B1 Confusable-words 23 min read Moyen

But vs. However: Quelle est la différence ?

La ponctuation, c'est la clé ! but connecte simplement, however marque un contraste plus formel et important. Pense punctuation, but, however.
Marquer comme appris
Entraîne-toi

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
Exprimer un contraste, c'est l'une des étapes clés pour passer d'un niveau débutant à un niveau intermédiaire (B1) en anglais. Tu ne peux plus te contenter de faire des phrases simples ; tu dois commencer à nuancer tes propos, à opposer des idées et à structurer ton argumentation. C'est là qu'entrent en scène but et however.
En français, nous avons la chance d'avoir le mot mais, qui est un véritable couteau suisse. On l'utilise partout : à l'oral, à l'écrit, en début de phrase, au milieu, de manière formelle ou décontractée. En anglais, c'est un peu plus subtil.
Si tu utilises but à tout bout de champ, ton anglais risque de paraître un peu répétitif ou trop informel dans un contexte professionnel. À l'inverse, si tu places mal however, ta phrase sera grammaticalement incorrecte, ce qui est une erreur classique chez nous, les francophones.
But et however servent tous deux à introduire une opposition, mais ils ne jouent pas dans la même catégorie grammaticale. But est une conjonction de coordination, tandis que however est un adverbe de liaison (ou adverbe conjonctif). Cette distinction, qui peut paraître technique au premier abord, est cruciale car elle détermine la ponctuation que tu dois utiliser et la place du mot dans ta phrase.
Maîtriser cette différence, c'est s'assurer de paraître plus naturel et plus précis, que ce soit pour écrire un e-mail au bureau ou pour raconter tes dernières vacances sur Instagram.
### How This Grammar Works
Pour comprendre comment ces deux mots fonctionnent, il faut regarder comment ils lient les idées entre elles. En anglais, comme en français, on cherche à éviter les répétitions et à créer un flux logique.
1. Le rôle de but (La conjonction)
But fait partie d'un petit groupe de mots que les anglophones appellent les FANBOYS (*for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so*). Son rôle est de relier deux éléments de même valeur grammaticale. Le plus souvent, il relie deux propositions indépendantes (des phrases qui pourraient exister seules) pour en faire une seule phrase complexe.
En gros, but crée un lien direct et immédiat. C'est le cousin germain de notre mais. Il indique que ce qui suit va tempérer ou contredire ce qui vient d'être dit, sans pour autant marquer une rupture nette.
  • I wanted to call you, but I lost my phone. (Je voulais t'appeler, mais j'ai perdu mon téléphone.)
Ici, l'opposition est fluide. On reste dans la même unité de pensée.
2. Le rôle de however (L'adverbe)
However est plus proche de nos mots cependant, pourtant ou toutefois. Contrairement à but, il ne sert pas techniquement à coller deux phrases ensemble. C'est un adverbe qui commente la relation logique entre deux idées distinctes.
Imagine que but est un pont qui relie deux îles, alors que however est un panneau de signalisation sur la deuxième île qui indique : "Attention, ce qui est écrit ici est en contraste avec l'île précédente". Parce que c'est un adverbe, il est beaucoup plus mobile. Tu peux le placer au début, au milieu ou même à la fin d'une proposition, ce qui est impossible avec but.
La nuance de force
Il y a aussi une question d'intensité. But introduit souvent un contraste attendu ou léger. However introduit souvent un contraste plus fort, plus formel, ou une information qui vient contrecarrer une attente importante.
Si tu rédiges un rapport financier ou une analyse philosophique, however sera ton meilleur allié pour marquer tes transitions avec élégance.
### Formation Pattern
C'est ici que les francophones font souvent des erreurs, car la ponctuation en anglais est plus rigide que la nôtre. Regardons comment structurer tes phrases correctement.
Structure avec but
La règle est simple : quand but relie deux propositions complètes (Sujet + Verbe), on place presque toujours une virgule avant but.
| Structure | Exemple |
|---|---|
| Phrase A, but Phrase B. | The hotel was expensive, but the service was poor. |
| Idée positive, but Idée négative. | She is very talented, but she lacks discipline. |
*Note :* Si tu relies juste deux adjectifs ou deux mots courts, la virgule n'est pas nécessaire : He is small but strong.
Structure avec however
However demande une ponctuation plus lourde. Tu as trois options principales :
Option A : Deux phrases séparées (Le plus courant)
On termine la première idée par un point, puis on commence la nouvelle phrase par however, suivi d'une virgule.
  • The marketing campaign was creative. However, it didn't reach the target audience.
Option B : Le point-virgule (Le plus élégant)
Si les deux idées sont très liées, on utilise un point-virgule avant however et une virgule après.
  • The results were unexpected; however, they provide valuable insights.
Option C : L'insertion (Le plus naturel à l'écrit)
On peut placer however après le sujet de la deuxième phrase, entre deux virgules.
  • The team worked hard. The results, however, were disappointing.
| Connecteur | Ponctuation typique | Position dans la phrase |
|---|---|---|
| but | , but | Toujours au milieu |
| however | . However, ou ; however, | Début, milieu ou fin |
