Grammar: ✨ Grammar F: 🧩 Parts of Speech - Basics (A1) - Lesson 22: Conjunction 'but'

Grammar: Conjunctions

A2 Lesson 22: Connecting Contrasting Ideas with 'But'

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use the conjunction 'but' to connect two different or opposite ideas in a sentence.

Connecting Different Ideas

We use the conjunction 'but' to connect two ideas that are different or opposite. It shows a contrast, like a surprise or a change in direction.

➕ Adding Similar Ideas ('and')

Use 'and' when the ideas are similar.

Example: The crab is fresh and delicious.

➖ Contrasting Different Ideas ('but')

Use 'but' when the ideas are different.

Example: The crab is delicious, but it is expensive.

The Grammar Rule 📖

Using 'But' to Connect Sentences

When 'but' connects two complete sentences, we usually place a comma ( , ) before it. Notice how one idea is often positive (+) and the other is negative (-) or just different.

• (+) I like seafood, but (-) my sister does not.
• (+) He wants to go to the riverside, but (different idea) it is raining.
• (+) Kampot is a quiet town, but (different idea) it is busy on holidays.
• (-) She is very tired, but (+) she needs to finish her homework.

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise: Choose 'and' or 'but'

Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentences.

1. He is friendly, ___ he is also very shy.
   → but
2. We ate fish ___ rice for dinner.
   → and
3. I want to swim in the river, ___ the water is cold.
   → but
4. My teacher is kind ___ patient.
   → and
5. He studied hard, ___ he did not pass the exam.
   → but

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Complete the Sentences

Complete the following sentences with your own contrasting idea using 'but'.

1. I like watching movies, but ________________________.
2. Kampot pepper is famous, but ________________________.
3. She can speak English, but ________________________.

Key Vocabulary

• Opposite (Adjective) | ផ្ទុយ
  Completely different from something else.
• Contrast (Noun) | ភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា
  A great difference between two or more things.
• Positive / Negative (Adjectives) | វិជ្ជមាន / អវិជ្ជមាន
  In grammar, a positive idea is a "yes" idea, and a negative idea is a "no" or different idea.