B1 Confusable-words 23 min read Medio

But vs. However: ¿Cuál es la Diferencia?

La gran diferencia es la puntuación: usa but para conexiones rápidas y casuales, y however para contrastes más formales con puntos y comas.
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Practícalo

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'but' to join two ideas in one sentence, and 'however' to start a new, more formal sentence.

  • Use 'but' with a comma to connect two clauses: 'I'm tired, but I'm working.'
  • Use 'however' at the start of a new sentence followed by a comma.
  • Never use 'however' as a simple replacement for 'but' between two commas.
Idea A + , but + Idea B ↔️ Idea A. However, + Idea B.

Overview

### Overview
Dominar el arte de expresar contraste es uno de los pasos más importantes para pasar de un nivel intermedio a uno avanzado en inglés. Como hispanohablante, ya tienes una ventaja: en español usamos constantemente conectores como pero, sin embargo y no obstante. En inglés, los dos pilares fundamentales para esto son but y however.
Aunque ambos cumplen la función de señalar una oposición o un cambio de dirección en el pensamiento, no son intercambiables desde el punto de vista gramatical ni estilístico.
Imagina que estás escribiendo un correo electrónico a un cliente o chateando por WhatsApp con un amigo que vive en Londres. Si usas but donde deberías usar however, podrías sonar demasiado informal o incluso gramaticalmente incorrecto. Por el contrario, si usas however en una conversación casual, podrías sonar innecesariamente rígido o pomposo.
Esta guía está diseñada para que entiendas no solo la regla, sino la lógica detrás de estas palabras, comparándolas con nuestra estructura en español para que nunca más dudes al elegir una u otra. Entender estas diferencias te permitirá articular ideas complejas con la precisión de un profesional y la fluidez de un nativo.
### How This Grammar Works
Para entender cómo funcionan estas palabras, primero debemos mirar sus etiquetas gramaticales. No te asustes por los términos técnicos; te los explicaré de forma sencilla comparándolos con el español.
1. But es una conjunción coordinante (Coordinating Conjunction)
En inglés, but pertenece al grupo de las llamadas FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Su función principal es unir dos partes de una oración que tienen el mismo peso gramatical. En español, equivale casi exactamente a nuestro pero.
Cuando usamos but, estamos creando un puente directo entre dos ideas dentro de la misma oración. Es como si pegáramos dos piezas de un rompecabezas. La relación es tan estrecha que la segunda idea se siente como una extensión natural de la primera, aunque sea para contradecirla.
  • I love the beach, but I hate the sand. (Amo la playa, pero odio la arena).
2. However es un adverbio conjuntivo (Conjunctive Adverb)
Aquí es donde las cosas se ponen interesantes. However no es una simple conjunción; es un adverbio que funciona como conector lógico. En español, su equivalente más cercano es sin embargo o no obstante.
A diferencia de but, however no pega las oraciones físicamente; más bien, actúa como una señal de tráfico que indica que la siguiente oración independiente va a contrastar con la anterior. Es una transición más pesada y formal. Gramaticalmente, however tiene mucha más libertad de movimiento dentro de la oración que but, algo que veremos más adelante.
El concepto de cláusulas independientes
Para dominar esto, debes recordar qué es una cláusula independiente: es una frase que tiene sujeto y verbo y que puede sobrevivir por sí sola como una oración completa.
  • but une dos cláusulas independientes en una sola oración larga.
  • however conecta la relación lógica entre dos oraciones que suelen estar separadas por un punto o un punto y coma.
### Formation Pattern
La puntuación es el área donde los hispanohablantes cometemos más errores, ya que en español somos mucho más flexibles con las comas. En inglés, la puntuación con but y however sigue reglas estrictas.
El patrón de but
Cuando but une dos oraciones completas (cláusulas independientes), siempre debe llevar una coma antes.
| Estructura | Ejemplo |
|---|---|
| Cláusula 1 + , but + Cláusula 2 | The hotel was expensive, but the service was poor. |
| Cláusula 1 + but + Adjetivo/Frase | The movie was long but exciting. (Aquí no hay coma porque 'exciting' no es una oración completa) |
El patrón de however
However es mucho más versátil, pero también más exigente con los signos de puntuación. Tienes tres formas principales de usarlo:
A. Al principio de una nueva oración (La más común):
Se pone un punto después de la primera idea, se empieza con However en mayúscula y se coloca una coma inmediatamente después.
  • The company faced many challenges. However, they reached their goals.
B. Entre dos cláusulas con punto y coma (Uso formal):
Si las dos ideas están muy relacionadas y no quieres separarlas por un punto, usas punto y coma (;).
  • The results were inconclusive; however, we decided to proceed.
C. En medio o al final de la oración (El toque sofisticado):
