Keyword: but
Grammatical Overview
But is one of the most highly frequent and versatile structural words in the English language. Most commonly, it functions as a coordinating conjunction to link two contrasting ideas or clauses, signaling a shift in expectation (e.g., I wanted to go, but I was too tired). Beyond coordination, it operates as a preposition meaning "except" (e.g., everyone but me) and an adverb meaning "only" (e.g., she is but a child). Mastering this keyword is essential, as it drives several high-level correlative patterns and idiomatic discourse markers that organize complex thoughts in both speech and writing.
🗺️ Pattern Map (Colligation & Grammar)
Pattern 1: not only... but also... (Correlative Conjunction)
- Structure:
not only + [A] + but also + [B](Requires parallel structure) - Meaning: Used to emphasize that two related things are true, adding surprising or impressive information.
- Examples:
- Not only is she a brilliant scientist, but she is also a gifted musician.
- He not only passed the exam but also achieved the highest score.
Pattern 2: all but + [adjective/noun] (Adverbial Phrase)
- Structure:
all but + [Adjective / Noun / Verb phrase] - Meaning: An idiomatic pattern meaning "almost completely" or "very nearly."
- Examples:
- The ancient manuscript was all but destroyed in the fire.
- Victory is all but guaranteed at this point.
🧩 Key Lexical Chunks (Collocations & Idioms)
Spoken & Written Formulaic Units
- last but not least: Used when mentioning the final item in a list to emphasize that it is just as important as the others.
- can't help but: Used to say that someone is unable to stop themselves from doing something or feeling a certain way.
🎴 Interactive Web Practice (10 Questions)
Practice 1: I enjoy going for long walks, ______ I don't like getting caught in the rain.
Answer:
but
Practice 2: Everyone ______ the manager knew about the surprise party.
Answer:
but
Practice 3: The team ______ only won the championship but also broke the national record.
Answer:
not
Practice 4: By the time we arrived, the food was ______ but gone.
Answer:
all
Practice 5: Not only did they finish the project early, ______ they also came in under budget.
Answer:
but
Practice 6: I can't help ______ wonder what would have happened if we had taken the other road.
Answer:
but
Practice 7: And ______, but not least, I would like to thank my parents for their support.
Answer:
last
Practice 8: The patient's recovery is all ______ a miracle.
Answer:
but
Practice 9: We had nothing ______ trouble with that old car before we finally sold it.
Answer:
but
Practice 10: She is not only incredibly smart ______ also deeply compassionate.
Answer:
but
🔗 Related Patterns & Chunks
- 🗺️ Pattern: not-only-but-also — Correlative conjunction for addition and emphasis.
- 🗺️ Pattern: all-but — Idiomatic phrase meaning "almost completely."
- 🧩 Chunk: last-but-not-least — Discourse marker for listing items.
- 🧩 Chunk: cant-help-but — Idiomatic phrase expressing a lack of control over an action or feeling.