The word “but” is one of the most frequently used conjunctions in English. It helps us show contrast, disagreement, limitation, or an exception. While it’s extremely useful, relying on “but” too often can make your writing sound repetitive, blunt, or overly simple—especially in professional, academic, or polished content.
In 2026, strong communication is about clarity, tone, and flexibility. Using alternatives to “but” allows you to sound more fluent, thoughtful, and intentional. The right alternative can soften disagreement, improve sentence flow, and help your message feel more natural and human.
This article provides 30+ advanced alternatives to “but”, each explained clearly with meaning, usage tips, and real-life examples for ESL learners, students, and professionals.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “but” when:
- You want to sound more professional or academic
- You’re writing emails, reports, blogs, or essays
- You want to soften contrast or disagreement
- You want to avoid repetition in writing
- You’re aiming for clearer sentence flow
- You want to match a formal or polite tone
⚠️ Be careful or avoid when:
- Direct, strong contrast is needed (sometimes “but” is best)
- You’re speaking very casually and formality feels unnatural
30+ Other Ways to Say “But”
1. However
Meaning: Introduces a contrasting idea.
Usage: Formal and academic writing.
Tip: Often starts a new sentence.
Examples:
- The proposal is strong. However, the budget is limited.
- She worked hard; however, the result was disappointing.
- I understand your view. However, I see it differently.
- The device is fast. However, it overheats.
2. Nevertheless
Meaning: Despite what was just mentioned.
Usage: Reports, essays, professional writing.
Tip: Sounds confident and formal.
Examples:
- The task was difficult. Nevertheless, they succeeded.
- He lacked experience. Nevertheless, he performed well.
- The risks were high. Nevertheless, they continued.
- It was costly. Nevertheless, it proved valuable.
3. Nonetheless
Meaning: In spite of that.
Usage: Similar to “nevertheless.”
Tip: Ideal for formal contrast.
Examples:
- The schedule was tight. Nonetheless, the team delivered.
- The weather was poor. Nonetheless, the event went ahead.
- She felt nervous. Nonetheless, she spoke confidently.
- Sales declined. Nonetheless, growth is expected.
4. Yet
Meaning: Shows unexpected contrast.
Usage: Writing and speaking.
Tip: Short and impactful.
Examples:
- He is young, yet very capable.
- The task was simple, yet time-consuming.
- She was tired, yet she kept working.
- It’s risky, yet exciting.
5. Still
Meaning: Emphasizes contrast gently.
Usage: Conversational and written English.
Tip: Softer than “but.”
Examples:
- I understand your concern. Still, I disagree.
- The work is hard. Still, it’s rewarding.
- He failed once. Still, he didn’t quit.
- The plan has flaws. Still, it may work.
6. Though
Meaning: Despite something being true.
Usage: Informal or semi-formal.
Tip: Often appears at sentence end.
Examples:
- I like the idea. It’s risky, though.
- The room is small, though comfortable.
- He accepted the job, though reluctantly.
- It’s expensive. I might buy it, though.
7. Although
Meaning: Introduces a contrast clause.
Usage: Formal and academic writing.
Tip: Do not use with “but.”
Examples:
- Although it was late, they continued working.
- She passed although the exam was difficult.
- Although inexperienced, he learned fast.
- Although small, the company is growing.
8. Even though
Meaning: Strong emphasis on contrast.
Usage: Writing and speech.
Tip: More emotional than “although.”
Examples:
- Even though it rained, the match continued.
- She smiled even though she was anxious.
- Even though he tried, he failed.
- They traveled even though it was dangerous.
9. Whereas
Meaning: Highlights contrast between two facts.
Usage: Formal comparisons.
Tip: Ideal for essays.
Examples:
- She works remotely, whereas he works onsite.
- The old system was slow, whereas the new one is fast.
- Prices rose this year, whereas they fell last year.
- Tea is calming, whereas coffee is stimulating.
10. On the other hand
Meaning: Presents an opposite perspective.
Usage: Discussions and debates.
Tip: Use when weighing options.
Examples:
- The job pays well. On the other hand, it’s stressful.
- It’s convenient. On the other hand, it’s costly.
- The design is modern. On the other hand, it lacks warmth.
- He’s talented. On the other hand, he lacks experience.
11. That said
Meaning: Softens disagreement.
Usage: Professional and conversational.
Tip: Polite and balanced.
Examples:
- The idea has risks. That said, it’s promising.
- It’s not perfect. That said, it works well.
- The process is slow. That said, it’s reliable.
- He made mistakes. That said, he improved.
12. Instead
Meaning: Indicates an alternative.
Usage: Clear contrast or replacement.
Tip: Shows choice.
Examples:
- I didn’t call; instead, I emailed.
- She rested instead of working late.
- We postponed instead of canceling.
- He chose peace instead of conflict.
13. Rather
Meaning: Corrects or clarifies.
Usage: Formal and informal.
Tip: Often paired with “than.”
Examples:
- It wasn’t a mistake, rather a misunderstanding.
- He chose to stay rather than leave.
- She spoke calmly rather than angrily.
- It’s a delay rather than a failure.
14. Except
Meaning: Excludes one thing.
Usage: Clear limitations.
Tip: Be precise.
Examples:
- Everyone agreed except Mark.
- The shop opens daily except Sunday.
- I like all colors except yellow.
- The plan works except for one issue.