Esta es una característica que but no tiene. Puedes insertar however entre comas para dar énfasis.
  • The weather, however, was not what we expected.
  • The plan was risky. It was the only option, however.
### When To Use It
La elección entre but y however depende principalmente del contexto y del énfasis que quieras dar.
1. El nivel de formalidad
  • But: Es la opción por defecto. Se usa en conversaciones diarias, correos informales, mensajes de texto y literatura. Es directo y dinámico. Si estás hablando con un compañero de trabajo sobre el almuerzo, dirás: I'm hungry, but I have to finish this report.
  • However: Se reserva para contextos más formales o académicos. Se usa en informes de negocios, ensayos universitarios o presentaciones oficiales. Si estás escribiendo un análisis de mercado, dirás: The quarterly profits increased. However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.
2. La fuerza del contraste
  • But sugiere un contraste rápido, a veces casi una excepción o una corrección leve. Es como decir pero espera.
  • However prepara al lector para un cambio significativo. Es una pausa deliberada que dice:
    Presta atención, porque lo que viene ahora contradice o matiza seriamente lo anterior
    .
3. Situaciones de la vida real
  • En WhatsApp o redes sociales: Usa but. Escribir however en un chat casual puede sonar como si estuvieras escribiendo un contrato legal.
  • En una entrevista de trabajo: Puedes usar ambos. But para fluidez y however para estructurar tus argumentos con más autoridad.
  • En series de Netflix: Notarás que los personajes usan but el 90% del tiempo. However suele aparecer en boca de personajes que quieren sonar intelectuales, autoritarios o sarcásticamente formales.
### Common Mistakes
Como profesor, veo estos tres errores una y otra vez en estudiantes que hablan español. La mayoría ocurren por la interferencia de nuestra lengua materna.
Error 1: El Comma Splice con however
En español es perfectamente aceptable decir: *
Estudié mucho, sin embargo reprobé
*. En inglés, no puedes usar una simple coma antes de however para unir dos oraciones.
  • Incorrecto: I studied hard, however I failed the test.
  • Correcto: I studied hard; however, I failed the test. o I studied hard. However, I failed the test.
Este es el error número uno en los exámenes de certificación como el B1 Preliminary o el B2 First.
Error 2: Empezar todas las oraciones con But
Aunque en el inglés hablado es muy común empezar una frase con But, en la escritura formal se considera un estilo pobre.
  • Evita: The project was late. But it was high quality.
  • Mejor: The project was late, but it was high quality. o The project was late. However, it was high quality.
Error 3: Confundir however con anyway
Muchos hispanohablantes usan however cuando quieren decir de todas formas o en cualquier caso.
  • Situación: Si alguien te interrumpe y quieres volver al tema, no digas however. Di anyway.
  • However siempre necesita un contraste directo con lo que se acaba de decir.
### Contrast With Similar Patterns
Existen otros conectores que a veces se confunden con but y however. Aquí tienes una tabla comparativa para que veas dónde encajan.
| Conector | Tipo | Uso principal | Equivalente en español |
|---|---|---|---|
| But | Conjunción | Contraste directo y rápido dentro de una oración. | Pero |
| However | Adverbio | Transición formal entre ideas u oraciones. | Sin embargo |
| Although | Conjunción subordinante | Introduce una concesión (aunque). Necesita una oración principal. | Aunque |
| Yet | Conjunción | Similar a but pero con un matiz de sorpresa o persistencia. | Aun así / Pero aún así |
| Nevertheless | Adverbio | Mucho más formal que however. | No obstante |
But vs. Although
Although se usa para introducir un contraste que no impide que la otra parte de la oración sea cierta.
  • Although it was raining, we went for a walk. (Aunque llovía, fuimos a caminar).
  • It was raining, but we went for a walk. (Llovía, pero fuimos a caminar).
Nota que con although, la importancia recae en la acción principal (we went for a walk), mientras que con but, ambas partes tienen el mismo peso.
### Quick FAQ
1. ¿Puedo usar but al principio de una oración?
¡Sí! En el inglés moderno y hablado es totalmente normal. Sin embargo, en la escritura académica o muy formal, los profesores prefieren que uses However o que unas las dos oraciones con but y una coma.
2. ¿Es however siempre más formal que but?
Generalmente sí. Si quieres sonar profesional en una presentación o un ensayo, however es tu mejor aliado. Si estás contando una anécdota a tus amigos, quédate con but.
3. ¿Por qué however lleva tantas comas?
Porque es un elemento interruptor. Los adverbios conjuntivos necesitan estar aislados del resto de la oración para que el lector entienda que su función es conectar con la idea anterior, no modificar directamente al verbo que sigue. ¡Ojo con esto!
La coma después de however (cuando va al principio) es obligatoria.
4. ¿Puedo usar but y however en la misma oración?
No es recomendable. Sería redundante, como decir pero sin embargo en español. Elige uno de los dos según el nivel de formalidad que busques.

