but1 conjunctionbut2 prepositionbut3 adverbbut4 noun
butbut1 /bət; strong bʌt/ ●●● S1 W1 conjunction 
WORD ORIGINbut1
Origin:
Old English butan ‘outside, without, except’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Gone with the Wind' was a great movie, but it was a little long.
- But now to the main issue.
- Cara's going to the concert, but I'm not.
- Carla was supposed to come tonight, but her husband needed the car.
- Excuse me, but aren't you Julie's sister?
- He's short and not really handsome, but women still find him attractive.
- I'm sorry, but you can't smoke in here.
- I called but there was no one there.
- In the US it is normal for the police to carry guns, but not in Britain.
- It's an expensive but very useful book.
- Mom hated the movie, but Dad thought it was good.
- She tried to read the message, but couldn't.
- That's why I've been so busy. But how are you, anyway?
- They aren't doing this to make money, but to help the church.
- They struggled in the first half, but still won 98-82.
- Tom's grandfather is over 80, but he still plays golf.
- We had no alternative but to fire him.
THESAURUS
conjunction used when linking two words or phrases that seem opposite or very different in meaning. Don’t use but at the beginning of a sentence in written English: · The plant’s leaves are big, but its flowers are quite small.· Her books are fascinating but often rather disturbing.· Many French dishes are basically simple, but they can take a long time to prepare.· Most of us value human life, but but some people think of animals as being equally important.
conjunction used when contrasting one clause with another in the same sentence: · Although you are in the middle of the city, you feel as if you are in the countryside.· The windmill is still in good working order, although it has not been used since the 1950s.· I enjoyed German although I wasn’t very good at it.· Although lack of sleep causes some problems, it has a relatively small effect on performance at work.
conjunction used when saying something that seems different or surprising after your previous statement. It is usually used in the middle of a sentence, separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. It can also come at the beginning: · Jack and his family managed to escape before the soldiers arrived. Other families in the village, however, were less lucky.· Their economy was incredibly successful in the 1980s. Since then, however, there has been a big rise in unemployment.· The town is a long way from the nearest big city. However, there is a good bus service.· He began his academic career as a mathematician. However, his main achievements were in the field of nuclear physics.
conjunction used when saying something that seems different or surprising after your previous statement. It is used at the beginning or end of a sentence: · A series of studies 20 years ago suggested that there was a link between watching violent films and violent behaviour. Nevertheless, the results remain highly controversial.· It was certainly a terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the safest form of transport.· The weather turned bad early in the day, but the festival was a great success nonetheless.· It was very hard digging in the dry ground, but the work was satisfying nevertheless.
conjunction used when making comparisons and saying that something is true of one person, thing, or situation, but it is different for another. They are used when contrasting one clause with another in the same sentence: · Taxes make up 62% of the price of a litre of petrol in France, whereas in Britain, the tax is 75%.· Some people visit their doctor once every few weeks, while others may not visit a doctor for several years.· Whereas in most of the world they drive on the right, in the UK and Japan they drive on the left.
formal used when making comparisons and saying that a person, thing, or situation is very different from the one you have just mentioned. It is used when referring back to the previous sentence: · The surface temperature on Venus is higher than the boiling point of water. Mars, by contrast, is very cold.· A report by the FBI shows that 26% of female murder victims in 1995 were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. By contrast, only 3% of male victims were killed by their wives or girlfriends.
Longman Language Activatorbusy use this to join two words or phrases when the second one has the opposite meaning to the first one, or when the second one is surprising after the first one, or when one is negative and one is positive: · I called but there was no one there.· He's short and not really handsome, but women still find him attractive.· They struggled in the first half, but still won 98-82.· She tried to read the message, but couldn't.· Tom's grandfather is over 80, but he still plays golf.· "Gone with the Wind' was a great movie, but it was a little long.· In the US it is normal for the police to carry guns, but not in Britain.
formal use this when saying something that is surprising after what you have just said, or that is very different from it: · It was a terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the safest form of transport.· December saw a more than average rainfall; however, the possibility of a drought is still strong.· War is never welcome, nonetheless, I believe that we must defend our country.but nevertheless/nonetheless: · The leaves aren't particularly dangerous, but nevertheless they are not something you'd want your child or pet to eat.
use this at the beginning of a sentence when you have just mentioned one side of an argument or situation and you are going to mention the opposite side: · Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue that it's not safe.· The hamburger was tough and overcooked. The fries, on the other hand, were terrific, and well worth the money.but on the other hand: · You want to help your kids as much as you can, but on the other hand, you've got to be careful to help them learn on their own.
also mind you British spoken use this when you have just said one thing and you now want to say something very different about it, for example when you give an advantage and then a disadvantage: · Teaching is an interesting job. Then again, it can be very stressful too.· This trip is going to be very expensive. Still, we don't go away very often.· I'd love to travel around the world. Mind you, I wouldn't want to go on my own.· My parents are happy to lend me the money. All the same, I do feel guilty about it.
formal use this to introduce a fact that seems surprising after what you have just said: · The sun was shining, yet it was quite cold.· Last summer there was a drought, yet some people were still watering their lawns every day.
written use this to say that although something is true of one person, thing, or situation, it is not true of another: · Some house plants thrive if placed near a window with plenty of sunlight while others prefer to be in a more shaded spot.· American cars are generally too large for the Japanese market, whereas Japanese cars are popular in the US.
use this to introduce a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said less strong or definite: · Dan's been very ill, although he's better now.· I don't really like classical music, though I did enjoy that Pavarotti concert.· They're a very nice couple, although I very seldom see them these days.