### When To Use It
Le choix entre but et however dépend surtout du contexte et de l'effet que tu veux produire.
1. Pour la fluidité et la simplicité (Le quotidien)
Dans une conversation entre amis, au café ou sur les réseaux sociaux, utilise but. C'est direct et efficace.
  • I'm exhausted, but I'm going to the gym anyway.
C'est la structure de base que tu utiliseras 80% du temps à l'oral.
2. Pour le professionnalisme et la précision (Le bureau)
Dans un e-mail professionnel, une présentation ou un essai, however apporte une touche de sérieux. Il montre que tu structures ta pensée de manière analytique.
  • We appreciate your feedback. However, we cannot offer a refund at this time.
Ici, utiliser but rendrait la phrase un peu trop abrupte, presque impolie.
3. Pour mettre l'accent sur le contraste
Si tu veux que ton interlocuteur marque une pause et réalise vraiment l'importance de l'opposition, utilise however en début de phrase. Le point et la virgule forcent une respiration qui donne du poids à ton argument.
  • The software is free. However, you have to pay for technical support. (L'accent est mis sur le fait que ce n'est pas totalement gratuit).
4. Pour varier ton style
Si tu as déjà utilisé but dans la phrase précédente, passe à however pour éviter la répétition. Un bon locuteur B1 sait jongler entre les deux pour rendre son discours plus riche.
### Common Mistakes
En tant que francophones, nous avons des réflexes liés à notre langue maternelle qui peuvent nous trahir. Voici les pièges à éviter :
1. Le Comma Splice avec however
C'est l'erreur numéro 1. En français, on peut dire :
Il pleut, cependant je sors.
En anglais, tu ne peux pas utiliser une simple virgule avant however pour relier deux phrases.
  • Faux : It's raining, however I'm going out.
  • Correct : It's raining. However, I'm going out. ou It's raining; however, I'm going out.
*Pourquoi ?* Parce que however n'est pas une conjonction. Il n'a pas la force de coller deux phrases ensemble.
2. Commencer systématiquement par But
À l'école, on nous dit souvent qu'il ne faut jamais commencer une phrase par But. En réalité, les natifs le font tout le temps à l'oral ou dans un style journalistique. Mais pour un examen ou un document formel, évite-le. Préfère However pour démarrer une phrase.
  • Trop informel : But the weather was bad.
  • Mieux : However, the weather was bad.
3. Oublier la virgule après however
Quand however commence une phrase, il doit presque toujours être suivi d'une virgule. C'est ce qui indique que c'est un commentaire sur la phrase entière.
  • Faux : However I don't agree.
  • Correct : However, I don't agree.
4. Confondre but avec except
Parfois, en français, mais veut dire sauf (ex:
Tout le monde est là mais lui
). En anglais, on utilise but de la même façon, mais c'est un usage plus avancé. Ne sois pas surpris si tu vois Everyone but him was invited.
C'est correct, mais ici but ne fonctionne pas comme une opposition entre deux phrases.
### Contrast With Similar Patterns
Il existe d'autres mots pour exprimer le contraste. Voici comment ils se situent par rapport à notre duo :
| Mot | Niveau de formalité | Utilisation |
|---|---|---|
| Yet | Moyen/Soutenu | Proche de but, mais ajoute une notion de surprise. It's sunny, yet it's cold. |
| Nevertheless | Très formel | Équivalent de néanmoins. Très lourd, à réserver aux rapports officiels. |
| Though | Informel | Souvent placé à la fin de la phrase à l'oral. It was expensive. I bought it, though. |
| Although | Moyen | Introduit une concession (bien que). Although it was raining, we went for a walk. |
But vs Yet
Yet est un peu plus fort que but. Il implique que le contraste est illogique ou surprenant.
  • He studied hard, but he failed. (Triste, mais possible).
  • He studied hard, yet he failed. (Incroyable, on ne s'y attendait pas du tout).
However vs Although
Attention à la structure ! Although demande une suite immédiate dans la même phrase.
  • Although it was cold, we went swimming. (Bien qu'il fasse froid...)
  • It was cold. However, we went swimming. (Il faisait froid. Cependant...)
### Quick FAQ
1. Est-ce que je peux vraiment commencer une phrase par But ?
Oui, absolument, surtout à l'oral ou dans des e-mails décontractés. C'est un excellent moyen de donner du dynamisme à ton récit. Mais si tu écris une lettre de motivation ou un rapport pour ton patron, privilégie However ou commence ta phrase autrement pour paraître plus professionnel.
2. Où dois-je placer however pour paraître le plus naturel ?
Le plus simple est au début de la phrase (However, ...). Mais pour vraiment impressionner, essaie de le placer après le sujet : The budget, however, is limited. Cela donne un rythme très élégant et typiquement anglais à tes écrits.
3. Est-ce que but et however sont interchangeables ?
Au niveau du sens, souvent oui. Mais au niveau de la grammaire et de la ponctuation, jamais ! Tu dois choisir l'un ou l'autre en fonction de la structure de ta phrase. Si tu as déjà mis un point, choisis however. Si tu as une virgule, choisis but.
4. Pourquoi les Anglais utilisent-ils autant however ?
Parce que l'anglais aime marquer les transitions logiques de façon claire. However permet de guider le lecteur à travers des arguments complexes. C'est un signe de politesse intellectuelle : tu avertis ton lecteur que tu vas changer de direction.