Punctuation Patterns for Contrast

Connector Position Preceding Punctuation Following Punctuation
but
Middle of sentence
Comma (,)
None
however
Start of sentence
Period (.)
Comma (,)
however
Middle (joining clauses)
Semicolon (;)
Comma (,)
however
Middle (parenthetical)
Comma (,)
Comma (,)
but
Start of sentence (informal)
None
None

Meanings

Both words are used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has just been said.

1

Direct Contrast

Showing a simple difference between two facts.

“He is tall, but his brother is short.”

“The car is old. However, it is very reliable.”

2

Concession

Acknowledging a fact before introducing a surprising contrast.

“It was expensive, but worth it.”

“The plan was risky. However, they decided to proceed anyway.”

3

Interruption/Correction

Using the word to stop a flow of thought and pivot.

“But wait, there's more!”

“The results were positive. However, we must consider the margin of error.”

Reference Table

Reference table for But vs. However: ¿Cuál es la Diferencia?
Característica But However
Rol gramatical
Conjunción coordinante
Adverbio conjuntivo
Puntuación
Coma antes (al unir cláusulas)
Punto y coma antes, coma después; o Punto antes, coma después
Tono
Informal, casual, directo
Formal, estructurado, contraste fuerte
Qué conecta
Dos cláusulas en una sola oración
Dos oraciones o cláusulas independientes
Uso
Contrastes simples, excepciones
Cambios significativos, ideas complejas
Inicio de frase
Común en lenguaje informal
Muy común, siempre seguido de coma

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
I would like to assist you; however, I am currently unavailable.

I would like to assist you; however, I am currently unavailable. (Offering assistance)

Neutral
I want to help, but I'm busy right now.

I want to help, but I'm busy right now. (Offering assistance)

Informal
I'd help, but I can't.

I'd help, but I can't. (Offering assistance)

Jerga
Wish I could help, but nah.

Wish I could help, but nah. (Offering assistance)

But vs. However: Mapa de Conceptos

Contraste y Concesión

But

  • Conjunción coordinante Connects two independent clauses.
  • Casual e Informal Used in everyday speech and writing.
  • Uso de Coma Typically preceded by a comma.

However

  • Adverbio conjuntivo Connects two sentences or independent clauses.
  • Formal y Estructurado Used in more formal or academic contexts.
  • Punto y Coma Requires specific punctuation like a semicolon before or period before, with a comma after.

But vs. However: Comparativa Rápida

But
I like cats, But my friend prefers dogs.
It's cheap, but the quality is low.
However
The report is due Friday; however, I'm almost done.
He tried his best. However, he still failed.

¿Cómo elegir But o However?

1

¿Estás uniendo dos ideas contrarias?

YES
Continúa
2

¿Ambas partes son frases completas por sí solas?

YES
Ve al siguiente paso
NO
Usa 'but' para un contraste simple dentro de la frase.
3

¿Quieres un tono casual y directo?

YES
Usa 'but' (con una coma antes).
NO
Siguiente paso
4

¿Necesitas sonar formal o marcar un contraste fuerte?

YES
Usa 'however' (con punto/punto y coma antes y coma después).

¡El contexto es clave!

🗣️

Usa BUT para:

  • • Mensajes con amigos
  • • Charlas casuales
  • • Subtítulos de Netflix
  • • Contradicciones rápidas
📝

Usa HOWEVER para:

  • • Entrevistas de trabajo
  • • Emails formales
  • • Ensayos académicos
  • • Presentaciones
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

1

I am tall, but my sister is short.

I am tall, but my sister is short.

2

It is sunny, but it is cold.

It is sunny, but it is cold.

3

I like tea, but I hate coffee.

I like tea, but I hate coffee.