use this at the end of a sentence to add a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said seem less important , or to add a different fact or opinion: · I think she's Swiss. I'm not sure, though.· George did say one nice thing, though.
use this to say that something is true in spite of the fact that you have just mentioned: · Try to run on a soft surface, such as grass. Even so, you may start having knee problems.but even so: · She had only seen Matthew Godden once before, but even so she recognized him instantly.· The fines for speeding are large, but even so, they are not always a deterrent.
spoken use this for introducing the reason why something is not possible: · I'd like to come and live here, only it's too expensive.· I would have asked them to stay with us, except we don't have enough room.
not including someone or something not including the person or thing that you mention. At the beginning of a sentence, always use except for , not just except: · Everyone's going except Donald.· The house was silent except for a clock chiming in the living room.· Except for a small part in an obscure movie years ago, Depardieu had never before acted in an English-language picture.
use this when you have made a statement that is true, but then you want to introduce a fact that does not match what you have said: except (that): · Celia looks just like her sister, except that her sister has shorter hair.· It's similar to Paris, except the people look a lot poorer.except do something (=that is the only thing it cannot do): · a computer that can do everything except talk
also aside from American use this when you mention one or two things that do not fit the main thing that you are saying: · This is an excellent piece of work, apart from a couple of spelling mistakes.· Aside from its mineral resources, Mongolia's major assets are its 25.5 million livestock.apart from doing something: · Apart from going swimming occasionally, I don't get much exercise.
use this especially after the words any, none, nothing, all, anyone, or everyone to show that you mean everything except the thing, person etc you are mentioning: · I can come and see you any day but Tuesday.· There was nothing left but a few dried up sandwiches.· Anyone but Tommy would have realized I was trying to apologize.
use this in a negative sentence to show that the thing, person etc that you mention is the only person or thing that is not included in your statement: · Other than at football matches, people sing less than they used to.other than to do something: · Sam refused to discuss the argument, other than to say that Diane had called him 'gutless'.other than that: · You should get a little stiffness, but other than that, there should be no side effects.
formal not including one thing, person, or group - use this when saying something about the whole of a group: · The whole school, with the exception of the youngest class, had to attend the ceremony.with the possible exception of (=but possibly not that person or thing): · I think they should all pass the test, with the possible exception of Fauzi.
use this to introduce the only thing, person, or group about which your statement is not true: · I get hardly any mail, bar the occasional postcard from my mother.· He died with no possessions bar a small piece of land in Ireland.
use this to introduce the only thing that makes a description of something not completely true - used especially in writing: · There was complete silence but for the occasional sound of distant traffic.
when the situation would be different if something had not happened use this when a situation would be different if something was not happening now or had not happened in the past: · I would have walked out of the job earlier but for the fact that I desperately needed the money.· But for the actions of a brave fireman, I wouldn't be alive now.· Whole industries would have collapsed but for a massive injection of public funds.
use this when a situation would have been different if something had not happened or someone had not done something in the past: · If it hadn't been for the war, Larry would have stayed on the farm.· If it hadn't been for Christine, I would never have met Michael.
use this when you would do something different if a particular situation did not exist now: · He'd be playing in this afternoon's game if it wasn't for his injury.· If it weren't for the children, I'm sure she would leave her husband.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
The system was not only complicated but also ineffective. Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.
(=have a lot of admiration for someone)· I have nothing but admiration for his work.
· I hate to admit it but it looks like we’ve failed.
The system was not only complicated but also ineffective.· He had no alternative but to resign.
· I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.
· The men had no choice but to obey.
· The public should have nothing but contempt for bad journalism.
Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. (=last except for one other, two others etc) on the last but one day of his trial
on the last but one day of his trial He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). (=used when you are only giving a few examples)· She had taken a number of classes, including photography, art, and pottery, to mention but a few.
Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. (=have no other choice than to do something)· I had no option but to fire him.
(=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation)· Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot.
· Any child’s behaviour can be improved by this simple but effective technique.
· She is making a slow but steady recovery.
After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► somebody cannot but do somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close, but no cigar► it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it► somebody can dish it out but they can’t take it► to name/mention but a few► I’m not being funny (but)► there but for the grace of God (go I)► I hate to say it, but .../I hate to tell you this, but ...► but hey► ifs and buts► I don’t know about you, but ...► it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know it► to name but a few/a handful/three etc► none but somebody► there’s nothing for it but to do something► it never rains but it pours► sadder and/but wiser► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)► I don’t want to sound/be ..., but ...► it’s/that’s all very well, but ...► yes, but ...
1used to connect two statements or phrases when the second one adds something different or seems surprising after the first one: - There was complete silence but for the occasional sound of distant traffic.
- But it was privately, not through the government, and not for advanced field training, but for graduate study.
- Attention is needed not only for the here and now but for planning the future.
- From here, forecasts are compiled, not just for Central, but for broadcasters all over the World.
- Mr Roller said Dresdner's operating profit would have been higher but for increased write-offs in its securities operations.
- Not for themselves, but for their male pimps and brothel owners.
- She was never a woman to apologize, but for one moment with the pen in her hand she came very close.
- The basic cakes need to be moist, tasty and firm, not only for eating but for cutting and shaping.
- These patterns are different not only for each movement, but for each person.
- He doesn't have a strong French accent, but then he's lived here for twenty years.
- I don't think she liked my present, but then again it could just be my imagination.
- You feel really sorry for him, but then again it's hard to like him.
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
- "Can we go home now?" "Just one moment - I've all but finished my work."
