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But, however, or although
But joins two contrasting ideas, however marks the contrast in a new sentence or between commas, and although introduces the surprising part.
Quick rule
Joining two ideas in one sentence? But. Starting a new sentence or sitting between commas? However. Introducing the surprising part, even at the start? Although.
It joins two contrasting ideas in one sentence: It was cheap but good.
It marks a contrast with what came before. It starts a new sentence or sits between commas; it can't join two clauses the way but does.
It introduces the idea that makes the main one surprising, and it can come first: Although it was late, we stayed.
How to choose
| Question | but | however | although |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can it join two ideas with just a comma or nothing at all (It was late, ___ we stayed)? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Can it open the sentence with both ideas after it (___ it was late, we stayed)? | No | No | Yes |
| Can it sit alone between two commas (The car, ___, was fast)? | No | Yes | No |
Why it trips people up
But and although are conjunctions, so they join clauses; however is an adverb, so it can't. That is why "good, however expensive" fails while "good but expensive" works. Although is the only one that can come before both ideas.
How each one works
But
Two ideas in one sentence
I like the job, but the pay is low.
Between two adjectives
She's tired but very happy.
Saying sorry
I'm sorry, but I can't stay.
However
Starting a new sentence
The plan sounded good. However, nobody wanted to pay for it.
In the middle, between commas
The hotel was old. The rooms, however, were very clean.
At the end, after a comma
Prices went up. Sales stayed the same, however.
Although
At the start, with a comma
Although it was raining, we went to the beach.
After the main idea
He passed the exam although he didn't study much.
Adding a reservation
I liked the movie, although the ending was weak.
What comes next
idea plus , but plus idea
He's rich, but he isn't happy.
adjective plus but plus adjective
The test was short but hard.
Sentence. However, plus sentence
I called twice. However, nobody answered.
idea; however, plus idea
The car is old; however, it runs well.
Although plus clause, plus main clause
Although she was sick, she came to work.
main clause plus although plus clause
We had fun although it was cold.
Set phrases
But
- but for
- if it were not for
- all but
- almost completely
- but then (again)
- on the other hand; used to add something that changes what you just said
Almost the same
It was late, but we stayed.
One sentence, two ideas joined by but.
Although it was late, we stayed.
Same meaning: although leads with the surprising part.
It was late. However, we stayed.
Two sentences: however opens the second, followed by a comma. It sounds more formal.
In a conversation
- A:
How was the new restaurant?
- B:
The food was great, but the service was slow.
- A:
Would you go back?
- B:
Maybe. Although it was expensive, I liked the place.
- A:
My sister says the desserts are amazing.
- B:
I didn't try them. Next time, however, I'll save room for dessert.
Common mistakes
Wrong: The food was good, however it was expensive.
Right: The food was good, but it was expensive.
However can't join two clauses with just a comma. Use but, or start a new sentence: ... good. However, it was expensive.
Wrong: The team played well. Although, they lost.
Right: The team played well. They lost, though.
Although needs a clause to attach to. For "however" at the end of a sentence, use though.
Memory trick
Move it to the front with both ideas after it: if that works, it is although. If it follows a period and takes a comma, it is however. If it joins two ideas inside one sentence, it is but.
It depends
- But to start a sentence
- Starting a sentence with But is fine, especially when replying: But that's not fair! What it can't do is introduce a clause placed before the main one.
- However + adjective
- Before an adjective or adverb, however means "no matter how": however hard I try. That sense has nothing to do with contrast.
FAQ
However or but: what's the difference?
But joins two ideas inside one sentence. However links back to the previous sentence: it starts a new one, follows a semicolon, or sits between commas: It's cheap. However, it works.
But or although: which one?
They can say almost the same thing, but although can open the sentence (Although it's cheap, it works) and but can't. Although also sounds a little more formal.