past tense words being unstressed where the present tense is stressed. Writing is so hard. Maybe that’s why it’s so worth it?

As is another stickler for me.

As as in at the same time or as in because or …?

Try https://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/because/

And I’ll be posting something in a week or two that covers like similes. The replacements there would work for many instances of as .

Oh yes, writing is worth the effort. Painting the page with words is an art form that goes from the finger-painting beginner who splatters words about, to the master who weighs each one to decide whether it’s worthy of inclusion.

Thanks Kathy. Now I’m an old-hand at writing, and having been involved in proof-reading and editing, I can afford to smile at some of my old faux pas. It’s amazing how little thought some writers put into their work. Now, more than ever, with the literary scene bulging at the seams…authors should pay more heed to the words they put into print.

Thanks, Joy.

Some of the most popular authors commit faux pas, but we love their writing so much that we ignore minor glitches. Grammatically correct narrative doesn’t count for much unless the story pulls us in. However, a great story full of distractions can result in lost readers.

We toe across a tightrope every time we write, seeking a balance, breaking the rules if necessary, to create (we hope?) a masterpiece.

Hi Kathy, if you stick a ‘Twitter’ share button on here, I can pass the post info to my 20k followers there and probably gain your site more visitors.

Done, Stuart. Thanks for the plugs!

And shared!

Thanks, i loved it. The alpha list is a touch of genius. I now have a new shooter to use in my next game of marbels. Please keep up the good work. Chuck

Thanks for stopping by, Allan.

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• Writing Tips

Alternatives to the Word ‘But’ for Academic Writing

3-minute read

• 4th November 2015

Anne might not be the most celebrated Brontë, but she was on to something in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall , in which the titular tenant notes that ‘there is always a “but” in this imperfect world’.

The same is certainly true of academic writing , where the word ‘but’ is an essential (though sometimes overused) term for constructing grammatical sentences, particularly when comparing two points.

With short words like ‘but’, you shouldn’t worry too much about repetition. Nevertheless, sometimes an alternative (like ‘nevertheless’) can improve the flow of your prose, so herein we provide a few alternatives to the word ‘but’ that you can use in your written work.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words used to connect two parts of a sentence, such as ‘but’, ‘and’ and ‘because’. The term ‘but’ connects two parts of a sentence while also setting up a contrast (e.g. ‘It was delicious, but the texture was awful’). In these cases, ‘but’ can be substituted with one of the following:

• Although (e.g. ‘I love dancing, although my feet hurt afterwards.’)
• Though (e.g. ‘I haven’t slept in a week, though I hope tonight I can rest properly.’)
• Yet (e.g. ‘It was terrible, yet I still want to go back and try again.’)

As well as conjunctions, you can link and contrast two ideas with an adverb or an adverbial phrase . Perhaps the most commonly used is ‘however’, so we will use this to illustrate how these words can substitute for ‘but’.

The key difference is that while conjunctions typically link two clauses in one sentence, adverbials like ‘however’ set up a contrast between two separate sentences:

Conjunction: I love dancing, but my feet hurt afterwards.

Adverbial: I love dancing. However, my feet hurt afterwards.

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As you can see, this can be handy when you want to begin a new sentence with a contrast. Having said this, the term ‘however’ can also appear mid-sentence or after a semicolon:

It was terrible. I still, however, want to go back.

It was terrible; however, I still want to go back.

Other adverbials that can be used to replace ‘but’ include:

• Nonetheless (e.g. ‘I ran fast; nonetheless, the horse won the race.’)
• Nevertheless (e.g. ‘It seemed like a mad idea. Nevertheless, it worked.’)
• Despite this (e.g. ‘I prepared for the exam thoroughly. Despite this, I failed.’)
• Having said that (e.g. ‘I will never drink again. Having said that, pass me a beer.’)

As a final point, one alternative to ‘but’ you might see is ‘on the other hand’. Ideally, though, this should only be used when the initial point has been introduced with ‘On the one hand’:

On the one hand , I did break everything in your house. On the other hand , it was my birthday, so you should forgive me.

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110+ Synonyms for “But” with Examples | Another Word for “But”

When we want to express contrast or qualify a statement, we often rely on the familiar conjunction “but” to bridge our thoughts. However, there are many instances where varying our language can enhance our writing, making it more interesting and nuanced. Understanding synonyms for “but” gives us more tools for expression.

But Synonyms

What Is “But”?

“ But ” is a conjunction primarily used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has been mentioned previously. It is a bridge between two statements that may introduce an exception, an opposing idea, or a contradictory point.