- By now the war was all but over.
- Sometimes it seems home baking is a tradition that has all but disappeared.
- Bidding continues until all but one eligible candidate remains.
- Every UMass player saw action, and all but two played at least 10 minutes.
- However, for Moi, this has all but stopped.
- I was the only woman on all but two of those twenty boards.
- It is said that the seafloor is a desert, a vast and uniform wasteland, all but devoid of life.
- She has missed all but two of twelve attempts tonight.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- They are spreading the idea that the contest is already all but over.
- The sales clerk was anything but helpful.
- And the burnished vintage settings in South Philadelphia look anything but depressed.
- Before Sir Oswald could do anything but lift his arm up, a man swung his arm round Sir Oswald's neck.
- Californians, in fact, seem to have anything but politics on their minds.
- I feel numb to anything but thoughts of Marc.
- No Hollywood director would have the imagination to cast him as anything but a thug.
- On admission he was unable to swallow anything but liquids and mashed solids.
- The theology of the Exposition was anything but subtle.
- Underneath all the rebelliousness, of course, I never envisioned anything but a conventional Valparaiso-like future for myself.
- The great man was bloody but unbowed.
- If we are attacked with violence, we cannot but respond with violence.
- Burglars broke in and took everything but the kitchen sink.
- When my parents come to stay with us, they bring everything but the kitchen sink!
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife for her support.
- Last but not least, let me introduce Jane, our new accountant.
- And last but not least, I thank Begona Canup for her interest in the book.
- Social Security has reduced poverty, and last, but by no means least, it has been a good deal for participants.
- And last but not least, the baby of the family.
- And last but not least, there are all those damn kids sharing files and scaring the media moguls shiftless.
- And, last but not least, its growth and production has a huge impact on the environment we live in.
- And, last but not least, my cousin Bishop Malduin of Kinrimund with, no doubt, his stepson Colban.
- And, last but not least, they might re-read the scores while listening.
- I always feel they are open meetings in everything but name.
- Since then the craggy little republic of 650,000-odd people has been independent in all but name.
- Soon Jack and Courtney's marriage was also over in everything but name.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- There was nothing but salad to eat.
- They did nothing but argue for the whole journey.
- This car's been nothing but trouble.
- At one time we had about eighty people here who did nothing but research into various family genealogies.
- Charles, by contrast, had known nothing but restriction and discipline.
- His death was nothing but an absurd, ludicrous accident.
- Indeed I was forgetful, pathologically so, and for this too I felt nothing but remorse.
- Nora objects, it's been nothing but ringing phones and boiling kettles, doorbells and toilets, since you began.
- They saw nothing but a dim grayness, or was it blackness?
- You could walk from there till your feet ached, and still you'd see nothing but herring.
- For insider dealing does not lack victims but rather, credible plaintiffs.
- For others, syllable and character represent at most not a word but rather a morpheme, the smallest unit of meaning.
- However, the foreign exchange earnings on tourism did increase in 1989, not from IR£150m but rather by this figure.
- Sometimes, however, the diagnosis is not hidden but rather softened.
- The AFL-CIO said the ads are not partisan but rather aim to press Congress to address the needs of working families.
- The local medical men did not object, but rather commended them for their cheapness.
- What mathematicians want from infinitesimals is not material existence but rather the right to use them in proofs.
- Slowly but surely, the company is becoming successful again.
- He's slowly but surely making his way through college.
- She's getting better, slowly but surely.
- As regards the growth of the church, about a year after beginning to meet, slowly but surely we began to grow.
- But the others were moving, slowly but surely.
- Sheer tiredness relaxed her limbs, and slowly but surely the warmth sent her off to sleep.
- Solid, rock like, you don't move easily and you take things slowly but surely.
- The tangible, material aspect of this will come slowly but surely in the period between now and early November.
- Wendy says that slowly but surely our name is taking hold in this wide area.
- Yet slowly but surely they came back.
- I did not get home till 6:00 am on sunday after the spurs game!!! but that's another story.
- It also causes lucrative publicity and a scapegoat, but that's another story.
- Like Birdie Walker, I survived, but that's another story.
- There's room for even more, but that's another story.
- You could, of course, buy one of the super Chunky machines - but that's another story!
