► but conjunction used to join two words or parts of a sentence, when you say something that is different or surprising compared with what you just said:
Rob is a very nice guy, but I don’t want to go out with him.It was sunny but cold outside. ➔ GRAMMAR: In formal writing you should not start a sentence with but. ► however adverb (formal) used when mentioning something that is different or surprising compared with what you just said:
The vegetables tasted good. The meat loaf, however, was terrible.The senator felt better after a few minutes. However, the doctor said he should go to the hospital anyway. ➔ GRAMMAR: However is sometimes used at the beginning of a sentence, but is most often used in the middle of a sentence.► still adverb in spite of what has just been mentioned:
He wasn’t always very nice to me. Still, I miss him. ➔ GRAMMAR: Still is used at the beginning of a sentence.► nevertheless AWL also nonetheless adverb (formal) in spite of what has just been mentioned:
It was a terrible accident. Nevertheless, traveling by air is still safer than traveling by car.They haven’t won a single game, but the team is nonetheless showing great improvement. ➔ GRAMMAR: Nevertheless and nonetheless are often used at the beginning of a sentence.► then again adverb (informal) used when mentioning something different that is also true:
He might lend us the money. Then again, he might not. ➔ GRAMMAR: Then again is used at the beginning of a sentence or after “but”ː I was nervous, but then again, I was excited too.► on the other hand adverb used when mentioning a very different fact or idea:
This change may be significant. On the other hand, it could just be a coincidence. ➔ GRAMMAR: On the other hand is often used at the beginning of a sentence.