In the English language, the word “but” is also used for multiple purposes. It can serve as a conjunction, a preposition, an adverb, or a noun in sentences.
This word is commonly categorized under conjunctions because it can connect two clauses together and form a single sentence. In the sample sentence below:
She stumbled but didn’t fall.
The word “but” links together the clauses “she stumbled” and “didn’t fall,” and is therefore considered as a conjunction.
Definition:
a. used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned
b. used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated
2. Preposition
Sometimes, the word “but” is classified as a preposition that means “except.” It is commonly used after the words all, any, no, every, none, nothing, etc. In the sample sentence below:
This is nothing but an insult.
The word “but’ is considered as a preposition that means “other than.”
Definition:
a. except; apart from; other than.
3. Adverb
In some cases, the word “but” can be used as an adverb that means “merely,” and can modify a verb or an adjective. For instance, in the sample sentence below:
She is but a shadow of her old self.
The word “but” is an adverb that can also mean “nothing but” or “only.”
Definition:
a. no more than; only
4. Noun
Other times, this word is also categorized as a noun that refers to an argument against something. Take for example, the sentence below:
There are no buts when it comes to regulations.
In this sentence, the word “but” is used as a noun that also means “objection.”
Definition:
a. a reason someone gives for not doing or agreeing with something
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