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: Quelle est la différence ?
Caractéristique But However
Rôle grammatical
Coordinating Conjunction
Conjunctive Adverb
Ponctuation
Virgule avant (quand il relie des propositions)
Point-virgule avant, virgule après ; OU Point avant, virgule après
Ton
Informel, décontracté, direct
Formel, structuré, contraste fort
Relie
Deux propositions dans une seule phrase
Deux phrases ou propositions indépendantes
Utilisation
Contrastes simples, exceptions
Changements significatifs, idées plus complexes
Début de phrase
Courant informellement (moins formellement)
Très courant, toujours suivi d'une virgule

Spectre de formalité

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

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

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

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

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

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

Argot
Wish I could help, but nah.

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

But vs. However : Une carte conceptuelle

Contraste et Concession

But

  • Conjonction de Coordination Connects two independent clauses.
  • Décontracté/Informel Used in everyday speech and writing.
  • Ponctuation : Virgule Typically preceded by a comma.

However

  • Adverbe de Liaison Connects two sentences or independent clauses.
  • Formel/Structuré Used in more formal or academic contexts.
  • Ponctuation : Point-virgule/Point Requires specific punctuation like a semicolon before or period before, with a comma after.

But vs. However : Comparaison rapide

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.

Choisir But ou However : Un organigramme

1

Connectes-tu deux idées contrastées ?

YES
Continue
2

Les deux parties sont-elles des phrases complètes qui pourraient être autonomes ?

YES
Passe à l'étape suivante
NO
Utilise 'but' pour un contraste simple dans une seule proposition.
3

Veux-tu un ton décontracté et direct ?

YES
Utilise 'but' (avec une virgule avant).
NO
Passe à l'étape suivante
4

As-tu besoin d'un ton plus formel ou d'un contraste plus fort entre deux pensées distinctes ?

YES
Utilise 'however' (avec un point-virgule avant et une virgule après, OU un point avant et une virgule après).

Le Contexte est Clé !

🗣️

Utilise BUT pour :

  • • Envoyer des SMS à des amis
  • • Conversations décontractées
  • • Sous-titres Netflix
  • • Contradictions rapides
📝

Utilise HOWEVER pour :

  • • Entretiens d'embauche
  • • E-mails formels
  • • Articles académiques
  • • Présentations
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

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.

Facile à confondre

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.

Erreurs courantes

✗

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'.

Structures de phrases

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.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples
⚠️

Attention à la ponctuation !

Fais attention à la ponctuation de 'however', c'est l'erreur la plus courante ! N'oublie pas : point-virgule avant et virgule après, ou point avant et virgule après. Par exemple :
The report was late; however, it was excellent.
💡

Pense 'fluidité' pour 'But'

Utilise 'but' pour une transition fluide et rapide entre deux idées opposées dans la même phrase. Ça rend la conversation naturelle. Comme dans :
I like coffee, but I prefer tea.
🎯

En cas de doute, sépare !

Si tu hésites entre 'but' et 'however', essaie de couper ta phrase en deux. Si la deuxième phrase commence par un contraste, 'however' est souvent le bon choix. Par exemple :
I wanted to go. However, I was busy.
🌍

Ambiance Formelle vs. Informelle

Dans un contexte pro (e-mails, rapports, entretiens), 'however' sonne plus pro et soigné. Ça fait meilleure impression que de commencer une phrase par 'But'. Imagine que tu écris :
However, we must consider the budget.
💡

Lis à voix haute

Lis ta phrase à voix haute. Si ça sonne naturel avec une petite pause et un 'but', utilise-le. Si tu sens qu'il faut une pause plus forte, choisis 'however'. Essaie avec : "I'm tired, but I'll finish."
🎯

Varie tes connecteurs

Ne te contente pas de 'but' ou 'however' ! Varie les plaisirs avec d'autres mots de contraste comme 'yet', 'although', 'nevertheless'. Ton anglais sera plus riche ! Par exemple :
Although it was late, we continued.

