✨ Lesson 22: The Conjunction 'but'
In our last lesson, we learned that the conjunction 'and' connects two similar ideas. Today, we will learn another important conjunction: but.
We use but to connect two different or opposite1 ideas. It shows a contrast2 or a surprise.
How to Use 'but'
We use 'but' to join two sentences that have different meanings. One idea is often positive3, and the other is negative4 or just different.
When 'but' connects two full sentences, we usually put a comma ( , ) before it.
- I like seafood, but my sister does not.
- He wants to go to the riverside, but it is raining.
- Kampot is a quiet town, but it is busy on holidays.
- She is very tired, but she needs to finish her homework.
'and' vs. 'but' Summary
This table helps you remember the difference.
| Conjunction | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | Connects similar ideas | The crab is fresh and delicious. |
| but | Connects opposite ideas | The crab is delicious, but it is expensive. |
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose 'and' or 'but'
Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentences.
- He is friendly, ___ he is also very shy.
→ but - We ate fish ___ rice for dinner.
→ and - I want to swim in the river, ___ the water is cold.
→ but - My teacher is kind ___ patient.
→ and
📝 Homework: Complete the Sentences
Complete the sentences with your own contrasting idea using 'but'.
Example: The sun is shining, but it feels cold.
1. I like watching movies, but ________________________.
2. Kampot pepper is famous, but ___________________.
3. She can speak English, but ______________________.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Opposite: (Adjective) - ផ្ទុយ (phtuy) - Completely different from something else. ↩
- Contrast: (Noun) - ភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា (phĭəp phtŭy khnēa) - A great difference between two or more things. ↩
- Positive: (Adjective) - វិជ្ជមាន (vĭch'cheə'mean) - In this lesson, a "yes" idea or a good idea. ↩
- Negative: (Adjective) - អវិជ្ជមាន (a'vĭch'cheə'mean) - In this lesson, a "no" idea or a different idea. ↩