But vs. However — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
But" and "however" both indicate contrast, but "but" is a conjunction linking words or phrases, while "however" is an adverb often introducing a new sentence or clause.
Difference Between But and However
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"But" and "however" are commonly used to present contrasting information. "But" operates as a coordinating conjunction, meaning it connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank. "However" is more versatile, primarily functioning as an adverb, and can often introduce a new sentence or stand between contrasting statements.
When using "but," the contrasting information immediately follows. In the case of "however," it can start a new sentence or be placed after a semicolon, signifying a shift or contrast from the previous thought.
The choice between "but" and "however" can also be stylistic. "But" often feels more direct and casual, creating a smooth flow in everyday language. "However" can introduce a more formal tone, making it a favorite in academic and professional writing.
In some contexts, "but" and "however" can be used interchangeably without altering the meaning much. In others, the structure of the sentence or the desired tone might dictate the choice between them.
Both "but" and "however" are essential tools in English, providing speakers and writers the ability to showcase differences or contradictions between ideas or facts. Their proper use can enhance clarity and coherence in communication.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Conjunction
Adverb
Placement
Directly connects contrasting phrases/clauses.
Can start a new sentence or follow a semicolon.
Tone
Often more casual.
Often more formal.
Structural Requirement
No need for semicolon or period before it.
Requires a semicolon or period if it begins a new sentence.
Functionality
Connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank.
Introduces or emphasizes a contrast.
Compare with Definitions
But
A coordinating conjunction indicating contrast.
She is young, but she is wise.
However
In whatever manner or way.
Arrange the flowers however you like.
But
Used to introduce an added statement.
I like tea, but my brother prefers coffee.
However
To whatever extent or degree.
However much she tried, she couldn't convince him.
But
On the contrary
The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.
However
No matter how.
However hard it is, we'll manage.
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
However
Yet, still.
It's expensive, however it's worth it.
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
But
With the exception that; except that. Often used with that
Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.
Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
But
(Informal) Without the result that
It never rains but it pours.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
But
Usage Problem Except.
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
But
Merely; just; only
Hopes that lasted but a moment.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
But
Used as an intensive
Get out of here but fast!.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
But
A concern or objection
My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
But
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Everyone but Father left early.
I like everything but that.
Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
But
Outside of.
Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
But
Merely, only, just, no more than
Christmas comes but once a year.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
But
Though, however.
I'll have to go home early but.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
But
, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.
She is very old but still attractive.
You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
But
, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.
I am not rich but [I am] poor.
Not John but Peter went there.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
But
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
I cannot but feel offended.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
But
(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
But
(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
But
(obsolete) Until.
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
But
That.
However
An adverb indicating contrast with a previous statement.
He was tired; however, he continued working.
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
But
(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
But
A limit; a boundary.
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
But
(archaic) Use the word "but".
But me no buts.
But
Except with; unless with; without.
So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Touch not the cat but a glove.
But
Except; besides; save.
Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?
But
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.
And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
But
Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.
It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
But
Only; solely; merely.
Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
If they kill us, we shall but die.
A formidable man but to his friends.
But
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.
Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
But
A limit; a boundary.
But
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.
But
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
But
Except for the fact.
Nothing but the truth.
But
Other than.
Who but you would think of that?
But
Without the circumstance that.
It never rains but it pours.
Common Curiosities
Is "but" more informal than "however"?
Generally, "but" is more casual, while "however" can sound more formal.
Can "but" and "however" be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, depending on the sentence structure and desired tone.
Can "however" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, it can be used to emphasize contrast, often set off by commas.
Is "however" only used for contrast?
Primarily, but it can also mean "in whatever way" or "to whatever extent."
What punctuation should I use with "however"?
Often a semicolon or period before it, and a comma after, when contrasting.
Can "however" have a meaning similar to "no matter how"?
Yes, as in "However hard you try."
Can "but" connect two independent clauses?
Yes, it can, especially with a comma before it.
Is it incorrect to use "but" at the start of a sentence?
While traditionalists may avoid it, starting a sentence with "but" is accepted in modern English.
Can "however" begin a sentence?
Yes, when introducing contrast, it's often followed by a comma.
Can I replace "but" with "yet" in some sentences?
Yes, "yet" can often function similarly to "but" as a conjunction.
Can "however" also indicate a degree, like "however much"?
Yes, it can express extent or degree in phrases like "however much" or "however little."
Which is more common in everyday conversation, "but" or "however"?
"But" is more commonly used in casual conversation.
Are there other words similar to "but"?
Yes, words like "yet," "although," and "though" can function similarly.
What's a common error when using "however"?
Many mistakenly use a comma instead of a semicolon or period before "however" in contrasting statements.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