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
It’s an old car, but it’s very reliable. They rushed to the hospital, but they were too late. We’ve invited the boss, but she may decide not to come. an expensive but extremely useful book ‘Has he got any experience?’ ‘No, but he’s keen to learn.’2used to introduce a statement that explains why the thing you have mentioned did not happen or is not possible: I’d like to go but I’m too busy. They would have married sooner, but they had to wait for her divorce.3used after a negative to emphasize that it is the second part of the sentence that is true: He lied to the court not just once, but on several occasions. The purpose of the scheme is not to help the employers but to provide work for young people.4except: What can we do but sit and wait? I had no choice but to accept the challenge. Not a day goes by but I think of dear old Larry (=I think of him every day).► see thesaurus at except5but for a)used when you are saying that something would have happened if something or someone else had not prevented it: But for these interruptions, the meeting would have finished earlier. The score could have been higher but for some excellent goalkeeping by Simon. I might never have got to university but for you. b)except for something or someone: All was silent but for the sound of the wind in the trees.6but then (again) spoken a)used when you are adding a statement that says almost the opposite of what you have just said: John might be ready to help us, but then again, he might not. You feel really sorry for him. But then again, it’s hard to like him. b)used when you are adding a statement that makes what you have just said seem less surprising: Dinah missed the last rehearsal, but then she always was unreliable, wasn’t she?7 spoken used when you are replying to someone and expressing strong feelings such as anger, surprise etc: But that’s marvellous news! ‘They won’t even discuss the problem.’ ‘But how stupid!’8somebody cannot but do something formal used to say that someone has to do something or cannot stop themselves from doing it: I could not but admire her.9 spoken used when disagreeing with someone: ‘It was a good idea.’ ‘But it didn’t work.’10 spoken used to emphasize a word or statement: It’ll be a great party – everyone, but everyone, is coming. They’re rich, but I mean rich.11 spoken used to change the subject of a conversation: But now to the main question. But tell me, are you really planning to retire?12 spoken used after expressions such as ‘Excuse me’ and ‘I’m sorry’: Excuse me, but I’m afraid this is a no-smoking area.THESAURUSbut conjunction used when linking two words or phrases that seem opposite or very different in meaning. Don’t use but at the beginning of a sentence in written English: · The plant’s leaves are big, but its flowers are quite small.· Her books are fascinating but often rather disturbing.· Many French dishes are basically simple, but they can take a long time to prepare.· Most of us value human life, but but some people think of animals as being equally important.although conjunction used when contrasting one clause with another in the same sentence: · Although you are in the middle of the city, you feel as if you are in the countryside.· The windmill is still in good working order, although it has not been used since the 1950s.· I enjoyed German although I wasn’t very good at it.· Although lack of sleep causes some problems, it has a relatively small effect on performance at work.however conjunction used when saying something that seems different or surprising after your previous statement. It is usually used in the middle of a sentence, separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. It can also come at the beginning: · Jack and his family managed to escape before the soldiers arrived. Other families in the village, however, were less lucky.· Their economy was incredibly successful in the 1980s. Since then, however, there has been a big rise in unemployment.· The town is a long way from the nearest big city. However, there is a good bus service.· He began his academic career as a mathematician. However, his main achievements were in the field of nuclear physics.nevertheless/nonetheless conjunction used when saying something that seems different or surprising after your previous statement. It is used at the beginning or end of a sentence: · A series of studies 20 years ago suggested that there was a link between watching violent films and violent behaviour. Nevertheless, the results remain highly controversial.· It was certainly a terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the safest form of transport.· The weather turned bad early in the day, but the festival was a great success nonetheless.· It was very hard digging in the dry ground, but the work was satisfying nevertheless.while/whereas /weərˈæz/ conjunction used when making comparisons and saying that something is true of one person, thing, or situation, but it is different for another. They are used when contrasting one clause with another in the same sentence: · Taxes make up 62% of the price of a litre of petrol in France, whereas in Britain, the tax is 75%.· Some people visit their doctor once every few weeks, while others may not visit a doctor for several years.· Whereas in most of the world they drive on the right, in the UK and Japan they drive on the left.by contrast formal used when making comparisons and saying that a person, thing, or situation is very different from the one you have just mentioned. It is used when referring back to the previous sentence: · The surface temperature on Venus is higher than the boiling point of water. Mars, by contrast, is very cold.· A report by the FBI shows that 26% of female murder victims in 1995 were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. By contrast, only 3% of male victims were killed by their wives or girlfriends.but1 conjunctionbut2 prepositionbut3 adverbbut4 noun
butbut2 ●●● S2 W3 preposition EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Anyone but Tommy would have realized I was trying to apologize.
- I can come and see you any day but Tuesday.
- There was nothing left but a few dried up sandwiches.
Longman Language Activatorbusy
use this to join two words or phrases when the second one has the opposite meaning to the first one, or when the second one is surprising after the first one, or when one is negative and one is positive: · I called but there was no one there.· He's short and not really handsome, but women still find him attractive.· They struggled in the first half, but still won 98-82.· She tried to read the message, but couldn't.· Tom's grandfather is over 80, but he still plays golf.· "Gone with the Wind' was a great movie, but it was a little long.· In the US it is normal for the police to carry guns, but not in Britain.
formal use this when saying something that is surprising after what you have just said, or that is very different from it: · It was a terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the safest form of transport.· December saw a more than average rainfall; however, the possibility of a drought is still strong.· War is never welcome, nonetheless, I believe that we must defend our country.but nevertheless/nonetheless: · The leaves aren't particularly dangerous, but nevertheless they are not something you'd want your child or pet to eat.
use this at the beginning of a sentence when you have just mentioned one side of an argument or situation and you are going to mention the opposite side: · Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue that it's not safe.· The hamburger was tough and overcooked. The fries, on the other hand, were terrific, and well worth the money.but on the other hand: · You want to help your kids as much as you can, but on the other hand, you've got to be careful to help them learn on their own.
also mind you British spoken use this when you have just said one thing and you now want to say something very different about it, for example when you give an advantage and then a disadvantage: · Teaching is an interesting job. Then again, it can be very stressful too.· This trip is going to be very expensive. Still, we don't go away very often.· I'd love to travel around the world. Mind you, I wouldn't want to go on my own.· My parents are happy to lend me the money. All the same, I do feel guilty about it.
formal use this to introduce a fact that seems surprising after what you have just said: · The sun was shining, yet it was quite cold.· Last summer there was a drought, yet some people were still watering their lawns every day.
written use this to say that although something is true of one person, thing, or situation, it is not true of another: · Some house plants thrive if placed near a window with plenty of sunlight while others prefer to be in a more shaded spot.· American cars are generally too large for the Japanese market, whereas Japanese cars are popular in the US.
use this to introduce a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said less strong or definite: · Dan's been very ill, although he's better now.· I don't really like classical music, though I did enjoy that Pavarotti concert.· They're a very nice couple, although I very seldom see them these days.