4

She is tired, but she is happy.

She is tired, but she is happy.

1

The food was good, but the service was slow.

The food was good, but the service was slow.

2

I want to go. However, I have no money.

I want to go. However, I have no money.

3

He studied hard, but he failed the test.

He studied hard, but he failed the test.

4

It was a long trip. However, it was fun.

It was a long trip. However, it was fun.

1

We arrived on time, but the meeting had already started.

We arrived on time, but the meeting had already started.

2

The company is growing. However, profits are still low.

The company is growing. However, profits are still low.

3

I've seen that movie, but I don't remember the ending.

I've seen that movie, but I don't remember the ending.

4

The app is free; however, you must pay for extra features.

The app is free; however, you must pay for extra features.

1

The research is promising, but further testing is required.

The research is promising, but further testing is required.

2

The government promised reform. However, little has changed so far.

The government promised reform. However, little has changed so far.

3

She was exhausted; however, she refused to stop running.

She was exhausted; however, she refused to stop running.

4

The design is beautiful. It is, however, very difficult to build.

The design is beautiful. It is, however, very difficult to build.

1

The policy is effective in theory, but its practical application remains problematic.

The policy is effective in theory, but its practical application remains problematic.

2

The economy is recovering. However, the unemployment rate remains stubbornly high.

The economy is recovering. However, the unemployment rate remains stubbornly high.

3

He was a brilliant scientist, but his social skills were notoriously lacking.

He was a brilliant scientist, but his social skills were notoriously lacking.

4

The evidence is compelling; however, it does not constitute absolute proof.

The evidence is compelling; however, it does not constitute absolute proof.

1

The prose is elegant, but the narrative arc feels somewhat contrived.

The prose is elegant, but the narrative arc feels somewhat contrived.

2

The treaty was signed in haste. However, the long-term implications were not fully considered.

The treaty was signed in haste. However, the long-term implications were not fully considered.

3

The system is robust; however, it is not entirely immune to sophisticated cyber-attacks.

The system is robust; however, it is not entirely immune to sophisticated cyber-attacks.

4

The protagonist is flawed, but her resilience makes her deeply sympathetic.

The protagonist is flawed, but her resilience makes her deeply sympathetic.

Fácil de confundir

But vs. However: What's the Difference? vs But vs. Although

Learners try to use both in the same sentence.

But vs. However: What's the Difference? vs However vs. Nevertheless

They mean the same thing, but 'nevertheless' is much more formal.

But vs. However: What's the Difference? vs But vs. Yet

Both are FANBOYS, but 'yet' implies a sense of surprise.

Errores comunes

✗

I like cat but I like dog.

✓

I like cats, but I like dogs.

Missing comma and plural 's'.
✗

But I am hungry.

✓

I am hungry.

Starting a sentence with 'but' is too informal for basic writing.
✗

I am tall but, he is short.

✓

I am tall, but he is short.

Putting the comma after 'but' instead of before it.
✗

He is rich but he is sad.

✓

He is rich, but he is sad.

Missing the comma between two independent clauses.
✗

I like coffee, however I hate tea.

✓

I like coffee. However, I hate tea.

This is a comma splice. 'However' cannot join two sentences with just a comma.
✗

The car is old however it works.

✓

The car is old; however, it works.

Missing all punctuation for 'however'.
✗

I am tired however, I will go.

✓

I am tired. However, I will go.

Missing the period before 'however'.
✗

We wanted to go, however, it rained.

✓

We wanted to go; however, it rained.

Using 'however' as a coordinating conjunction (like 'but').
✗

The plan was good but, it was too expensive.

✓

The plan was good, but it was too expensive.

Incorrect comma placement after 'but'.
✗

However I tried, I failed.

✓

However hard I tried, I failed.

Using 'however' as an adverb of degree without the adjective.
✗

The results were significant, however, they were not conclusive.

✓

The results were significant; however, they were not conclusive.

Comma splice in academic writing is a major error.
✗

But, the evidence suggests otherwise.

✓

However, the evidence suggests otherwise.

Starting a formal academic sentence with 'But' followed by a comma is stylistically weak.
✗

He was however, a good man.

✓

He was, however, a good man.

Missing the first comma in a parenthetical 'however'.

Patrones de oraciones

I like ___, but I don't like ___.

The weather was ___. However, we decided to ___.

___ is a great city; however, it is very ___.

The project, however, was ___ by the ___.

Real World Usage

Texting a friend constant

I'm coming but I'll be late!