List of Synonyms for But

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• Nonetheless
• Despite this
• On the contrary
• In contrast
• Notwithstanding
• Excepting that
• Except for the fact that
• Be that as it may
• Having said that
• At the same time
• In spite of this
• Even though
• Granted that
• Assuming that
• Even assuming that
• In spite of the fact that
• Despite the fact that
• All the same
• For all that
• In any case
• By contrast
• As opposed to
• With regard to
• When it comes to
• Provided that
• Providing that
• Notwithstanding the fact that
• In any event
• In the event that
• Supposing that
• With the exception of
• Not to mention
• To say nothing of
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• That is why
• Which is why
• This is why
• For this reason
• For that reason
• For which reason
• On account of which
• Due to which
• Owing to which
• In light of which
• Given which
• Considering which
• With this in mind
• Bearing this in mind

Types of Synonyms for But

Conjunction synonyms.

• Although : Displays a contrast or exception and is usually more formal.
• However : Indicates a shift in the discussion and often starts a new sentence.
• Nevertheless : Denotes a strong contrast and is typically used in more formal writing.
• On the other hand : Provides a clear-cut distinction between two different points.
• Still : Suggests continuity but also introduces a contrast.
• Though : Similar to “although,” it can be more conversational.
• Yet : Implies that something is so despite the preceding words.

Preposition Synonyms

• Except : Specifies something that is not included in the preceding statement.
• Aside from : Similar to “except,” but can be used to sound less formal.
• Outside of : Sets a boundary, often to exclude something.

Adverb Synonyms

• Merely : Suggests limitation and is often used to reduce the impact of the ensuing statement.
• Just : Used to focus on the main point, usually downplaying the previous information.

Common Synonyms for But

But vs. however.

While  but  is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or exception,   however  serves a similar purpose but is typically used to start a new clause or sentence. It generally implies a greater contrast or an unexpected turn.

• She wanted to purchase the dress, but it was too expensive.
• The team played well; however , their efforts were not enough to secure a victory.

But vs. Yet

Yet   implies that despite the information presented in the first part of the sentence, the second part holds true or is surprising. The word  but   can be used in a similar fashion, though it doesn’t convey the element of surprise as strongly as  yet .

• The weather forecast predicted rain, but it turned out to be a sunny day.
• The path was steep, yet they reached the top without any trouble.

But vs. Although

Although   is used to introduce a subordinate clause and indicates a contrast with the main clause. It provides a more formal tone than   but  and is followed by a subject and verb.

• The hike was difficult, but the views were worth it.
• Although the task was daunting, they managed to complete it on time.

But vs. Nevertheless

Nevertheless   is an adverb that can be used similarly to  but   to show contrast or contradiction; it suggests that the statement following it is true despite the conditions mentioned in the previous statement. It tends to carry a more formal tone than  but  and is often used in academic or literary contexts.

• The evidence was circumstantial, but the jury found him guilty.
• The road was blocked; nevertheless , they found an alternate route.

Incorporating Synonyms for “But” into Formal Writing

In formal and academic contexts, it’s important for us to diversify our language to enhance clarity and professionalism. Substituting “but” with its formal equivalents can not only enrich our vocabulary but also strengthen the impact of our writing.

Transitioning Between Points

When we aim to transition between points in formal writing, the conjunction “but” often seems too abrupt or informal. To create a smooth and sophisticated flow between contrasting statements, we can use alternatives such as “however,” “nevertheless,” and “yet.” These words should be employed to connect sentences that possess an antithetical relationship, and proper punctuation must accompany them to ensure grammatical accuracy. For instance:

• However,  should be preceded by a semicolon or used to start a new sentence; for example,  She had the qualifications; however, she lacked experience.
• Nevertheless,  often stands at the beginning of a sentence to reinforce a preceding point; for example,  The weather was poor. Nevertheless, the event continued as planned.
• Yet,  can replace “but” within a sentence without altering its meaning; for example,  He is a novice, yet he performs like a professional.

Emphasizing the Contrast

To underscore the contrast between ideas, careful selection of “but” replacements is crucial. Words like “although,” “conversely,” and “on the contrary” serve this purpose effectively, each with their own nuanced use. These terms do more than simply connect thoughts; they add depth to the contrast being highlighted.

• Although,  introduces a subordinate clause highlighting a contradiction; for example,  Although the task was difficult, it was completed on time.
• Conversely,  contrasts two separate ideas or facts, often in a new sentence; for example,  The first proposal was readily accepted. Conversely, the second encountered opposition.
• On the contrary,  directly counters a stated assumption; for example,  It is not a matter of funding; on the contrary, our priorities have shifted.

