However vs. But: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023

“However” and “But” are both conjunctions used to introduce contrast, but “However” is more formal and usually starts a new sentence.

Key Differences

“However” and “But” serve as conjunctions within the English language to illustrate contrast between two clauses or sentences. “However” tends to be more formal and is often used to start a new sentence or is set off by commas within a sentence. It provides a smooth transition between contrasting statements, adding a sense of refinement to the expression of contrasting ideas. Conversely, “But” is more common and informal, usually connecting contrasting clauses within a single sentence, delivering a direct and straightforward contradiction or exception.

The usage of “However” is versatile; it is not restricted to illustrating contrast but can also convey the sense of ‘in whatever way’ or ‘to whatever extent’. It's a multifunctional adverb that can introduce a statement contrasting with a preceding statement. “But”, on the other hand, is a conjunction that is more fixed in its role, primarily used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned, often bringing a surprising or opposing viewpoint in a more immediate manner.

“However” requires more careful punctuation, usually necessitating a semicolon or a period before it and a comma after it when it is used to connect two independent clauses. It is meticulously used to maintain the grammatical coherence and the formal tone of the sentence. “But”, being more casual, needs only a comma to separate the contrasting clause, making it more user-friendly and a frequent choice in everyday communication, particularly in spoken English.

The application of “However” is preferred in formal writings, such as academic papers, official documents, or business correspondence, due to its formal and polished tone. “But” is ubiquitous, found in both formal and informal contexts, and is a fundamental conjunction that is taught early to English learners due to its simplicity and frequency of use. The choice between “However” and “But” often depends on the degree of formality and the grammatical structure preferred by the speaker or writer.

Comparison Chart

Formality

More formal and polished.

More informal and common.

Usage

Used to start a new sentence or within a sentence.

Usually connects contrasting clauses within a sentence.

Punctuation

Requires careful punctuation like semicolons or commas.

Requires only a comma.

Versatility

Can convey different senses and is multifunctional.

Fixed in its role to introduce contrast.

Context

Preferred in formal writings.

Ubiquitous, found in both formal and informal contexts.

However and But Definitions

However

Used to introduce a statement contrasting with a preceding statement.

He was very tired; however, he continued to work.

But

Used to introduce a word or clause expressing contrast.

He is old but strong.

However

No matter how.

However hard he tried, he couldn’t lift the box.

But

Except; apart from; other than.

I have no choice but to go.

However

Nevertheless, still.

It is expensive; however, it’s worth the price.

But

Only; just.

There is but one God.

However

To whatever degree or extent.

The results, however accurate, are not conclusive.

But

However; though.

It’s a sunny day but quite cold.

However

In whatever way or to whatever extent.

However you do it, please finish the task on time.

But

On the contrary

The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.

However

In spite of that; nevertheless; yet

The book is expensive.

However, it's worth it.

But

Contrary to expectation; yet

She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.

However

On the other hand; by contrast

The first part was easy.

The second, however, took hours.

But

Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception

No one but she saw the prowler.

However

To whatever degree or extent

"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).

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

In what way. Used as an intensive of how

However did you get here so soon?.

But

(Informal) Without the result that

It never rains but it pours.

However

In whatever manner or way that

Dress however you like.

But

(Informal) That. Often used after a negative

There is no doubt but right will prevail.

However

(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although

"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).

But

That ... not. Used after a negative or question

There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.

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

(Informal) Than

They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.

However

(conjunctive) In contrast.

The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.

But

Usage Problem Except.

However

(degree) To whatever degree or extent.

However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.

But

Merely; just; only

Hopes that lasted but a moment.

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

Used as an intensive

Get out of here but fast!.

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

A concern or objection

My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.

However

(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.

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

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

Outside of.

Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.

However

In any way in which.

She offered to help however she could.

Wear your hair however you want.

But

Merely, only, just, no more than

Christmas comes but once a year.

However

(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.

But

Though, however.

I'll have to go home early but.

However

In whetever manner, way, or degree.

However yet they me despise and spite.

Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.

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

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

, 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

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 at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.

But I never said you could do that!

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

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

By contrast; on the other hand;

The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours

But

(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.

Wow! But that's amazing!

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

(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).

It never rains but it pours.

However

In whatever way or manner;

Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet

However he did it, it was very clever

But

(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.

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

(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.

But

(obsolete) Until.

But

That.

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

On the contrary; yet.

The job is simple but important.

FAQs

Does “However” need careful punctuation?

Yes, “However” requires careful punctuation like semicolons or commas.

Is “But” more common and informal?

Yes, “But” is more common and informal compared to “However.”

Can “However” start a new sentence?

Yes, “However” is often used to start a new sentence.

Is “However” more versatile in meaning?

Yes, “However” is more versatile and can convey different senses.

Can “However” convey the sense of ‘to whatever extent’?

Yes, “However” can be used to convey the sense of ‘to whatever extent’ or ‘in whatever way’.

Is “But” fixed in its role to introduce contrast?

Yes, “But” has a more fixed role primarily to introduce a phrase or clause expressing contrast.

Does “But” usually connect clauses within a sentence?

Yes, “But” usually connects contrasting clauses within a single sentence.

Is “However” more suitable for formal writing?

Yes, “However” is often preferred in formal writings due to its polished tone.

Is “But” ubiquitous in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, “But” is ubiquitous and can be found in both formal and informal contexts.

Are “However” and “But” both used to introduce contrast?

Yes, both “However” and “But” are used to introduce contrast.

Does the usage of “However” depend on the degree of formality and grammatical structure?

Yes, the usage of “However” often depends on the desired degree of formality and the preferred grammatical structure.

Can “But” be used with just a comma?

Yes, “But” usually needs only a comma to separate the contrasting clause.

Is “But” simple and fundamental in learning English?

Yes, “But” is fundamental and is usually one of the first conjunctions taught when learning English.

Does “However” introduce a statement contrasting with the preceding one?

Yes, “However” is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the preceding one.

Can “But” be used to express exception?

Yes, “But” can also be used to express exception, like in “nothing but.”

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet 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.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon 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.