Job Interview common

I haven't worked in retail. However, I have great people skills.

Academic Essay very common

The data is limited; however, the trend is clear.

Social Media (Twitter/X) constant

Love the new update but the UI is weird.

Ordering Food occasional

I'd like the burger, but without onions please.

Business Email very common

We received your request. However, we need more information.

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⚠️

¡Cuidado con la puntuación!

El error más común es olvidar los signos con 'however'. Recuerda usar punto y coma antes o punto seguido: "It's late; however, I'm awake."
💡

Busca fluidez con 'But'

Usa 'but' cuando quieras una transición suave y rápida entre dos pensamientos dentro de la misma frase: "I'm hungry, but I'll wait."
🎯

Si tienes dudas, ¡separa!

Si no sabes cuál elegir, intenta dividir tu frase en dos. Si la segunda empieza el contraste, usa 'however': "I'm lost. However, I have a map."
🌍

Vibra formal vs. informal

En correos del trabajo o entrevistas, 'however' te hace sonar mucho más profesional y educado que empezar con 'But':
The report is ready; however, it needs review.
💡

Léelo en voz alta

Di tu frase. Si suena natural con una pausa pequeñita, usa 'but'. Si sientes que necesitas un descanso mayor, elige 'however':
We tried. However, the plan failed.
🎯

Varía tus conectores

No abuses siempre de los mismos. Prueba palabras como 'yet' o 'although' para que tu inglés sea más dinámico:
The tea is hot, yet very refreshing.

Smart Tips

It is almost certainly 'However'.

I failed. ___, I will try again. → I failed. However, I will try again.

Replace 'but' with 'however' to sound more polite and competent.

I like the idea but it's too expensive. → I like the idea. However, it is slightly beyond our budget.

Put 'however' between two commas right after the subject.

But the weather was bad. → The weather, however, was bad.

Stick to 'but'. Using 'however' too much in a bar or with friends can sound a bit stiff.

I want to go. However, I am tired. → I want to go, but I'm tired.

Pronunciación

/bət/

But Stress

In normal speech, 'but' is usually unstressed and sounds like /bət/.

how-EV-er, [pause]

However Pause

There is always a slight pause after 'however' when it starts a sentence, indicated by the comma.

Contrastive Rise

I like it, ↗ but... ↘

The voice rises on the first clause and falls after 'but'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

BUT is a Bridge (connects one sentence). HOWEVER is a Highway (moves you between two sentences).

Asociación visual

Imagine 'but' as a small piece of tape holding two papers together. Imagine 'however' as a large signpost standing between two separate buildings.

Rhyme

Use 'but' to stay in the same place, use 'however' to start a new space.

Story

A traveler reached a river. He wanted to cross, BUT he had no boat. He looked around for hours. HOWEVER, he eventually found a bridge further downstream.

Word Web

contrastoppositetransitionpunctuationcommasemicolonformal

Desafío

Write three sentences about your favorite food. Use 'but' in the first, 'however' at the start of the second, and 'however' with a semicolon in the third.

Notas culturales

British speakers often use 'mind you' as an informal alternative to 'however' at the end of a sentence.

In US and UK universities, starting a sentence with 'But' is often discouraged by professors to promote a more formal 'However'.

Using 'however' in emails is seen as a way to soften bad news or a disagreement.

'But' comes from Old English 'be-utan', meaning 'outside'. 'However' is a combination of 'how' and 'ever', appearing in Middle English.

Inicios de conversación

“

Do you prefer city life or country life? (Use 'but')

“

What is a movie you liked? (Use 'however')

“

Discuss the pros and cons of social media.

“

Argue for or against remote work.

Temas para diario

Write about a time you had a problem on vacation. Use 'but' at least three times.
Compare two cities you have visited. Use 'however' to show the differences in a formal way.
Write a short professional email declining a job offer. Use 'however' and 'nevertheless'.
Write a persuasive essay about climate change. Use 'however' in the middle of a sentence with commas.

Errores comunes

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

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Test Yourself

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Aquí 'but' funciona como conjunción, uniendo dos frases contrastantes de forma natural dentro de una sola oración.
Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
'However' necesita un punto y coma antes y una coma después para conectar dos ideas completas en una misma frase.
¿Qué oración usa 'however' correctamente?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Cuando 'however' conecta dos ideas independientes, debe llevar punto y coma antes y coma después.
Escribe la oración correcta en inglés.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
El 'pero' español se traduce directamente como 'but' en este contexto cotidiano y sencillo.

