But / Though
Expressing defeat or challenge
Brian worked in marketing for two years, but lost his job when his company down-sized its number of employees during the bad economic recession. Brian wants to continue pursuing his career, yet he has several difficulties to face.
Implied Meanings
| BUT – AN OBSTACLE | THOUGH – A CHALLENGE |
|---|---|
After a statement of intent, but introduces a clause with a contrasting thought – often an obstacle or reason for setback or defeat. (But is a conjunction.) |
After a statement of intent, though introduces a clause with an obstacle or difficulty in the way of success – something that often can be overcome. (Though is a conjunction.) |
Brian is focused on the obstacles! Brian hopes to find a new job, but few employers are hiring. He stood in line to get into a job fair, but he found nothing in marketing. He also, wants to go to business school, but he has no savings to pay tuition or to support himself while studying. He'd like to get some additional training; however, he's unsure where to get it. Brian doesn't know where to get started. He's letting the obstacles overcome him and keep him from his goals. obstacle (n.) -- something that makes it difficult to achieve something |
Brian is focused on his goals! Brian hopes to find a new job though few employers are hiring. He stood in line to get into a job fair though he found nothing in marketing. He also, wants to go to business school although he has no savings to pay tuition or to support himself while studying. He'd like to get some additional training even though he's unsure where to get it. Brian is prepared for the challenge. He is overcoming challenges in order to meet his goals. challenge (n.) -- something that tests strength, skill, or ability, especially in a way that is interesting |
| INTENT | conj. | OBSTACLE | INTENT | conj. | CHALLENGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brian planned on attending a job fair |
, but |
the line to get in wrapped around the block. (It discouraged him. it.) |
Brian planned on attending a job fair |
though |
the line to get in wrapped around the block. (He stood in it anyway.) |
Brian hopes to find another job |
, but |
few employers are hiring. (It's unlikely.) |
Brian hopes to find another job |
though |
few employers are hiring. (He will find one that is.) |
Brian expected to get a lead at the Job Fair |
, but |
he found nothing in marketing. (He left disappointed.) |
Brian expected to get a lead at the Job Fair |
though |
he found nothing in marketing. (He found options in related fields.) |
Brian would like to go back to school |
, but |
he has no savings. (He can't pay.) |
Brian would like to go back to school |
though |
he has no savings. (He will try to find other funding or a scholarship.) |
Brian wants to get some additional training |
, but |
he's unsure where to get it. (He's stuck.) |
Brian wants to get some additional training |
though |
he's unsure where to get it. (He will check with counselors at the local community college.) |
to face (v.) – to deal with or manage a difficult situation
stuck (adj) – unable to move from a bad situation
setback (n) – a problem that delays or prevents progress
obstacle (n) – a block; something that you must go around to achieve success
optimistic (adj) – expects a good outcome
pessimistic (adj) – expects a bad outcome
no ifs, ands, or buts (expression)– "If you fail to turn in your application on time, you will be rejected – no ifs, ands, or buts." (no excuses)
Practice 1
The Interview
Complete the sentence with the connector that fits the context.