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Usage of "but"
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I've encoutered some interesting combinations with "but" over the last months and would be glad if someone could check if I got them right. Let's put them in an example sentence:
"He's anything but a fool when it comes to economics" means that he's definitely no fool but not necessarily an expert either.
"He's all but a fool when it comes to economics" says that he has no clue about the matter and indeed is the proclaimed fool.
"He's but a fool when it comes to economics" is just a short version of the first sentence.
"He isn't anything but a fool when it comes to economics" is just the usual emphasizing double-negation in English, so it's a stronger version of the first one, meaning he's not inexperienced to a degree that he'd almost count as a professional.
Edit: another option: "He's nothing but a fool when it comes to economics" meaning he's utterly stupid in that regard.
Again: glad if anyone can help. Sincere thanks in advance!
Top Comment: “He’s but a fool” means he is very much a fool.
meaning of "but"
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Hi, I'm sometimes conflicted by the meaning of the particle "but". I came across the following sentence in a video game:
"You have but to make the choice to step through it."
What does it mean exactly ? Is it like:
"You absolutely want to make the choice to step through it"
?
Thanks for your time
Top Comment: In this context, it means 'only'. You dont have to do anything else but take the step
how to use 'but'
I have a long-standing confusion with this kind of 'but' usage. There is no contradiction between the previous and the latter, right? Then it's kind of 'and' situation. And I feel that 'but' can include 'and ''s meaning in my limited readings, which is extremely confusing since they are expected to have opposite meaning.
The context is that the seeds of saiyans' destruction are always on their own and nobody helps it.
what's the usage of it? Any other daily examples?
Top Comment: No, using "and" would change the meaning of the sentence slightly. The implication here is that you might think Freeza's clan taking control caused the Saiyans' destruction, but the process of their destruction started well before that. In other words, using "but" here creates an acknowledgement that the first factor contributed to the end outcome, but refutes the idea that it was the direct cause by introducing another, older cause instead.
Why is "but" used when refering to a single piece? What is the difference between "but" and "just" or "only"?
Main Post: Why is "but" used when refering to a single piece? What is the difference between "but" and "just" or "only"?
Top Comment: This is an older sense of the word "but". In this context, it means the same thing as ...removes even a single piece...
punctuation - Using a comma before "but" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Main Post: punctuation - Using a comma before "but" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
usage of the 'but-a' phrase - English Language Learners Stack Exchange
Main Post: usage of the 'but-a' phrase - English Language Learners Stack Exchange
Can you start a sentence with "but"?
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My teacher's assistant says that I shouldn't start a sentence with but. Here's what I said: "To do this, it provides safe and accessible venues where children can reach out for help. But this is not enough." I've never seen a strict grammatical rule that said, "Thou shalt not start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction."
Top Comment: Prof here in both the sciences and humanities. Here's my hot take: it's grammatically fine in the example you've given. Conjunctions can be used effectively to begin sentences in formal writing. But, because your TA is likely in charge of assessing your writing for the class, it's probably not worth fighting this battle. Just mentally roll your eyes and wait for next semester.