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But / But still

coffee with sugarStating contrast or contrary outcome

 

 

 

 

 

Contrast vs. Contrary Outcome
CONTRAST CONTRARY OUTCOME

But is a connector that introduces a clause with an idea, opinion or action that is different from the other clause.  It indicates a contrast.

But still is a connector that introduces a clause with an idea, opinion or action that is contrary to the idea, opinion or action in the other clause.  The outcome is contrary (i.e., illogical, irrational) to expectation. 

BUT / HOWEVER

He asked for another cup of coffee, but there was no more.
He asked for yet another cup of coffee. But there was no more!  †(stronger contrast)

He asks for some and finds out there is no more.

BUT STILL / THOUGH

There was no more coffee, but still he asked for another cup.
He knows there is no more coffee and asks for more, (Perhaps, he hopes someone will  buy or make some more.
)

He asked for another cup of coffee. However, there was no more.
He asked for another cup of coffee; however, there was no more.  

Though there was no more coffee, he asked for another cup..
He asked for another cup of coffee though there was no more.
 

Also see But / though for implied meanings
But – beginning a sentence   

 

 

Connectors for Contrast
INITIAL MEDIAL

commaEach of these connectors states a direct contrast and can be placed before either clause without a change in meaning.   A comma is used to separate the two clauses.

Each of these connectors states a direct contrast and can be placed between the two clauses.  A comma separates the two clauses (except for however, a transition word, and in contrast to, a preposition.)

CONNECTOR

CONTRAST

STATEMENT

STATEMENT

CONNECTOR

CONTRAST

While (conj)

I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee,

while(conj)

Edward likes black coffee.

Whereas(conj)

I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee,

whereas(conj)

Edward likes black coffee.

On the one hand, (trans)

I like sugar in my coffee.

 

I like sugar in my coffee,

but (conj)

Edward likes black coffee.

On the other hand, (trans)

 

Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee

in contrast to (prep)

Edward who likes black coffee.

 

 

 

 

I like sugar in my coffee.

TRANSITION WORD comma

However, (trans)

 

Edward likes black coffee.

     

I like sugar in my coffee.

In contrast, (trans)

Edward likes black coffee.
 

black coffee – has no sugar
On the one hand,  and On the other hand, is a paired expression.
 Also see Comparisons

 

 

Connectors for Contrary Outcome
CONNECTORS BEFORE SITUATION CLAUSE CONNECTORS BEFORE CONTRARY CLAUSE

commaEach of these connectors occurs with a pair of independent clauses.  It introduces the situation-clause.

Each of these connectors occurs between a pair of independent clauses and introduces the clause with contrary outcome (idea, opinion or action).

CONNNECTOR

SITUATION

CONTRARY OUTCOME

SITUATION

CONNNECTOR

CONTRARY OUTCOME

Even though (conj)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do (eat sugar).

I shouldn't eat sugar,

but still

I do.

Though (conj)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar,

yet (conj)

I do.

Although (conj)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar,

but (conj)

I do anyway.

ADVERBIAL PREP + CLAUSE

Despite the fact (that)

 

I shouldn't eat sugar,

 

I do.

 

I shouldn't eat sugar.

ADVERBIAL PHRASE comma

Even so, (adv)

 

I do.

In spite of the fact (that)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar.

In spite of that,

I do.

Regardless of the fact (that)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar.

Nevertheless, (adv)

I do.
 

contrary (adj) – ideas, opinions, or actions that are completely different and opposed to each other; one is illogical, unexpected or unlikely with the other
Also see:   Because/Though | Adverbial Prepositions

 

 

 

Punctuation
INITIAL-SENTENCE POSITION MID-SENTENCE POSITION

commaEach of these connectors introduces a situation clause that is followed by a comma and clause stating an unexpected, surprising or illogical outcome.

no commaEach of these connectors can be placed mid-sentence before the situation clause. No comma is used.

CONNECTOR

SITUATION

CONTRARY OUTCOME

CONTRARY OUTCOME

CONNECTOR

SITUATION

Even though

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do (eat sugar).

I eat sugar

even though

I shouldn't.

Though

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I eat sugar

though

I shouldn't.

Although

I shouldn't eat sugar, 

I do.

I eat sugar

although

I shouldn't.
 

 

 

 

 

 

teensPractice 1

Connectors for Contrast

 

Ray versus Rena — personalities and habits
  1. Select the connector from the menu that best completes the sentence.
  2. Compare your response to the answer to the right by clicking the "check" button.
 
# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER
1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

5.

 

6.

 

7.

 

8.

 

9.

 

10

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Practice 2

Ray & Rena — in school

 

 

Contrast or Contrary Outcome
  1. Select the response that best completes the sentence.
  2. Compare your response to the answer.  An asterisk * Indicates an incorrect answer.

 

# SENTENCE & ANSWER YOUR RESPONSE
11.
 
12.  
 
13.
 
14.  
 
15.
   

 

 

 

 

 

house painterstore clerkPractice 3

Ray versus Rena — after school

 

 

 

Puntuation of Connectors
  1. Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
  2. Compare your response to the answer on the right by clicking the "check" button.

 

# COMPLETE SENTENCE WITH PUNCTUATION CHECK ANSWER
16.
17.  
18.  
19.  
20.  
21.  
22.