Score: /4

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. Opción múltiple

I love swimming, ___ I don't like the ocean.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: but
We are joining two clauses in one sentence with a comma.
Fill in the blank with 'but' or 'however'.

The exam was difficult. ___, I passed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: However
The word starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma.
Fix the punctuation in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am tired, however I will finish.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above
The original was a comma splice. All options provide a grammatically correct fix.
Rewrite the sentence using 'however'. Sentence Transformation

It was raining, but we went to the park.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It was raining. However, we went to the park.
'However' needs a period before it and a comma after it.
Which word fits the punctuation? '____, the results were good.' Grammar Sorting

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: However
Only 'However' is typically followed by a comma at the start of a sentence.
Match the connector to its register. Match Pairs

1. But, 2. However, 3. Nevertheless

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Informal, 2-Neutral/Formal, 3-Very Formal
'But' is the most casual, while 'nevertheless' is the most formal.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Did you like the hotel? B: It was clean. ___, it was too noisy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: However
The speaker is starting a new sentence to show contrast.
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct one:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is rich; however, he is unhappy.
The semicolon and comma combination is the correct way to use 'however' between clauses.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración. Completar huecos

I love playing video games, ___ I'm terrible at them.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: but
Encuentra y corrige el error. Error Correction

The forecast predicted rain; but, the sun came out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The forecast predicted rain, but the sun came out.
¿Qué frase es gramaticalmente correcta? Opción múltiple

Elige la oración correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The experiment yielded unexpected results. However, we need to re-evaluate our hypothesis.
Escribe la frase correcta en inglés. Traducción

Traduce al inglés: 'Me gustaría ayudarte. Sin embargo, no tengo tiempo libre ahora.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I would like to help you. However, I don't have free time now."]
Pon las palabras en orden. Sentence Reorder

Ordena las palabras para formar la frase:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She wanted to eat salad, but her friend ordered pizza
Une cada conector con su función gramatical. Match Pairs

Empareja los términos:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Elige la palabra correcta. Completar huecos

The new policy faced some opposition; ___, it was ultimately approved.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: however
Corrige el error de puntuación. Error Correction

We planned a picnic, however the weather turned bad.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We planned a picnic; however, the weather turned bad.
¿Cuál es el uso correcto del conector? Opción múltiple

Selecciona la oración gramaticalmente correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The flight was expensive, but it was worth it for the experience.
Escribe la traducción al inglés. Traducción

Traduce al inglés: 'Aunque el café estaba caliente, lo bebí rápidamente.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Although the coffee was hot, I drank it quickly.","The coffee was hot, but I drank it quickly."]
Forma una oración coherente. Sentence Reorder

Ordena estas palabras:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The team missed the deadline. However, they delivered high-quality work.
Une el inicio con el final correcto. Match Pairs

Completa las frases:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

Yes, you can, especially in informal writing or speech. However, in very formal academic essays, it is better to use `However` or `Nevertheless`.

The comma signals a pause, showing that `however` is a transition word (conjunctive adverb) and not part of the subject or verb.

Yes, significantly. `But` is neutral and common in speech, while `however` is the standard for professional and academic writing.

Usually, no. It would be redundant. Choose the one that fits your punctuation and register.

A comma splice is when you join two full sentences with only a comma. Using `however` with just a comma (e.g., 'I'm tired, however I'm going') is a classic comma splice.

Yes! For example: 'The food was expensive. It was delicious, however.' This is common in spoken English.

If it is joining two independent clauses (full sentences), yes. If it is just joining two words (e.g., 'small but strong'), no comma is needed.

They are very similar, but `nevertheless` is even more formal and emphasizes that something happened *despite* the previous point.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

pero / sin embargo

Punctuation rules for 'pero' are slightly more relaxed than for 'but'.

French moderate

mais / pourtant

French 'mais' can be used at the start of a sentence more formally than 'but'.

German high

aber / jedoch

German 'jedoch' can move around the sentence much like 'however'.

Japanese moderate

demo / shikashi

Japanese doesn't use a comma before 'demo' in the same way English uses one before 'but'.

Arabic moderate

lakin / ma'a dhalika

Arabic sentences are often much longer, using 'but' to connect multiple ideas.

Chinese moderate

danshi / ran'er

The 'Although... but...' double connector is the biggest hurdle for Chinese learners.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Both, Either, Neither: Talking About Two Options
Next
Can: Expresar habilidad (Can)

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