The word “but” is one of the most common connectors in English. It helps us show contrast, disagreement, or exceptions. However, using “but” too often can make writing sound repetitive, flat, or less professional.
Whether you’re writing an essay, email, blog post, or conversation, learning stronger alternatives to “but” helps your ideas flow better and sound more natural.
In this guide, you’ll discover 33+ effective alternatives to “but”, along with meanings, usage tips, and examples—perfect for students, writers, professionals, and ESL learners.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “but” when:
- You want your writing to sound more polished or professional
- You need smoother sentence flow
- You want to avoid repeating the same connector
- You’re writing essays, articles, emails, or formal messages
- You want to control tone (soft, strong, polite, or persuasive)
⚠️ Tip: Not all alternatives work in every situation. Some sound formal, while others are conversational—choose based on tone and audience.
33+ Other Ways to Say “But”
1. However
Meaning: Introduces contrast in a formal way
Usage: Formal or academic writing
Tip: Often follows a semicolon or period
Example: She studied hard. However, the exam was difficult.
2. Although
Meaning: Shows contrast at the beginning of a sentence
Usage: Formal or neutral tone
Tip: Usually followed by a complete clause
Example: Although he tried his best, he didn’t succeed.
3. Though
Meaning: A softer, more conversational form of “although”
Usage: Casual or semi-formal writing
Tip: Can appear at the end of a sentence
Example: I like the idea, though it’s risky.
4. Yet
Meaning: Shows unexpected contrast
Usage: Formal or literary tone
Tip: Works well in persuasive writing
Example: She was tired, yet she continued working.
5. Nevertheless
Meaning: Indicates contrast despite previous statement
Usage: Formal writing
Tip: Use when emphasizing persistence
Example: The task was difficult; nevertheless, he succeeded.
6. Still
Meaning: Shows continuation despite obstacles
Usage: Casual or neutral tone
Tip: Often replaces “but” in spoken English
Example: It was late, still we kept talking.
7. On the other hand
Meaning: Presents an opposing point
Usage: Comparisons or balanced arguments
Tip: Often paired with “on one hand”
Example: I like the pay. On the other hand, the hours are long.
8. Even so
Meaning: Despite what was just said
Usage: Slightly formal
Tip: Good for persuasive writing
Example: The plan failed. Even so, we learned a lot.
9. Except that
Meaning: Points out a specific limitation
Usage: Clarifying exceptions
Tip: Keep sentences short
Example: The plan was perfect, except that it was expensive.
10. Whereas
Meaning: Highlights contrast between two ideas
Usage: Formal or academic writing
Tip: Best used in comparisons
Example: He likes tea, whereas she prefers coffee.
11. Still and yet (combo usage)
Meaning: Strong contrast
Usage: Emphasis in writing
Example: It was risky; still, he accepted the challenge.
12. In contrast
Meaning: Shows direct difference
Usage: Formal comparisons
Tip: Often starts a new sentence
Example: She enjoys silence. In contrast, he loves noise.
13. Only that
Meaning: Softens disagreement
Usage: Polite speech
Tip: Good for professional feedback
Example: Your idea works, only that it needs more detail.
14. On the contrary
Meaning: Strong disagreement
Usage: Formal or argumentative writing
Tip: Use when correcting someone
Example: He didn’t fail; on the contrary, he improved.
15. Except
Meaning: Excludes one detail
Usage: Simple explanations
Tip: Works best in short sentences
Example: Everyone came except John.
16. Still, though
Meaning: Casual contrast
Usage: Spoken English
Example: It’s expensive. Still, though, I want it.
17. Alternatively
Meaning: Suggests another option
Usage: Formal writing
Tip: Useful in instructions
Example: You can call, or alternatively, send an email.
18. All the same
Meaning: Despite that
Usage: Conversational
Example: It’s risky, but all the same, I’ll try.
19. Then again
Meaning: Reconsidering a thought
Usage: Casual tone
Example: I might go. Then again, maybe not.
20. Notwithstanding
Meaning: In spite of
Usage: Very formal
Tip: Common in legal or academic writing
Example: Notwithstanding the delay, the project continued.
21. Though still
Meaning: Mild contrast
Usage: Narrative writing
Example: He was tired, though still determined.
22. Be that as it may
Meaning: Acknowledges a point but moves on
Usage: Formal speech
Example: Be that as it may, we must continue.
23. Instead
Meaning: Offers an alternative
Usage: Everyday language
Example: She didn’t call; instead, she texted.
24. With that said
Meaning: Shifts perspective
Usage: Conversational or professional
Example: With that said, let’s move forward.
25. Granted
Meaning: Accepts a point before countering
Usage: Formal argument
Example: Granted, it’s expensive, but it’s worth it.
26. Whereas still
Meaning: Highlights contrast carefully
Usage: Formal tone
Example: He prefers mornings, whereas still I work at night.
27. On the flip side
Meaning: Casual contrast
Usage: Friendly writing
Example: The job is hard. On the flip side, it pays well.
28. Despite that
Meaning: Emphasizes continuation
Usage: Neutral tone
Example: It rained. Despite that, the event continued.
29. Alternatively speaking
Meaning: Suggests a different viewpoint
Usage: Formal explanation
Example: Alternatively speaking, we could delay the launch.
30. That said
Meaning: Soft transition to a new point
Usage: Professional writing
Example: That said, improvements are still needed.
31. Still yet
Meaning: Emphasizes persistence
Usage: Narrative tone
Example: He failed once, still yet tried again.
32. Conversely
Meaning: Shows opposite idea
Usage: Formal writing
Example: She prefers coffee; conversely, he likes tea.
33. Even then
Meaning: Despite circumstances
Usage: Reflective tone
Example: He knew the risk—even then, he continued.
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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