use this at the end of a sentence to add a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said seem less important , or to add a different fact or opinion: · I think she's Swiss. I'm not sure, though.· George did say one nice thing, though.
use this to say that something is true in spite of the fact that you have just mentioned: · Try to run on a soft surface, such as grass. Even so, you may start having knee problems.but even so: · She had only seen Matthew Godden once before, but even so she recognized him instantly.· The fines for speeding are large, but even so, they are not always a deterrent.
spoken use this for introducing the reason why something is not possible: · I'd like to come and live here, only it's too expensive.· I would have asked them to stay with us, except we don't have enough room.
not including someone or something not including the person or thing that you mention. At the beginning of a sentence, always use except for , not just except: · Everyone's going except Donald.· The house was silent except for a clock chiming in the living room.· Except for a small part in an obscure movie years ago, Depardieu had never before acted in an English-language picture.
use this when you have made a statement that is true, but then you want to introduce a fact that does not match what you have said: except (that): · Celia looks just like her sister, except that her sister has shorter hair.· It's similar to Paris, except the people look a lot poorer.except do something (=that is the only thing it cannot do): · a computer that can do everything except talk
also aside from American use this when you mention one or two things that do not fit the main thing that you are saying: · This is an excellent piece of work, apart from a couple of spelling mistakes.· Aside from its mineral resources, Mongolia's major assets are its 25.5 million livestock.apart from doing something: · Apart from going swimming occasionally, I don't get much exercise.
use this especially after the words any, none, nothing, all, anyone, or everyone to show that you mean everything except the thing, person etc you are mentioning: · I can come and see you any day but Tuesday.· There was nothing left but a few dried up sandwiches.· Anyone but Tommy would have realized I was trying to apologize.
use this in a negative sentence to show that the thing, person etc that you mention is the only person or thing that is not included in your statement: · Other than at football matches, people sing less than they used to.other than to do something: · Sam refused to discuss the argument, other than to say that Diane had called him 'gutless'.other than that: · You should get a little stiffness, but other than that, there should be no side effects.
formal not including one thing, person, or group - use this when saying something about the whole of a group: · The whole school, with the exception of the youngest class, had to attend the ceremony.with the possible exception of (=but possibly not that person or thing): · I think they should all pass the test, with the possible exception of Fauzi.
use this to introduce the only thing, person, or group about which your statement is not true: · I get hardly any mail, bar the occasional postcard from my mother.· He died with no possessions bar a small piece of land in Ireland.
use this to introduce the only thing that makes a description of something not completely true - used especially in writing: · There was complete silence but for the occasional sound of distant traffic.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The system was not only complicated but also ineffective. Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.
(=have a lot of admiration for someone)· I have nothing but admiration for his work.
· I hate to admit it but it looks like we’ve failed.
The system was not only complicated but also ineffective.· He had no alternative but to resign.
· I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.
· The men had no choice but to obey.
· The public should have nothing but contempt for bad journalism.
Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. (=last except for one other, two others etc) on the last but one day of his trial
on the last but one day of his trial He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). (=used when you are only giving a few examples)· She had taken a number of classes, including photography, art, and pottery, to mention but a few.
Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. (=have no other choice than to do something)· I had no option but to fire him.
(=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation)· Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot.
· Any child’s behaviour can be improved by this simple but effective technique.
· She is making a slow but steady recovery.
After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close, but no cigar► it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it► somebody can dish it out but they can’t take it► to name/mention but a few► I’m not being funny (but)► there but for the grace of God (go I)► I hate to say it, but .../I hate to tell you this, but ...► but hey► ifs and buts► I don’t know about you, but ...► it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know it► to name but a few/a handful/three etc► none but somebody► there’s nothing for it but to do something► it never rains but it pours► sadder and/but wiser► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)► I don’t want to sound/be ..., but ...► it’s/that’s all very well, but ...► yes, but ...
1apart from SYN except: - "Can we go home now?" "Just one moment - I've all but finished my work."
- By now the war was all but over.
- Sometimes it seems home baking is a tradition that has all but disappeared.
- Bidding continues until all but one eligible candidate remains.
- Every UMass player saw action, and all but two played at least 10 minutes.
- However, for Moi, this has all but stopped.
- I was the only woman on all but two of those twenty boards.
- It is said that the seafloor is a desert, a vast and uniform wasteland, all but devoid of life.
- She has missed all but two of twelve attempts tonight.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- They are spreading the idea that the contest is already all but over.
- The sales clerk was anything but helpful.
- And the burnished vintage settings in South Philadelphia look anything but depressed.
- Before Sir Oswald could do anything but lift his arm up, a man swung his arm round Sir Oswald's neck.
- Californians, in fact, seem to have anything but politics on their minds.
- I feel numb to anything but thoughts of Marc.
- No Hollywood director would have the imagination to cast him as anything but a thug.
- On admission he was unable to swallow anything but liquids and mashed solids.
- The theology of the Exposition was anything but subtle.
- Underneath all the rebelliousness, of course, I never envisioned anything but a conventional Valparaiso-like future for myself.
- The great man was bloody but unbowed.
- If we are attacked with violence, we cannot but respond with violence.
- Burglars broke in and took everything but the kitchen sink.
- When my parents come to stay with us, they bring everything but the kitchen sink!
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife for her support.
- Last but not least, let me introduce Jane, our new accountant.
- And last but not least, I thank Begona Canup for her interest in the book.
- Social Security has reduced poverty, and last, but by no means least, it has been a good deal for participants.