15. Only
Meaning: Adds restriction.
Usage: Spoken English.
Tip: Word placement matters.
Examples:
- I’d help, only I’m busy.
- The solution works, only temporarily.
- He agreed, only with conditions.
- It’s good, only expensive.
16. Even so
Meaning: Despite that fact.
Usage: Formal or reflective tone.
Tip: Calm contrast.
Examples:
- He was warned. Even so, he continued.
- The odds were low. Even so, they tried.
- It’s risky. Even so, it’s worth it.
- She was tired. Even so, she smiled.
17. In contrast
Meaning: Highlights differences.
Usage: Academic writing.
Tip: Good for analysis.
Examples:
- The first method failed. In contrast, the second succeeded.
- Summer is hot. In contrast, winter is cold.
- Old models were slow. In contrast, new ones are efficient.
- His tone was calm. In contrast, hers was aggressive.
18. By contrast
Meaning: Similar to “in contrast.”
Usage: Formal writing.
Tip: Use for comparison.
Examples:
- Sales dropped last year. By contrast, this year improved.
- The city is busy. By contrast, the village is quiet.
- He rushed. By contrast, she was careful.
- Costs increased. By contrast, profits fell.
19. Alternatively
Meaning: Offers another option.
Usage: Instructions, suggestions.
Tip: Useful in problem-solving.
Examples:
- You can email us. Alternatively, call support.
- Work from home. Alternatively, use the office.
- Take the train. Alternatively, drive.
- Submit online. Alternatively, mail the form.
20. Otherwise
Meaning: If not.
Usage: Warnings or conditions.
Tip: Logical contrast.
Examples:
- Leave now, otherwise you’ll be late.
- Follow instructions; otherwise, errors occur.
- Save your work, otherwise it may be lost.
- Act fast, otherwise the chance is gone.
21. At the same time
Meaning: Shows balance or duality.
Usage: Thoughtful discussion.
Tip: Neutral tone.
Examples:
- It’s challenging. At the same time, it’s rewarding.
- He’s strict. At the same time, he’s fair.
- The job is demanding. At the same time, it’s exciting.
- It’s costly. At the same time, it’s valuable.
22. Despite this
Meaning: In spite of what was said.
Usage: Formal writing.
Tip: Connects ideas clearly.
Examples:
- The test was hard. Despite this, she passed.
- Funding was low. Despite this, progress continued.
- The market is unstable. Despite this, growth continues.
- He failed once. Despite this, he persisted.
23. All the same
Meaning: Even so.
Usage: Conversational.
Tip: Gentle contrast.
Examples:
- It’s risky. All the same, I’ll try.
- He’s busy. All the same, he helped.
- The weather was bad. All the same, we went.
- It’s difficult. All the same, it’s worth it.
24. Be that as it may
Meaning: Acknowledges but moves on.
Usage: Formal discussion.
Tip: Advanced expression.
Examples:
- The concerns are valid. Be that as it may, we must act.
- Mistakes were made. Be that as it may, progress continues.
- Opinions differ. Be that as it may, a decision is needed.
- Costs are rising. Be that as it may, demand remains strong.
25. Granted
Meaning: Accepts a point before contrast.
Usage: Persuasive writing.
Tip: Sophisticated tone.
Examples:
- Granted, it’s expensive, but it’s effective.
- Granted, he’s young, yet he’s skilled.
- Granted, the risk is real, still it’s manageable.
- Granted, mistakes happened, but lessons were learned.
26. While
Meaning: Shows contrast between two ideas.
Usage: Formal writing.
Tip: Avoid confusion with time meaning.
Examples:
- While the design is simple, it’s effective.
- He prefers speed, while she values accuracy.
- While costly, the product is reliable.
- While small, the team is efficient.
27. Still
Meaning: Reinforces contrast.
Usage: Spoken and written.
Tip: Emphasizes persistence.
Examples:
- He failed once. Still, he tried again.
- The task is hard. Still, it’s possible.
- She was nervous. Still, she performed well.
- It’s late. Still, let’s finish.
28. Conversely
Meaning: Indicates opposite situation.
Usage: Academic and formal writing.
Tip: Best for logical contrast.
Examples:
- Demand rose. Conversely, supply fell.
- He thrives under pressure. Conversely, she struggles.
- Online sales grew. Conversely, in-store sales declined.
- Some prefer risk. Conversely, others avoid it.
29. Notwithstanding
Meaning: Despite something.
Usage: Legal or formal writing.
Tip: Advanced vocabulary.
Examples:
- Notwithstanding the delay, the project succeeded.
- Notwithstanding challenges, progress continued.
- Notwithstanding criticism, he remained confident.
- Notwithstanding costs, quality improved.
30. Then again
Meaning: Reconsiders a point.
Usage: Informal reflection.
Tip: Natural in speech.
Examples:
- It might fail. Then again, it might succeed.
- He’s inexperienced. Then again, he learns fast.
- It’s expensive. Then again, it lasts longer.
- She may refuse. Then again, she might agree.
Bonus Section: Formal Alternatives to “But”
- However
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- In contrast
- That said
- Be that as it may
Final Writing Tips
- Match the tone to your audience and context.
- Use formal connectors in academic or business writing.
- Avoid repeating the same connector in one paragraph.
- Read sentences aloud to test flow and clarity.
- When unsure, choose clarity over complexity.
- Remember: sometimes “but” is still the best choice.
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