Highlighting Exceptions

Explaining exceptions in our writing often necessitates a departure from using “but.” Formal synonyms like “except,” “save for,” and “apart from” can elegantly indicate exclusions or deviations from a statement. They can specify the precise nature of exceptions:

• Except,  is used before stating the exception directly; for example,  All committee members agreed, except the chairperson.
• Save for,  similar to “except,” it carves out a specific exclusion; for example,  The entire report was accurate, save for some minor errors.
• Apart from,  denotes a separation from the whole; for example,  The research covers all recent developments, apart from the latest announcement.

Synonyms for But in Different Contexts

Casual conversations.

In everyday speech, we often replace “but” to make our language more varied and relatable. Here are a few alternatives:

• However: We find that adopting a new pet can be quite the commitment, however  we’re excited about it.
• Yet: They’re not the most popular choice, yet  they have a loyal following.

Academic Writing

In academic or formal writing, we aim for more precise language. Some formal synonyms for “but” include:

• Nevertheless: The experiment had limitations, nevertheless  it provided valuable insights.
• Nonetheless: T he theory is widely accepted, nonetheless  further research is required.

Professional Communication

In a business or professional setting, we use synonyms for “but” that convey a neutral or constructive tone:

• Still: We appreciate the feedback, still  we need to consider the budget constraints.
• Although: Our team is small,  although  we’re highly productive .

Literary or Artistic Contexts

Writers and artists often choose synonyms that add depth to their expression:

• Conversely: The character was flawed,  conversely , this made her relatable.
• Instead: He chose to walk the path less traveled  instead  of the easier route.

Expressing Contrast

When we want to highlight a contrast, we might use:

• On the contrary:   I do care about the project,  on the contrary , I believe our approach needs adjustment.
• Conversely: The data seemed inconclusive, conversely , this led to a breakthrough .

Absolute and Near Synonyms of But

Absolute synonyms for but.

Near Synonyms for But

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some informal alternatives to the word ‘but’?

Informal alternatives to ‘but’ include ‘yet’, ‘though’, and ‘however’. In casual speech, phrases like ‘on the other hand’ and ‘still’ also serve a similar contrasting function.

Can you list formal equivalents for the word ‘but’ when starting a sentence?

For a formal tone, ‘however’, ‘nevertheless’, and ‘nonetheless’ are appropriate alternatives to ‘but’ at the beginning of a sentence.

What words can be used in place of ‘but’ for academic writing like IELTS?

In academic contexts such as IELTS, consider using ‘although’, ‘whereas’, or ‘contrary to’ for expressing contrast.

How can I say ‘but’ politely in a conversation?

To be polite, one might use ‘however’, ‘though’, or ‘having said that’ in place of ‘but’ to soften the contrast.

What could I use instead of ‘but then’ in a narrative?

In a narrative, ‘yet’ or ‘still’ can effectively replace ‘but then’ to show a turn of events without interrupting the flow of the story.

Are there any substitutes for the conjunctions ‘and’, ‘but’, or ‘so’?

Other than ‘but’, substitutions for ‘and’ include ‘in addition’ and ‘also’, while ‘therefore’ and ‘consequently’ can replace ‘so’ to link sentences or ideas in both speaking and writing.

• Therefore Synonym
• Despite Synonym
• Although Synonym
• Overall Synonym
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What word can be used in place of "but" in writing or statements [closed]

I frequently write in online forums, mainly with regard to mental health materials and concepts.

I struggle with grammatical correctness and the word but gets inserted throughout a lot of my paragraphs, often repeated within a few lines. Sometimes I use the word yet instead, but (there's that word again) unthinkingly revert back to but .

The word, in the context of the writing, feels juvenile and redundant. So far, I have used yet and though but haven't found any other words to use and even these begin to sound tiresome.

What else is there?

• word-choice

• Also see Structuring sentences without using the word “but” or How commonly is “but” used in sentences? , –  James Waldby - jwpat7 Commented Aug 17, 2012 at 13:58
• I wouldn't worry much about frequent use of a short, common word like "but". Unless you're using it three times in each sentence, every sentence, people are unlikely to notice. Repeated use of less common words can be jarring. Like if you used the word "heretofore" six times in one paragraph, I think readers would find it distracting. But words like "the", "is", "but", etc? Not likely to be noticed, much less a problem. –  Jay Commented Aug 17, 2012 at 14:10

2 Answers 2

http://thesaurus.com/browse/but

Part of Speech: conjuction [sic], preposition Definition: indicating contrast Synonyms: although, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, still, though, yet

I'm sure there are more...

