1. Connecting Contrasting Ideas:
* I love to eat pizza, but I'm trying to eat healthier these days. (Contrasting preferences)
* The weather was beautiful, but the beach was crowded. (Contrasting aspects of a situation)
2. Introducing a Surprising or Unexpected Element:
* He was a talented artist, but he never finished his painting. (Unexpected outcome)
* The car was old, but it ran perfectly. (Surprising fact)
3. Showing a Contrast between Actions or Events:
* I tried to call you, but your phone was off. (Contrasting attempts and results)
* She wanted to stay, but her family needed her. (Contrasting desires and obligations)
4. Introducing an Exception:
* Everyone enjoyed the party, but my aunt left early. (Exception to a general statement)
* All the houses on the street are painted white, but one is blue. (Exception to a pattern)
5. Connecting Related Clauses:
* We finished our work early, but we didn't have time to celebrate. (Two related actions)
* She apologized for her mistake, but it wasn't enough to make up for the damage. (Two related events)
Important Grammar Note: "But" is a conjunction, so it is usually placed between two independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence.