GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

PAGE 325
246 Words meaning 'but'
246 Words meaning 'but'
1 As well as the conjunction but, we can use the adverb though.
We found an Information Centre, but it was closed.
We found an Information Centre. It was closed, though.
But always comes at the beginning of the clause and though (as an adverb) in end
position. Though is rather informal.
NOTE
a We can also use though as a short form of the conjunction although. • (3)
We found an Information Centre, though it was closed.
b There is a special use of may in a clause followed by but.
These pens are cheap/may be cheap, but they're useless.
2 We can also use the adverbs however and nevertheless.
The Great Fire destroyed much of London. However/Nevertheless, only six people
lost their lives.
These adverbs are a little formal. They often go in front or end position. They can
also sometimes go in mid position or after the subject.
Only six people, however, lost their lives.
We can also use even so and all the same. They usually go in front or end position.
She has lots of friends. Even so/All the same she often feels lonely.
NOTE
Yet and still are usually adverbs of time; • 210(2). Yet can also be a conjunction meaning
'but'. It is a little formal.
There was widespread destruction, yet only six people died.
Still can be an adverb meaning 'but'.
I know flying is safe. Still, you won't find me on an aeroplane.
3 We can use a sub clause with the conjunction although. The sub clause comes
before or after the main clause.
Although the Great Fire destroyed much of London, only six people died.
I drank the beer although I didn't want it.
Compare the use of but.
I didn't want the beer, but I drank it.
In informal English we can use though as a conjunction.
The team lost, though/although they played quite well.
Even though is more emphatic than although.
My father runs marathons, even though he's sixty.
NOT even although he's sixty
NOTE
There is a pattern with as or though where an adjective or adverb goes in front position.
Much as I like Tom, he does get on my nerves sometimes.
Strange though it may seem, I've never been to Paris.
4 We can use the prepositions in spite of and despite with a noun or gerund.
In spite of/Despite the widespread destruction, only six people died.
The family always enjoy themselves in spite of having/despite having no money.
NOT despite of having