• Well, while I'm trying to figure out and navigate how to correctly use this forum, I'm genuinely stumped by my question being "closed" and referenced as being too basic. I find that rather dismissive. Thanks to those who did try to answer the question, much appreciation. –  USTI Commented Aug 17, 2012 at 13:32

I wouldn't worry too much about your repetition of but . It's common when writing to find your attention being drawn to surface features of your composition such as repetition of words. But your readers are most likely reading you for your meaning , not your choice of words, so the repetition of short functional words like but will go unnoticed.

You can certainly use a thesaurus to find alternatives, but this attempted remedy can end up being more noticeable than the original disease. The overuse of synonyms to avoid repetition was criticized by Henry Fowler under the heading " elegant variation ":

It is the second-rate writers, those intent rather on expressing themselves prettily than on conveying their meaning clearly, & still more those whose notions of style are based on a few misleading rules of thumb, that are chiefly open to the allurements of elegant variation.... The fatal influence ... is the advice given to young writers never to use the same word twice in a sentence—or within 20 lines or other limit.

• Wow, thank you, Andrew and Gareth. Gareth, you know how to validate a person...it's nice to think perhaps I'm not such a 'bore' afterall. Andrew, yes, I've used all of those exchanges as well and putting it into perspective, I think maybe I'm looking more with a critical eye because the subject matter I write about is in a sense, critically observed in its' field - mental health. You guys are great, thank you once again! –  USTI Commented Aug 17, 2012 at 13:36

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged word-choice or ask your own question .

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What can I use instead of "but" and "however"?

I just noticed I tend to use "but" and 'however" in almost every paragraph.

Examples (all of them are from the same story):

I almost let everything out. But , funny, I didn't. I didn't want him to feel bad. Which made me wonder if maybe I enjoyed punishing myself. But what for? This was the first time we were going to be apart for so long. Two months wasn't a big deal for most people. But for me, it was an endless torture. But as I stood there, watching the bus disappear down the street, I reminded myself that it wasn't so bad. That we would still see each other on weekends. Li was holding me from behind. I liked to sit like that—feeling his warmth on my back, and his moist breath on my neck. It made me feel protected, at ease. As though nothing in the world could hurt me. However , that day, something disturbed that feeling. I wanted to cry. I wanted to shout at him, tell him that I was already here. However , I knew I couldn't protest. It was my fault, after all. I had come too early, and he probably thought I was still in Nantou.

Is their use justifiable? Or should I use something else instead?

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• word-choice

• Honestly, I don't see the problem with many of the uses in your example. The first example reads well. In the second I would remove the first "but." The third and fourth read fine. –  Chris Commented Jan 19, 2014 at 1:27
• I had a therapist who suggested that, as I talked to her, I replace "but" with "and." It frequently worked! "But" sets up the upcoming statement in opposition to the first, and "and" doesn't do that. (See what I did there?) –  Ken Mohnkern Commented May 11, 2015 at 18:11

6 Answers 6

There are many synonyms to but . For the meaning you are pointing out in your question, some of them would be still, nevertheless, nonetheless, though, although, and yet . You can find these and the ones for the other meanings in any site with synonyms lookup function, such as Thesaurus ("but" synonyms) .

However , it should be noted that it can be counterproductive to sprinkle your story with synonyms of a common word just for the sake of non-repetition. Just as it happens with the word "said": Many people think you should not abuse of "said" synonyms in dialog tags (see The Use and Abuse of Dialogue Tags , for example), because it "draws [the readers'] attention away from the dialogue and yank them out of the story". Same can happen with but . The abundance of random synonyms might rather obstruct the reading experience.

If you want to show two ideas are opposed, there can be workarounds, thinking outside the box. Some times these ideas are not inherently opposed (in your first example, "Funny enough, I didn't"); some other times, the causal relationship can be implied (in your fourth example, just removing it would keep the meaning: "As I stood there..."); and some other times, it can be necessary (the rest of your examples fall in this category, in my opinion).

To finish, a workaround example, one that I don't pretend to be substitutive nor better, just to explain the idea:

I wanted to cry. I wanted to shout at him, tell him that I was already here. As I opened my mouth, I realized I couldn't protest. It was my fault, after all.

But is a conjunction that has a specific place and a specific meaning. It strikes me that your issue isn't so much with overusing the word "but" but* with using repetitive sentence structure. Please note, for instance, that you really, really aren't supposed to start a sentence with a conjunction because the whole point of a conjunction is to link two items together "I like coffee and tea." "I like coffee but I don't like tea." "I would like coffee or tea."

That isn't to say that you can't ever break this rule, but as with all grammatical rules, there are consequences. I think the primary consequence of breaking the "no conjunctions at the beginning of a sentence" rule is that it looks like you or your character finished a thought and then remembered they wanted to add something else. If you use it all the time, well... your viewpoint will sound like they're very, very confused. If that's what you're going for, don't worry about the overuse of "but" at all. If you're looking for normal, free-flowing prose, at least consider grammar.

*Note: I just typed but but.

Honestly, I don't see the problem with many of the uses in your example. The first example reads well. In the second I would remove the first "but." The third and fourth sound fine to my ears.

I second the advice that too much variety is potentially more distracting than the repetition.

Like Chris I don't see a problem and would only have deleted the first "but" in the second text snippet.

You must understand that "but" is something like the 23rd most frequent word in English ( http://www.wordfrequency.info/free.asp?s=y ). It would be uncommon, if it did not appear often.

If you want, you can use this online service to calculate word frequencies for your own text: http://darylkinsman.ca/tools/wordfreq.shtml I just input my last novel and found that "but" was the 23rd most frequent word with 316 instances (of 50038) at 0.6%. If an analysis of your test shows significantly higher percentages (maybe more than 1%), you can start to worry.

What can I use instead of “but” and “however”?

Without further ado, here are the possibilities.

OTOH, on the contrary, otherwise, yet, even though, though ... still, rather, unexpectedly, despite, in spite of, ...

He is a good hire. I love his honesty, but his honesty could lead us into trouble. We should hire him. I love his honesty. On the other hand, his honesty could lead us into trouble.

The new medicine is giving people a lot of hope, but it is dangerous hope as it is not well tested yet. I do not agree with the new medicine that is giving people a lot of hope. On the contrary, I feel it is dangerous as it is not well tested yet.

The govt is not interested in people becoming rich, but they would want you to pay your taxes. The govt is not interested in people becoming rich. Rather, they would want you to pay your taxes.

The sky was clear and the weather was mild, but then it there was a thunderstorm and it started to rain. The sky was clear and the weather was mild. Unexpectedly, there was a thunderstorm and it started to rain.

She was born with debilitating condition, but she was successful in becoming a doctor. Even though she was born with debilitating condition, she was successful in becoming a doctor. Though she was born with debilitating condition, she was successful in becoming a doctor still. She was born with debilitating condition, yet she was successful in becoming a doctor. She persevered towards her success in becoming a doctor, otherwise she would have wallowed in her congenital debilitating condition. She persevered towards her success in becoming a doctor, despite her congenital debilitating condition. In spite of her being born with a debilitating condition, she was successful in becoming a doctor.

In addition to the other good answers, "but ..." is a negation or restriction of the thing or condition it refers to. It "takes away" from it. It also breaks the flow of thought/action (which is fine when it's on purpose.)

Many people use this in speech and writing all the time as a matter of habit, even when it's not really necessary or appropriate. A lot of the time two ideas are just in sequence and could simply be stated or even joined with "and".

Your second example shows both (as possibilities - not as I'm right/you're wrong!)

For me, it was an endless torture. As I stood there, watching the bus disappear down the street, I reminded myself that it wasn't so bad. For me, it was an endless torture and as I stood there, watching the bus disappear down the street, I reminded myself that it wasn't so bad.

There's a whole study called Conscious Languaging which teaches people to reduce or eliminate such usages because it can be a form of self sabotage.

On the flip side of this, using "but" can help convey uncertainty, hesitation, low self esteem, or intentional negating of the subject.

Garrison Keillor (in his A Prairie Home Companion radio show) uses this to great effect with his Norwegian bachelor farmers' "Yuh,but ...", where they have a reason why almost anything good won't work out - which serves mainly as a reflection on their state of mind rather than on the subject itself.

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• Writing Tips

Vocabulary Tips: Alternatives to ‘But’ for Academic Writing

3-minute read

• 19th February 2017

You’ll use some terms frequently in your written work . ‘But’ is one of these words: the twenty-second most common word in English, in fact!

Consequently, you shouldn’t worry too much about repetition of ‘but’ in your writing . But if you find yourself using it in every other sentence, you might want to try a few alternatives. How about the following?

Other Conjunctions

‘But’ is a conjunction (i.e. a linking word) used to introduce a contrast.

For example, we might use it in a sentence expressing contrasting opinions about Queen guitarist Brian May:

I like Brian May, but I find his hair ridiculous.

One option to reduce repetition of ‘but’ in writing is to use the word ‘yet’:

I like Brian May, yet I find his hair ridiculous.

‘Yet’ can often replace ‘but’ in a sentence without changing anything else, as both are coordinating conjunctions that can introduce a contrast.

Alternatively, you could use one of these subordinating conjunctions :

• Although (e.g. I like Brian May, although I find his hair ridiculous .)
• Though (e.g. I like Brian May, though I find his hair ridiculous. )
• Even though (e.g. I like Brian May, even though I find his hair ridiculous. )

As subordinating conjunctions, these terms can also be used at the start of a sentence. This isn’t the case with ‘but’, though:

Though I like Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous. – Correct

But   I like Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous. – Incorrect

Other subordinating conjunctions used to introduce a contrast include ‘despite’ and ‘whereas’. If using ‘despite’ in place of ‘but’, you may need to rephrase the sentence slightly. For instance:

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Despite liking Brian May, I find his hair ridiculous.

I like Brian May’s guitar solos, whereas I find his hair ridiculous.

How to Use ‘However’

One common replacement for ‘but’ in academic writing is ‘however’. But we use this adverb to show that a sentence contrasts with something said previously. As such, rather than connecting two parts of a sentence, it should only be used after a semicolon or in a new sentence:

I like Brian May’s guitar solos. However , I find his hair ridiculous.

I like Brian May’s guitar solos; however , I find his hair ridiculous.

‘However’ can be used mid-sentence, separated by commas. Even then, though, you should separate the sentence in which it appears from the one with which it is being contrasted. For instance:

I like Brian May’s guitar solos. I do, however , find his hair ridiculous.

Here, again, the ‘however’ sentence contrasts with the preceding one.

Other Adverbial Alternatives to ‘But’

Other contrasting adverbs and adverbial phrases can be used in similar ways to ‘however’ above. Alternatives include:

• Conversely ( I like Brian May’s guitar solos. Conversely , I find his hair ridiculous. )
• Nevertheless ( I like Brian May; nevertheless , I find his hair ridiculous. )
• In contrast ( I like Brian May’s guitar solos. In contrast , I find his hair ridiculous. )

One popular phrase for introducing a contrast is ‘on the other hand’. In formal writing, though, this should always follow from ‘on the one hand’:

On the one hand , I like Brian May’s music, so I do admire him. On the other hand , his hairstyle is terrifying, so I do worry about him .

And if you’re not sure which terms to use as alternatives to ‘but’ in your writing, having a document proofread by the experts can help.

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But – Synonyms

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In general, the word “but” is a conjunction used to connect and contrast two ideas, sentences, or clauses. It indicates a contrasting relationship between two parts of a sentence, in which the second part contradicts the first. “But” can have a variety of meanings.

Another word for “but” is although or except. However, more synonyms will be listed in this article.

On our overview page for synonyms, you can find the best options of synonyms for a vast variety of words that are used in academic writing .

To the overview page for synonyms

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 “But” – General synonyms
• 2 “But” – Synonyms used in academic writing

“But” – General synonyms

The following illustrates other words for “but” that may be used in everyday conversation as well as in academic writing.

“But” synonyms in the sense of yet

Synonyms of the word “but” in the sense of yet are:

• Nevertheless
• All the same
• For all that
• In spite of that
• Despite that
• Be that as it may

“But” synonyms in the sense of except

Synonyms of the word “but” in the sense of except are:

• Except (for)
• With the exception of
• Disregarding
• Not including
• Passing over

“But” synonyms in the sense of only

Synonyms of the word “but” in the sense of only are:

“But” – Synonyms used in academic writing

In an academic context, the word “but” can be used to connect two conflicting or contrasting ideas or to introduce limitations, exceptions, or qualifications to a statement. “But” should be used in an appropriate context suited for the tone and formality of academic papers. Synonyms for “but” used in academic writing will be shown below.

Are you looking for suitable synonyms for “but” for your academic paper? Have a look at the table below with the top suggestions from our BachelorPrint-Team .

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Synonyms and antonyms of but in English

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the distance down either from the top of something to the bottom, or to a distance below the top surface of something

Never say die! (Idioms and phrases in newspapers)

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noun as in written discourse

Strongest matches

• dissertation

Strong matches

• composition
• disquisition
• explication

noun as in try, attempt

• undertaking

Weak matches

• one's all
• one's level best

verb as in try, attempt

• have a crack
• have a shot
• make a run at
• put to the test
• take a stab at
• take a whack at

Example Sentences

As several of my colleagues commented, the result is good enough that it could pass for an essay written by a first-year undergraduate, and even get a pretty decent grade.

GPT-3 also raises concerns about the future of essay writing in the education system.

This little essay helps focus on self-knowledge in what you’re best at, and how you should prioritize your time.

As Steven Feldstein argues in the opening essay, technonationalism plays a part in the strengthening of other autocracies too.

He’s written a collection of essays on civil engineering life titled Bridginess, and to this day he and Lauren go on “bridge dates,” where they enjoy a meal and admire the view of a nearby span.

I think a certain kind of compelling essay has a piece of that.

The current attack on the Jews,” he wrote in a 1937 essay, “targets not just this people of 15 million but mankind as such.

The impulse to interpret seems to me what makes personal essay writing compelling.

To be honest, I think a lot of good essay writing comes out of that.

Someone recently sent me an old Joan Didion essay on self-respect that appeared in Vogue.

There is more of the uplifted forefinger and the reiterated point than I should have allowed myself in an essay.

Consequently he was able to turn in a clear essay upon the subject, which, upon examination, the king found to be free from error.

It is no part of the present essay to attempt to detail the particulars of a code of social legislation.

But angels and ministers of grace defend us from ministers of religion who essay art criticism!

It is fit that the imagination, which is free to go through all things, should essay such excursions.

Related Words

Words related to essay are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word essay . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

verb as in point or direct at a goal

• concentrate
• contemplate
• set one's sights on

noun as in piece of writing

• think piece

verb as in try, make effort

• do level best
• exert oneself
• give a fling
• give a whirl
• give best shot
• give it a go
• give it a try
• give old college try
• go the limit
• have a go at
• shoot the works
• take best shot
• try one's hand at

Viewing 5 / 74 related words

On this page you'll find 154 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to essay, such as: article, discussion, dissertation, manuscript, paper, and piece.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

Examples of essay in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Articles Related to essay

To 'Essay' or 'Assay'?

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Thesaurus Entries Near essay

Cite this entry.

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.

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13 Ways to Say BUT, Synonym Words For BUT

Table of Contents

Although  means “in spite of something”. It  can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, but it doesn’t have a comma afterwards.

• Although  he is rich, he has no girl friend.
• Although  studying French seems difficult, it’s simpler than you think.
• Although  they have a lot of money, they’re still not happy.

We can express a contrast by using the adverb  however   with two sentences. It is always followed by a comma.

• He was feeling very ill.  However , he went to school.
• Some people disagree with this idea,  however , it’s never been proven right.
• She is the best student in school.  However , she doesn’t do homeworks on time.

nevertheless

We can express a contrast by using the adverb  nevertheless  with two sentences.  It is always followed by a  comma .

Example Sentences;

• He was feeling very ill.  N evertheless , he went to work.
• Some people disagree with this theory,  nevertheless , it’s never been proven right.
• The weather was sunny;  nevertheless , we didn’t go outside.

on the other hand

It is used when talking about an event, situation or action and vice versa. The use of this is also like. On the other hand pattern appears in books, criticism, novels,  essays  and poems. Learning this pattern, which is generally used in  daily life , will also help to speak English easily. Now let’s look at the example sentences about the use of the  on the other hand  pattern;

• I want to go to eat, but  on the other   hand  I have to study hard.
• I want to sleep at home, but  on the other hand , I have to get into work and earn money.
• I want to play football outside, but  on the other hand , I have to iron at home.

Still  means that something is ongoing, hasn’t finished particularly when it was expected to finish earlier.

• Is your father  still  at the same company?
• The baby is  still  crying.
• I am  still  doing my work.

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10 Other Ways to Say “The Text States” (With Examples)

When analyzing a text or writing about reading, it’s easy to fall into repetitive language like “the text states” over and over. While this phrase isn’t technically wrong, it can make your writing boring for the reader.

Instead, mix it up by using a variety of different phrases to introduce evidence and quotes from the text. This keeps your writing fresh and engaging.

In this blog post, I’ll share different ways to say “the text states” when integrating evidence from reading into your writing. I’ll provide a quick definition and example sentence for each phrase so you can see it in context.

Whether you’re writing an essay for class or analyzing a text as part of a book club or literature discussion, these alternatives to “the text states” will help you smoothly quote the text more dynamically.

Is It Professional to Say “the Text States”?

No, it is not considered professional to overuse the phrase “the text states” in academic writing . While this phrase is direct and clear for introducing a quote or evidence from a text, relying on it too much can make your writing seem repetitive and unsophisticated.

Instead, it is more professional to use a variety of alternative phrases to smoothly integrate quotes and references to the text in your academic work. Phrases like “according to the author” or “as the passage indicates” demonstrate more complex writing skills and make your points flow well.

