I Word Conjunction Bət Bʌt Wrong Red Blue

• i got it wrong. it wasn't the red one but the blue one.
• his mother won't be there, but his father might.
• it isn't that he lied exactly, but he does tend to exaggerate.
• i'd asked everybody but only two people came.

but

1. used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before
• I got it wrong. It wasn't the red one but the blue one.
• His mother won't be there, but his father might.
• It isn't that he lied exactly, but he does tend to exaggerate.
2. however; despite this
• I'd asked everybody but only two people came.
• By the end of the day we were tired but happy.
3. used when you are saying sorry about something
• I'm sorry but I can't stay any longer.
4. used to introduce a statement that shows that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree
• But that's not possible!
• ‘Here's the money I owe you.’ ‘But that's not right—it was only £10.’
5. except
• I had no choice but to sign the contract.
6. used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it
• Nothing, but nothing would make him change his mind.
7. used to emphasize that something is always true
• She never passed her old home but she thought of the happy years she had spent there (= she always thought of them).
8. if it were not for
• He would have played but for a knee injury.
9. except for
• The square was empty but for a couple of cabs.
10. however; on the other hand
• He might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion.
11. used before a statement that explains or gives a reason for what has just been said
• She speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year (= so it's not surprising).
12. used to show that everything else is impossible except the thing that you are saying
• What could he do but forgive her? (= that was the only thing possible)

Word Origin

• Old English be-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out).