- And last but not least, the baby of the family.
- And last but not least, there are all those damn kids sharing files and scaring the media moguls shiftless.
- And, last but not least, its growth and production has a huge impact on the environment we live in.
- And, last but not least, my cousin Bishop Malduin of Kinrimund with, no doubt, his stepson Colban.
- And, last but not least, they might re-read the scores while listening.
- I always feel they are open meetings in everything but name.
- Since then the craggy little republic of 650,000-odd people has been independent in all but name.
- Soon Jack and Courtney's marriage was also over in everything but name.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- There was nothing but salad to eat.
- They did nothing but argue for the whole journey.
- This car's been nothing but trouble.
- At one time we had about eighty people here who did nothing but research into various family genealogies.
- Charles, by contrast, had known nothing but restriction and discipline.
- His death was nothing but an absurd, ludicrous accident.
- Indeed I was forgetful, pathologically so, and for this too I felt nothing but remorse.
- Nora objects, it's been nothing but ringing phones and boiling kettles, doorbells and toilets, since you began.
- They saw nothing but a dim grayness, or was it blackness?
- You could walk from there till your feet ached, and still you'd see nothing but herring.
- For insider dealing does not lack victims but rather, credible plaintiffs.
- For others, syllable and character represent at most not a word but rather a morpheme, the smallest unit of meaning.
- However, the foreign exchange earnings on tourism did increase in 1989, not from IR£150m but rather by this figure.
- Sometimes, however, the diagnosis is not hidden but rather softened.
- The AFL-CIO said the ads are not partisan but rather aim to press Congress to address the needs of working families.
- The local medical men did not object, but rather commended them for their cheapness.
- What mathematicians want from infinitesimals is not material existence but rather the right to use them in proofs.
- Slowly but surely, the company is becoming successful again.
- He's slowly but surely making his way through college.
- She's getting better, slowly but surely.
- As regards the growth of the church, about a year after beginning to meet, slowly but surely we began to grow.
- But the others were moving, slowly but surely.
- Sheer tiredness relaxed her limbs, and slowly but surely the warmth sent her off to sleep.
- Solid, rock like, you don't move easily and you take things slowly but surely.
- The tangible, material aspect of this will come slowly but surely in the period between now and early November.
- Wendy says that slowly but surely our name is taking hold in this wide area.
- Yet slowly but surely they came back.
- I did not get home till 6:00 am on sunday after the spurs game!!! but that's another story.
- It also causes lucrative publicity and a scapegoat, but that's another story.
- Like Birdie Walker, I survived, but that's another story.
- There's room for even more, but that's another story.
- You could, of course, buy one of the super Chunky machines - but that's another story!
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
I could come any day but Thursday. There’s no one here but me. I could still see nothing but the spirals of desert dust. He was unable to swallow anything but liquids.2the last but one/the next but two etc especially British English the last or next thing or person except for one, two etc: Pauline and Derek live in the next house but one (=they live two houses away from us).but1 conjunctionbut2 prepositionbut3 adverbbut4 noun
butbut3 adverb EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- They're rich, but I mean rich!
- You can but try.
- This was but one of Cora-Beth's surprises.
- Yes, it's all go on the rumour exchange and let me stress that these are but a few of the juiciest.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The system was not only complicated but also ineffective. Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
(=have a lot of admiration for someone)· I have nothing but admiration for his work.
· I hate to admit it but it looks like we’ve failed.
The system was not only complicated but also ineffective.· He had no alternative but to resign.
· I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.
· The men had no choice but to obey.
· The public should have nothing but contempt for bad journalism.
Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. (=last except for one other, two others etc) on the last but one day of his trial
on the last but one day of his trial He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). (=used when you are only giving a few examples)· She had taken a number of classes, including photography, art, and pottery, to mention but a few.
Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. (=have no other choice than to do something)· I had no option but to fire him.
(=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation)· Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot.
· Any child’s behaviour can be improved by this simple but effective technique.
· She is making a slow but steady recovery.
After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.· Pilkington acknowledged locals' concerns, but added that agents are encouraged by signs that their efforts are paying off.
· But can violence alter the structure of discontent in a culture of desire?
· These laws create an illusion of safety but do little to prevent such crimes.· Then I turned once more toward Saint-Mames. But did that local saint exist?· Until there was nothing to do but give up and walk back, feeling beaten.· C Troop, in effect, split that attack but did so at great sacrifice to itself.
· Cat-equipped two-litre 16-valve engine sounds even more potent than it is but gives good economy.· Your space trip cost $ 5 but gave you at least $ 100 of pleasure.· People who only learn phonic reading methods must not only be systematically taught to spell but given help in comprehension.· The original owner keeps the land but gives up the right to develop it.· The answers will not only reveal her competence but give you an idea of how easy she is to communicate with.· Until there was nothing to do but give up and walk back, feeling beaten.
· What about those days when I can't help but eat more?· That helped but not that much.
· We are already there, if we but knew.· Good, Cassius heard himself mutter, but knew he had meant Bad.
· The game was all but lost when the captain tossed the ball to me and asked me to turn my arm.· The scenery may have been a bit more impressive there, but the human dimension was all but lost.
· Paul D frowned but said nothing.· Aikman shouted in Williams' direction, but said later that he was just frustrated.· Authorities did not immediately release the victims' names, but said four men and two women were shot and killed.