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.

Prononciation

/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'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

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

Association visuelle

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

Défi

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.

Notes culturelles

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.

Amorces de conversation

“

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.

Sujets d'écriture

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.

Erreurs courantes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Choisis la forme correcte pour compléter la phrase.

The concert was sold out, ___ we still managed to get tickets from a friend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: but
Ici, 'but' agit comme une conjonction de coordination, reliant deux propositions contrastées dans la même phrase. Pas besoin de pause forte ni de ton formel.
Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

The restaurant was fully booked, however we found a table at a cafe nearby.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The restaurant was fully booked; however, we found a table at a cafe nearby.
'However' est un adverbe de liaison et nécessite un point-virgule avant et une virgule après lorsqu'il relie deux propositions indépendantes dans une seule phrase. L'option 'The restaurant was fully booked, but we found a table at a cafe nearby.' est aussi grammaticalement correcte mais change le mot, alors que l'instruction était de corriger la ponctuation avec 'however'.
Quelle phrase utilise 'however' correctement ? Choix multiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I was tired; however, I finished the report.
Quand 'however' relie deux propositions indépendantes dans une seule phrase, il doit être précédé d'un point-virgule et suivi d'une virgule.
Traduis en anglais : 'Quería ir al cine, pero tenía que trabajar.' Traduction

Translate into English: 'Quería ir al cine, pero tenía que trabajar.'

Answer starts with: ["I...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I wanted to go to the cinema, but I had to work.","I wanted to go to the movies, but I had to work."]
Le 'pero' espagnol se traduit directement par 'but' dans ce contexte, montrant un contraste simple entre deux actions. 'However' serait trop formel pour ce type de déclaration décontractée.

Score: /4

Exercices pratiques

8 exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. Choix multiple

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? Choix multiple

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
Choisis la forme correcte pour compléter la phrase. Texte trous

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: but
Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase. 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.
Quelle phrase est grammaticalement correcte ? Choix multiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The experiment yielded unexpected results. However, we need to re-evaluate our hypothesis.
Traduis en anglais : 'Me gustaría ayudarte. Sin embargo, no tengo tiempo libre ahora.' Traduction

Translate into English: '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."]
Arrange ces mots pour former une phrase : Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She wanted to eat salad, but her friend ordered pizza
Associe les termes : Match Pairs

Match the terms:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choisis le mot correct pour compléter la phrase. Texte trous

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: however
Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase. 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.
Quelle option présente une utilisation correcte d'un mot de contraste ? Choix multiple

Select the grammatically correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The flight was expensive, but it was worth it for the experience.
Traduis en anglais : 'Aunque el café estaba caliente, lo bebí rápidamente.' Traduction

Translate into English: '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."]
Arrange ces mots pour former une phrase : Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The team missed the deadline. However, they delivered high-quality work.
Complète les phrases : Match Pairs

Complete the sentences:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (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

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour t'entraîner

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: Exprimer la capacité (Can)

Vidéos associées

World's Cheapest vs Most Expensive Laptop! 16:06

World's Cheapest vs Most Expensive Laptop!
Asian parents & Hollywood DON'T MATCH | Best Jokes of Jimmy O. Yang! 15:46

Asian parents & Hollywood DON'T MATCH | Best Jokes of Jimmy O. Yang!
Adam Smith: The Grandfather Of Economics 17:10

Adam Smith: The Grandfather Of Economics
But vs However - La différence en anglais YouTube

But vs However - La différence en anglais

Anglais pour les Nuls
But vs However - La différence en anglais YouTube

But vs However - La différence en anglais

Anglais Facile

Related Grammar Rules

B1

Dialecte vs Langue : Quelle est la différence ?

### Overview Déterminer la limite exacte entre une `language` (langue) et un `dialect` (dialecte) est l'un des défis le...
B1

Nowadays vs. Now-a-days : Quelle est la différence ?

On va parler aujourd'hui d'un mot que tu as sûrement croisé mille fois en lisant des articles ou en regardant tes séries...
B1

Let them vs. Let they : Quelle est la différence ?

### Overview Comprendre la différence entre `let them` et `let they` est une étape cruciale pour franchir le cap du niv...
B1

Quite vs. Quiet : Quelle est la différence ?

### Overview L'anglais est une langue fascinante, mais elle peut être terriblement agaçante quand elle décide de créer...
B1

Said vs. Told : Quelle est la différence ?

### Overview Si tu as déjà hésité entre `say` et `tell` en plein milieu d'une phrase, rassure-toi : c'est l'un des obst...
Was this helpful?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !