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But

But is a conjunction.

But as a linking word​

We use but to link items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). But is used to connect ideas that contrast.

main ideabutcontrast
I love fruitThey’ve bought a house in ManchesterI am allergic to strawberries.they still haven’t sold their house in London.

The phrase but not is common:

  • The room has been painted but not in the colour that I asked for.
  • I’d love to go for a pizza with you but not tonight.
See also
  • Conjunctions: contrasting

But meaning ‘except’​

But means ‘except’ when it is used after words such as all, everything/nothing, everyone/no one, everybody/nobody:

  • The cleaning is done now, all but the floors. They still have to be washed.
  • I arrived at the airport and realised that I’d brought everything but my passport!
  • Everyone but Anna has checked in.
  • Nobody but the receptionist was left in the lobby of the hotel.

We use object pronouns after but (me, you, him, us, etc.) even in subject position:

  • Everybody but me has paid.
  • No one but him would get a job like that.

In formal situations, we can use subject pronouns after but:

  • Everyone but she knew how the drama was going to end.

But for + reason​

But for is used to introduce the reason why something didn’t happen:

  • But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago.
  • (The traffic was very heavy – if it weren’t for the traffic, I’d have been here an hour ago.)
  • They would have been badly injured but for the fact that they were wearing seat belts.
  • (They were wearing seat belts – if it weren’t for the fact that they were wearing seat belts, they would have been badly injured.)

All but meaning ‘almost completely’​

  • I had all but finished the essay when the computer crashed and I lost it all.
  • His parents had all but given up hope of seeing him again.