Learn How to Use “BUT” ⚡
(Contrast Connector)
What “BUT” Does 🎯
Use “but” to connect an old memory with a recent event when the two situations contrast or oppose each other. It highlights how things have changed or turned out differently than expected.
Formula:
[Time indicator + Old memory (Past Simple)] + BUT + [Time indicator + Recent memory (Present / Present Perfect / Present Continuous)]
Using BUT
(contrast)
“Hey! You know what came to my mind today? Ten years ago, I planned a trip to Puerto Rico with my friends, but I couldn’t afford it at the time. But now I finally have the money, and guess what? I still haven’t gone! Life’s funny like that — sometimes you have the chance, but no time to take it.”
Example đź’ˇ
“Last year I was completely broke, but now I have a job and I’m earning my own money.”
- Old memory (Past Simple): “Last year I was completely broke.”
- Connector: BUT → shows contrast between old and new situations.
- Recent event: “Now I have a job and I’m earning my own money.”
Shortcut to Remember 🔑
BUT = Contrast Connector
Use it when the situation today is different from the past.
Vocabulary Booster 🚀
| Order | Expression | Tense | Meaning / Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | …but now I… | Present Simple | To show a current situation is different. | “I used to work nights, but now I work from home during the day.” |
| 2. | …but now I’m… | Present Continuous | To describe a new, ongoing action. | “Last year I was broke, but now I’m earning my own money.” |
| 3. | …but now I’ve… | Present Perfect | To express a new accomplishment. | “I failed my English exam last year, but now I’ve passed it.” |
| 4. | …but now I’ve been… | Present Perfect Continuous | To emphasize progress. | “I used to avoid exercise, but now I’ve been going to the gym regularly.” |
| 5. | …but recently I’ve… | Present Perfect | To highlight a recent change. | “I didn’t like coffee, but recently I’ve started drinking it every morning.” |
| 6. | …but today I’m… | Present Continuous | To show a shift happening right now. | “I didn’t have the courage to open my bakery, but today I’m leading a kitchen team.” |
| 7. | …but this year I’ve… | Present Perfect | To contrast this year with the past. | “I didn’t travel much before, but this year I’ve been to five cities.” |
