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But / But still

Stating contrast or contrary outcome

coffee with sugar
 
Contrast vs. Contrary Outcome
CONTRAST

When we have two statements (independent clauses) in which the central ideas are closely related, we can express contrast in the relationship of the two ideas with but, however, while, whereas, and so on.
BUT / HOWEVER

He asked for another cup of coffee, but there was no more.  ¹(But there was no more.)

He asks for some and finds out there is no 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.  

However is more commonly used in writing.
CONTRARY OUTCOME

We express another kind of contrast —contrary outcome— when the idea stated in one clause is contrary (i.e., illogical, irrational) to expectation, opinion, or action in the other clause. but still, yet, though, although, even though.
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.  Why would he ask for more?


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

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

though, even though, although – adverbs of concession
 

contrast (n.) – a difference, an unlikeness in comparison with something else
¹But – beginning a sentence   indicates a stronger contrast
Also see But / though for implied meanings .
See   Grammar Notes for terminology.

 

 

 

 

Connectors for Contrast

Conjunctions, Adverbs, and Prepositions

 

 

While, Whereas, But
STATEMENT CONTRAST

While, whereas, or but may be placed between two clauses.  A comma separates the clauses.  (medial position)
CLAUSE CONNECTOR + CLAUSE

I like sugar in my coffee,

while Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee,

whereas Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee,

but Edward likes black coffee.
CONTRAST STATEMENT

While or whereas may also be placed before the two clauses (not but.) A comma separates the clauses.  (initial position)
CONNECTOR + CLAUSE CLAUSE

While I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.

Whereas I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.

*But I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.
 

black coffee – has no sugar
See FANBOYS coordinators  for "fronting" and "reversibility"

 

 

 

In contrast, In contrast to, However
STATEMENT CONTRAST

However and in contrast  introduces a clause with a contrasting idea. It is placed at the beginning of the contrasting clause and is separated with a comma.

CLAUSE CONNECTOR + CLAUSE

I like sugar in my coffee.

In contrast,

Edward likes black coffee.

Edward likes black coffee.

In contrast,

I like sugar in my coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee.

However,  

Edward likes black coffee.

Edward likes black coffee.

 

However,  

I like sugar in my coffee.
STATEMENT CONTRAST

In contrast to contrasts elements within a clause. It is followed by a noun phrase (NP) or gerund clause. No comma is used.
CLAUSE CONNECTOR + CLAUSE

I like sugar in my coffee
(subjects)

in contrast to Edward who likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee

(objects)

in contrast to honey in my coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee

(prep phrase objects)

in contrast to my tea. 

I like drinking my tea slowly
(gerunds)

in contrast to gulping it down.
 

 

 

 

On the one hand, On the other hand
STATEMENT

On the one hand, introduces a clause with an idea.  And on the other hand introduces a clause with a contrasting idea.
PREP PHRASE CLAUSE

On the one hand,

I like sugar in my coffee.

On the one hand,

Edward likes black coffee.
CONTRAST

A contrast may use on the other hand alone (without the "other hand".) In the expression (on the one hand…on the other hand), the clauses are reversible.
PREP PHRASE CLAUSE

On the other hand,

Edward likes black coffee.

On the other hand,

I like sugar in my coffee.
 

  Also see Linking Adverbs   Comparisons

 

 

 

 

Connectors for Concession/ Contrary Outcome

Conjunctions, Adverbs, and Prepositions

 

 

But still, yet, but…anyway
OPINION, BELIEF CONCESSION

After a statement of opinion, belief, or argument, but…still, yet, or but…anyway introduces a clause with a meaning that gives way a point, or fact in the argument. The coordinator is placed between the two clauses, separated by a comma.
CLAUSE CONNECTOR + CLAUSE

He's vegetarian,

but still he eats eggs occasionally.

I mostly tell the truth,

yet sometimes I tell a white lie.

She doesn't believe in Santa Claus,

but she writes to him each December anyway.
ACTION CONTRARY OUTCOME

After a statement factt, but…still, yet, or but…anyway introduces a clause with an act that is unexpected, surprising, or contrary to expectation (illogical).  The coordinator is placed between the two clauses, separated by a comma.
CLAUSE CONNECTOR + CLAUSE

She broke three toes,

but still she went dancing.

He grew up in the U.S,

yet he doesn't speak English.

She was only sixteen,

but she won three gold medals anyway.
 

give way (verbal phrase) – yield, admit, concede, give in
concession (n.) –  a give way, or give in on a point or fact in an argument;   X is true, but maybe not this.)

See Grammar Notes for terminology.

 

 

 

Though, although, even though
SITUAITION CONTRARY OUTCOME

commaThough, although, even though may be placed before the two clauses with contrasting ideas. A comma is placed between the clauses.

CONNNECTOR + CLAUSE CLAUSE

Though I shouldn't eat sugar,

I eat a lot of foods with sugar in them.