· Today you see but a shattered specimen, a caricature... of the man that once was.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close, but no cigar► it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it► somebody can dish it out but they can’t take it► to name/mention but a few► I’m not being funny (but)► there but for the grace of God (go I)► I hate to say it, but .../I hate to tell you this, but ...► but hey► ifs and buts► I don’t know about you, but ...► it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know it► to name but a few/a handful/three etc► none but somebody► there’s nothing for it but to do something► it never rains but it pours► sadder and/but wiser► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)► I don’t want to sound/be ..., but ...► it’s/that’s all very well, but ...► yes, but ...
only: - "Can we go home now?" "Just one moment - I've all but finished my work."
- By now the war was all but over.
- Sometimes it seems home baking is a tradition that has all but disappeared.
- Bidding continues until all but one eligible candidate remains.
- Every UMass player saw action, and all but two played at least 10 minutes.
- However, for Moi, this has all but stopped.
- I was the only woman on all but two of those twenty boards.
- It is said that the seafloor is a desert, a vast and uniform wasteland, all but devoid of life.
- She has missed all but two of twelve attempts tonight.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- They are spreading the idea that the contest is already all but over.
- The sales clerk was anything but helpful.
- And the burnished vintage settings in South Philadelphia look anything but depressed.
- Before Sir Oswald could do anything but lift his arm up, a man swung his arm round Sir Oswald's neck.
- Californians, in fact, seem to have anything but politics on their minds.
- I feel numb to anything but thoughts of Marc.
- No Hollywood director would have the imagination to cast him as anything but a thug.
- On admission he was unable to swallow anything but liquids and mashed solids.
- The theology of the Exposition was anything but subtle.
- Underneath all the rebelliousness, of course, I never envisioned anything but a conventional Valparaiso-like future for myself.
- The great man was bloody but unbowed.
- If we are attacked with violence, we cannot but respond with violence.
- Burglars broke in and took everything but the kitchen sink.
- When my parents come to stay with us, they bring everything but the kitchen sink!
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife for her support.
- Last but not least, let me introduce Jane, our new accountant.
- And last but not least, I thank Begona Canup for her interest in the book.
- Social Security has reduced poverty, and last, but by no means least, it has been a good deal for participants.
- And last but not least, the baby of the family.
- And last but not least, there are all those damn kids sharing files and scaring the media moguls shiftless.
- And, last but not least, its growth and production has a huge impact on the environment we live in.
- And, last but not least, my cousin Bishop Malduin of Kinrimund with, no doubt, his stepson Colban.
- And, last but not least, they might re-read the scores while listening.
- I always feel they are open meetings in everything but name.
- Since then the craggy little republic of 650,000-odd people has been independent in all but name.
- Soon Jack and Courtney's marriage was also over in everything but name.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- There was nothing but salad to eat.
- They did nothing but argue for the whole journey.
- This car's been nothing but trouble.
- At one time we had about eighty people here who did nothing but research into various family genealogies.
- Charles, by contrast, had known nothing but restriction and discipline.
- His death was nothing but an absurd, ludicrous accident.
- Indeed I was forgetful, pathologically so, and for this too I felt nothing but remorse.
- Nora objects, it's been nothing but ringing phones and boiling kettles, doorbells and toilets, since you began.
- They saw nothing but a dim grayness, or was it blackness?
- You could walk from there till your feet ached, and still you'd see nothing but herring.
- For insider dealing does not lack victims but rather, credible plaintiffs.
- For others, syllable and character represent at most not a word but rather a morpheme, the smallest unit of meaning.
- However, the foreign exchange earnings on tourism did increase in 1989, not from IR£150m but rather by this figure.
- Sometimes, however, the diagnosis is not hidden but rather softened.
- The AFL-CIO said the ads are not partisan but rather aim to press Congress to address the needs of working families.
- The local medical men did not object, but rather commended them for their cheapness.
- What mathematicians want from infinitesimals is not material existence but rather the right to use them in proofs.
- Slowly but surely, the company is becoming successful again.
- He's slowly but surely making his way through college.
- She's getting better, slowly but surely.
- As regards the growth of the church, about a year after beginning to meet, slowly but surely we began to grow.
- But the others were moving, slowly but surely.
- Sheer tiredness relaxed her limbs, and slowly but surely the warmth sent her off to sleep.
- Solid, rock like, you don't move easily and you take things slowly but surely.
- The tangible, material aspect of this will come slowly but surely in the period between now and early November.
- Wendy says that slowly but surely our name is taking hold in this wide area.
- Yet slowly but surely they came back.
- I did not get home till 6:00 am on sunday after the spurs game!!! but that's another story.
- It also causes lucrative publicity and a scapegoat, but that's another story.
- Like Birdie Walker, I survived, but that's another story.
- There's room for even more, but that's another story.
- You could, of course, buy one of the super Chunky machines - but that's another story!
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
This is but one example of what can happen when things go badly wrong. It’s going to be difficult. Anyway, we can but try. We have relationships of many different sorts – with our children, our parents, our boss and our friends, to name but a few.but1 conjunctionbut2 prepositionbut3 adverbbut4 noun
butbut4 /bʌt/ noun COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY He is the best player – no ifs, ands, or buts about that.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The system was not only complicated but also ineffective. Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.
He is the best player – no ifs, ands, or buts about that. (=have a lot of admiration for someone)· I have nothing but admiration for his work.
· I hate to admit it but it looks like we’ve failed.
The system was not only complicated but also ineffective.· He had no alternative but to resign.
· I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.
· The men had no choice but to obey.
· The public should have nothing but contempt for bad journalism.
