Learn How to Use âBUTâ âĄ
(Contrast Connector)
What âBUTâ Does đŻ
Use âbutâ 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 couldnât afford it at the time. But now I finally have the money, and guess what? I still havenât gone! Lifeâs funny like that â sometimes you have the chance, but no time to take it.”
Example đĄ
“Last year I was completely broke, but now I have a job and Iâm earning my own money.”
- Old memory (Past Simple): âLast year I was completely broke.â
- Connector: BUT â shows contrast between old and new situations.
- Recent event: âNow I have a job and Iâm earning my own money.â
Shortcut to Remember đ
BUT = Contrast Connector
Use it when the situation today is different from the past.
Vocabulary Booster đ
| Order | Expression | Tense | Meaning / Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | âŠbut now I⊠| Present Simple | To show a current situation is different. | âI used to work nights, but now I work from home during the day.â |
| 2. | âŠbut now Iâm⊠| Present Continuous | To describe a new, ongoing action. | âLast year I was broke, but now Iâm earning my own money.â |
| 3. | âŠbut now Iâve⊠| Present Perfect | To express a new accomplishment. | âI failed my English exam last year, but now Iâve passed it.â |
| 4. | âŠbut now Iâve been⊠| Present Perfect Continuous | To emphasize progress. | âI used to avoid exercise, but now Iâve been going to the gym regularly.â |
| 5. | âŠbut recently Iâve⊠| Present Perfect | To highlight a recent change. | âI didnât like coffee, but recently Iâve started drinking it every morning.â |
| 6. | âŠbut today Iâm⊠| Present Continuous | To show a shift happening right now. | âI didnât have the courage to open my bakery, but today Iâm leading a kitchen team.â |
| 7. | âŠbut this year Iâve⊠| Present Perfect | To contrast this year with the past. | âI didnât travel much before, but this year Iâve been to five cities.â |