Although I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do (eat sugar).

Even though I shouldn't eat sugar,

I put a little sugar in my tea.
CONTRARY OUTCOME SITUATION

no commaThough, although, even though may be placed between the two clauses with contrasting ideas. No comma is used.
OUTCOME CONNNECTORSITUATION

I eat a lot of foods with sugar in them

though I shouldn't eat sugar.

I do eat sugar

although I shouldn't eat sugar.

I put a little sugar in my tea

even though I shouldn't eat sugar.
 

 

 

 

 

Contrary outcome with connective adverbs
OPINION / BELIEF / ACTION CONTRARY OUTCOME

Even so or nevertheless  links the clause it introduces to the clause before it.  The connector is separated by a comma from the clause it introduces.
CLAUSEE CONNECTIVE ADV + CLAUSE

He's vegetarian.

Even so,  he eats fish.

She broke her toe.

Nevertheless, she went back on stage and danced.  

They said they were too busy to go.

Nonetheless, they went. 

OPINION / BELIEF / ACTION CONTRARY OUTCOME

Despite, regardless, and in spite of are placed before a noun phrase or gerund expressing an opinion, belief or action. The clause expresses contrary outcome.
CONNECTIVE PREP + NP CLAUSE

Despite being vegetarian,

he eats fish.

Regardless of her broken toe,

she went dancing.

 

In spite of saying they were too busy to go,

they went.

 
 

nevertheless – 1250–1300; Middle English; replacing natheles, notheles natheless

Also see:   Because/Though | Adverbial Prepositions

 

 

 

 

Grammar Notes

Traditional Grammar and Linguistic Description

 

Advanced

 

TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR LINGUISTIC DESCRIPTION
CONTRASTIVE  

but
— coordinating conjunctions "Showing Direct Contrast" (UUEG 16-4,19-7)

while, whereas
— adverb clause "Showing Direct Contrast" (UUEG 17-5, 19-7)

however, on the other hand
— Transition "Showing Direct Contrast" (UUEG 19-7)

while, whereas, but
— adjunct of concession.contrast (whereas, while/whilst, when)  (CaGEL 8 §13.2);
— discourse marker. balancing contrasting points (PEU 157.2) 
— circustance adverbial.concessive.(LGSWE 844)

however
— connective adverb (yet, however) (CaGEL 6 §6,15 §2.9)
— contrastive.linking adverb. (LGSWE  2.3.4, 7.14.3, 10.4.3.1)
— adverb (PEU 49.3)

in contrast, in contrast to, on the one hand, on the other hand
— connective adjuncts. prepositional phrases (CaGEL 8 §19-20, 563) /
— linking adverbs.prepositional phrase. (LGSWE 10.4.3.1)
— discourse markers. balancing contrasting points (PEU 157.2)

 
CONTRARY / CONCESSIVE  

but…anyway, but…still, yet…still–
Conjunctions "Showing Contrast (Unexpected Result) (UUEG 19-6)

though, even though, although–
Adverb clause – "Expressing Contrast" (17-4)

nevertheless, nonetheless, however…still
Transitions – "Showing Contrast (Unexpected Result)  (UUEG 19-6)

despite, in spite of, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that
Prepositions – "Showing Contrast (Unexpected Result)  (UUEG 19-6) 

yet, but…still, but anyway
— adjunct of concession.coordinator  (CaGEL 8 §13.2);
— conjunction (PEU 49) ;
— linking adverbs. –yet, so, neither (LGSWE 2.4.7);
— coordinator/ subordinator –yet, so–  (CoGEL 2.4.7.2)

though, even though, although
— prepositions.concessive adjuncts  (CaGEL 8 §13.2);"
— conjunctions (PEU 49.1) 
— circumstance adverbial. concession.subordinator (LGSWE 10.2.8.9-11);
— adverbial clause (CoGEL 15.39-40) 

even so, nevertheless, nonetheless, despite, regardless of, in spite of
— prepositions.concessive adjuncts  (CaGEL 8 §13.2);
— discourse markers. (PEU 157.2)

 

 

 

 Resources

 

 

 

 

Practice 1

Connectors for Contrast

teens
 
Ray versus Rena — personalities and habits
  1. Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence. 
  2. Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button.

 

1.


clueless (adj.) – has no idea, thoughts on it
clue (n.) – A piece of information that helps someone figure something out.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.


sprain (v.) – to damage a joint in the body by twisting it

8.

9.

10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice 2

Ray & Rena — in school

 

 

Contrast or Contrary Outcome
  1. Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence. 
  2. Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button.

 

11.





12.





13.





14.





15.





 

 

 

 

 

Practice 3

Ray versus Rena — after school

store clerkhouse painter
 

 

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

 

16.

17.

18.
.

19.

20.

21.

22.


outgoing (adj) – very social