Forgive me, but I don’t think that is relevant. (=last except for one other, two others etc) on the last but one day of his trial
on the last but one day of his trial He was short on patience, but long on a sense of his own worth. The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). (=used when you are only giving a few examples)· She had taken a number of classes, including photography, art, and pottery, to mention but a few.
Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor. (=have no other choice than to do something)· I had no option but to fire him.
(=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation)· Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot.
· Any child’s behaviour can be improved by this simple but effective technique.
· She is making a slow but steady recovery.
After the fight, Ali was bloody but unbowed.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close, but no cigar► it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it► somebody can dish it out but they can’t take it► to name/mention but a few► I’m not being funny (but)► there but for the grace of God (go I)► I hate to say it, but .../I hate to tell you this, but ...► but hey► ifs and buts► I don’t know about you, but ...► it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know it► to name but a few/a handful/three etc► none but somebody► there’s nothing for it but to do something► it never rains but it pours► sadder and/but wiser► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)► I don’t want to sound/be ..., but ...► it’s/that’s all very well, but ...► yes, but ...
buts [plural] spoken reasons that someone gives for not doing something or agreeing with something: - "Can we go home now?" "Just one moment - I've all but finished my work."
- By now the war was all but over.
- Sometimes it seems home baking is a tradition that has all but disappeared.
- Bidding continues until all but one eligible candidate remains.
- Every UMass player saw action, and all but two played at least 10 minutes.
- However, for Moi, this has all but stopped.
- I was the only woman on all but two of those twenty boards.
- It is said that the seafloor is a desert, a vast and uniform wasteland, all but devoid of life.
- She has missed all but two of twelve attempts tonight.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- They are spreading the idea that the contest is already all but over.
- The sales clerk was anything but helpful.
- And the burnished vintage settings in South Philadelphia look anything but depressed.
- Before Sir Oswald could do anything but lift his arm up, a man swung his arm round Sir Oswald's neck.
- Californians, in fact, seem to have anything but politics on their minds.
- I feel numb to anything but thoughts of Marc.
- No Hollywood director would have the imagination to cast him as anything but a thug.
- On admission he was unable to swallow anything but liquids and mashed solids.
- The theology of the Exposition was anything but subtle.
- Underneath all the rebelliousness, of course, I never envisioned anything but a conventional Valparaiso-like future for myself.
- The great man was bloody but unbowed.
- If we are attacked with violence, we cannot but respond with violence.
- Burglars broke in and took everything but the kitchen sink.
- When my parents come to stay with us, they bring everything but the kitchen sink!
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Aunt Hortense: Babsy Hepworth's bronzes, everything but the kitchen sink.
- Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife for her support.
- Last but not least, let me introduce Jane, our new accountant.
- And last but not least, I thank Begona Canup for her interest in the book.
- Social Security has reduced poverty, and last, but by no means least, it has been a good deal for participants.
- And last but not least, the baby of the family.
- And last but not least, there are all those damn kids sharing files and scaring the media moguls shiftless.
- And, last but not least, its growth and production has a huge impact on the environment we live in.
- And, last but not least, my cousin Bishop Malduin of Kinrimund with, no doubt, his stepson Colban.
- And, last but not least, they might re-read the scores while listening.
- I always feel they are open meetings in everything but name.
- Since then the craggy little republic of 650,000-odd people has been independent in all but name.
- Soon Jack and Courtney's marriage was also over in everything but name.
- The players should therefore be treated like the professionals they are in all but name, and be paid for their work.
- There was nothing but salad to eat.
- They did nothing but argue for the whole journey.
- This car's been nothing but trouble.
- At one time we had about eighty people here who did nothing but research into various family genealogies.
- Charles, by contrast, had known nothing but restriction and discipline.
- His death was nothing but an absurd, ludicrous accident.
- Indeed I was forgetful, pathologically so, and for this too I felt nothing but remorse.
- Nora objects, it's been nothing but ringing phones and boiling kettles, doorbells and toilets, since you began.
- They saw nothing but a dim grayness, or was it blackness?
- You could walk from there till your feet ached, and still you'd see nothing but herring.
- For insider dealing does not lack victims but rather, credible plaintiffs.
- For others, syllable and character represent at most not a word but rather a morpheme, the smallest unit of meaning.
- However, the foreign exchange earnings on tourism did increase in 1989, not from IR£150m but rather by this figure.
- Sometimes, however, the diagnosis is not hidden but rather softened.
- The AFL-CIO said the ads are not partisan but rather aim to press Congress to address the needs of working families.
- The local medical men did not object, but rather commended them for their cheapness.
- What mathematicians want from infinitesimals is not material existence but rather the right to use them in proofs.
- Slowly but surely, the company is becoming successful again.
- He's slowly but surely making his way through college.
- She's getting better, slowly but surely.
- As regards the growth of the church, about a year after beginning to meet, slowly but surely we began to grow.
- But the others were moving, slowly but surely.
- Sheer tiredness relaxed her limbs, and slowly but surely the warmth sent her off to sleep.
- Solid, rock like, you don't move easily and you take things slowly but surely.
- The tangible, material aspect of this will come slowly but surely in the period between now and early November.
- Wendy says that slowly but surely our name is taking hold in this wide area.
- Yet slowly but surely they came back.
- I did not get home till 6:00 am on sunday after the spurs game!!! but that's another story.
- It also causes lucrative publicity and a scapegoat, but that's another story.
- Like Birdie Walker, I survived, but that's another story.
- There's room for even more, but that's another story.
- You could, of course, buy one of the super Chunky machines - but that's another story!
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
‘I don’t want to hear any buts,’ Jo snapped. He is the best player – no ifs, ands, or buts about that.