But vs. Yet: What's the Difference?
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Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 5, 2023
"But" introduces a contrasting element, while "Yet" indicates a condition or timing not fulfilled.
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Key Differences
"But" primarily functions as a coordinating conjunction introducing an idea that contrasts with or counters the preceding statement. For instance, in the sentence "I like coffee, but I don't like tea," the word "but" highlights a contrast between liking coffee and not liking tea. It allows for the juxtaposition of two distinct or opposing notions.
On the other hand, "Yet" often serves as an adverb indicating that something has not happened or a condition hasn't been met. Consider the sentence, "I haven't finished my work yet." Here, "yet" emphasizes the continuing state of not having completed the work. It signifies a lingering or pending state or action.
Furthermore, "Yet" can also act as a coordinating conjunction similar to "but," though it carries a more nuanced sense of unexpectedness or surprise. For example, "He was tired, yet he continued working" implies a somewhat surprising perseverance despite fatigue. In this capacity, "Yet" underscores an element of unanticipated resilience or determination.
Conversely, "But" rarely operates outside its primary contrasting function. It's straightforward in presenting opposition or distinction, like "She's quiet but confident." "Yet," meanwhile, with its dual roles as adverb and conjunction, offers a broader range of expressive possibilities, spanning from time-related contexts to those of surprising contrast.
Comparison Chart
Primary Role
Coordinating conjunction
Adverb or coordinating conjunction
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Typical Use
Presents contrast
Indicates unfulfilled condition/time or unexpected contrast
Examples
"I'm tired, but I'll go."
"I'm tired, yet I'll go." or "I haven't seen it yet."
Nuance
Straightforward contrast
Can imply unexpectedness/surprise
Position in Sentence
Usually middle
Often at the end (as adverb)
But and Yet Definitions
But
Excludes an option
Everyone but Jane left.
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Yet
Introduces unexpected contrast
It's hard, yet not impossible.
But
Indicates exception
Nothing but the truth.
Yet
Suggests a higher degree
Is there yet more to do?
But
Introduces a clarification
He's not sad, but rather thoughtful.
Yet
At this time; for the present
Isn't ready yet.
But
On the contrary
The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.
Yet
Up to a specified time; thus far
The end had not yet come.
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
Yet
At a future time; eventually
May yet change his mind.
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
Yet
Besides; in addition
Returned for yet another helping.
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.
Yet
Still more; even
A yet sadder tale.
But
(Informal) Without the result that
It never rains but it pours.
Yet
Nevertheless
Young yet wise.
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
Yet
Thus far; up to the present; up to some unspecified time.
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
But
Usage Problem Except.
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
But
Merely; just; only
Hopes that lasted but a moment.
Yet
In affirmative use: still.
He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)
But
Used as an intensive
Get out of here but fast!.
Yet
At some future time; eventually.
The riddle will be solved yet.
But
A concern or objection
My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
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.
Yet
In addition.
There are two hours yet to go until our destination.
But
Outside of.
Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.
Yet
(degree) Even.
K-2 is yet higher than this.
Oh no! Yet more problems!
But
Merely, only, just, no more than
Christmas comes but once a year.
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
But
Though, however.
I'll have to go home early but.
Yet
(obsolete) To pour.
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.
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
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.
Yet
To get.
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
Yet
(dialectal) A metal pan or boiler; yetling.
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.
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
But
(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.
Yet
Before some future time; before the end; eventually; in time.
But
(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
But
(obsolete) Until.
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But
That.
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
But
(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
But
A limit; a boundary.
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
But
(archaic) Use the word "but".
But me no buts.
Yet
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
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.
Yet
Indicates time still to come
I haven't seen him yet.
But
Except; besides; save.
Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?
Yet
Queries the existence of something
Have you any food yet?
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.
Yet
Implies further continuation
Yet another sequel was released.
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
Introduces contrast
She's young but wise.
But
Shows limitation
It's cheap but effective.
FAQs
Can "But" introduce a positive after a negative?
Yes, like "It's small but powerful."
Is "But" always a conjunction?
Mostly, but it can also be a preposition (e.g., "all but").
How does "Yet" emphasize surprise?
By introducing an unexpected outcome, like "tired, yet alert."
Can "But" and "Yet" often be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, especially when introducing contrast.
Is "Yet" only about timing?
No, it can also introduce unexpected contrast.
Can "But" exclude things?
Yes, as in "Everyone but him agreed."
Does "But" always need contrasting clauses?
Typically, it connects contrasting ideas or elements.
What does "Yet" at the end of a sentence imply?
It indicates something hasn't happened or isn't known.
How does "But" differ mainly from "Yet"?
"But" primarily contrasts, while "Yet" indicates unfulfilled timing or unexpectedness.
Can "Yet" start a sentence?
Yes, e.g., "Yet, there's more to see."
Is "Yet" commonly used in questions?
Yes, e.g., "Have you done it yet?"
What part of speech is "But"?
Mainly a conjunction, sometimes a preposition.
Is "Yet" common in formal writing?
Yes, especially when introducing surprising contrasts.
Can "Yet" be about additional instances?
Yes, like "yet another error."
Can "But" also be an adverb?
Rarely, like "but recently" meaning "only recently."
Is "Yet" used in negative statements?
Often, like "not yet finished."
And "Yet"?
Both an adverb and a conjunction.
Can "But" introduce a reason?
Not usually. "But" focuses on contrast.
Is "But" stronger than "Yet" in contrast?
"But" is more straightforward, while "Yet" can imply unexpectedness.
Which is more versatile in use?
"Yet" has broader applications as both an adverb and conjunction.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
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Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
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