Varying your language also keeps the reader engaged in your analysis rather than growing tired of seeing the same sentence structure repeated. The occasional use of “the text states” is just fine for clarity.

However academic writing is strengthened when writers use a range of sentence structures and vocabulary , enabling them to express concepts fluidly.

So be sure to break up repetitive phrasing with some of the diverse options available for introducing textual evidence. Your writing will come across more professionally and thoughtfully.

Here is an example text that repetitively uses “the text states”:

In the passage about sea turtles, the text states that these creatures have existed for over 100 million years. The text states that sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches where they nest. The text states that sea turtles face many threats from humans, including pollution, habitat loss, and hunting. The text states that six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

• Using “ the text states” clearly attributes information to the source text.
• Repeating this phrase creates consistency in introducing quotes and evidence.
• The repetitive use of “the text states” is monotonous and unsophisticated.
• The writing sounds boring and lacks fluidity due to overusing the same phrase structure.

What to Say Instead of “the text states”

• The document asserts
• The passage claims
• The article articulates
• The writing specifies
• The section mentions
• The manuscript declares
• The narrative describes
• The content reveals
• The excerpt indicates
• The piece conveys

1. The document asserts

“The document asserts” is a formal way to convey that the text presents a clear statement or position on a topic. It implies a level of authority and confidence in the information presented.

This expression is particularly useful in academic or professional writing when referring to official reports, research findings, or authoritative sources.

In her groundbreaking research on climate change, the document asserts that global temperatures have risen by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past century, highlighting the urgent need for action.

2. The passage claims

“The passage claims” suggests that a specific section of text makes a statement or argument , possibly open to interpretation or debate.

It’s a useful phrase when discussing literary works, essays, or articles that present a particular viewpoint or hypothesis.

In the debate on renewable energy sources, the passage claims that solar power could potentially meet the world’s energy needs, underscoring the importance of investing in solar technology.

3. The article articulates

“The article articulates” indicates that the piece of writing clearly and effectively expresses an idea, opinion, or fact. This expression is ideal for discussing well-written articles that convey their points persuasively and coherently.

The article articulates the need for more inclusive policies in the workplace, arguing that diversity and inclusion are not just moral imperatives but also key drivers of innovation.

4. The writing specifies

“The writing specifies” is used when the text clearly defines or details particular information or instructions. It’s particularly relevant in technical writing , legal documents, or any context where precision and clarity are paramount.

Example: In the instruction manual, the writing specifies the exact steps to safely operate the machinery, ensuring that users can follow the procedures without ambiguity.

5. The section mentions

“The section mentions” is a more casual way to refer to a part of the text that briefly refers to or acknowledges a piece of information without going into extensive detail. It’s useful for pointing out where an idea or topic is introduced in a broader context.

In the discussion on sustainable agriculture, the section mentions the role of organic farming in promoting soil health and biodiversity, though it does not delve deeply into the subject.

6. The manuscript declares

“The manuscript declares” conveys a formal and somewhat grandiose announcement or statement within a document, often used in the context of significant findings, declarations, or proclamations in a scholarly or literary work.

In his latest novel, the manuscript declares the protagonist’s unwavering resolve to overcome adversity, setting the stage for a dramatic narrative of resilience and determination.

7. The narrative describes

“The narrative describes” suggests that the story or account provides detailed descriptions , offering vivid imagery or a thorough explanation of events , settings, or characters. It’s especially fitting for literary analysis or discussions about storytelling.

The narrative describes the bustling streets of Paris in the 1920s with such detail that readers feel as though they are walking alongside the characters, experiencing the city’s vibrant culture and energy.

8. The content reveals

“The content reveals” implies that the text uncovers or discloses information, often something not immediately apparent or previously unknown. It’s a compelling way to discuss texts that provide insights, expose truths, or unveil new findings.

The documentary’s script the content reveals the hidden impacts of plastic pollution on marine life, offering a stark depiction of the environmental crisis facing our oceans.

9. The excerpt indicates

“The excerpt indicates” is used when a particular portion of the text suggests or points to a broader idea, trend, or conclusion. It’s useful for drawing attention to evidence or hints within a text that supports a larger argument or theory.

The excerpt indicates that the author’s views on democracy were heavily influenced by his experiences abroad, hinting at a deeper exploration of political ideologies throughout the book.

10. The piece conveys

“The piece conveys” refers to the overall message or emotion that a piece of writing communicates to its readers. It’s an effective expression for discussing the impact, tone, or underlying themes of a work.

Through its poignant storytelling, the piece conveys a deep sense of longing and nostalgia, evoking strong emotional responses from its audience.

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