1. Connecting Contrasting Ideas:
* I love to eat pizza, but I'm trying to eat healthier. (You like pizza, but you're trying to change your diet.)
* The weather was beautiful, but I didn't have time to enjoy it. (The weather was nice, but you were busy.)
2. Showing Unexpected Results:
* I studied hard for the test, but I still failed. (You studied, but you didn't get the result you wanted.)
* She was tired, but she decided to go for a walk anyway. (She was tired, but she still went for a walk.)
3. Expressing a Concession:
* I know you're busy, but could you please help me with this? (You acknowledge their busyness, but still ask for help.)
* I understand your concerns, but I still think this is the best solution. (You acknowledge their concerns, but you still think your solution is better.)
4. Contrasting Expectations:
* I thought the movie was going to be boring, but it was actually really entertaining. (You expected something different, but the reality was better.)
* I was expecting a large crowd, but there were only a few people there. (You thought there would be more people, but there were fewer.)
5. Using "But" in a Negative Sense:
* I don't like to eat vegetables, but I know I should. (You don't like them, but you recognize the need to eat them.)
* He didn't want to go to the party, but he knew he had to. (He didn't want to, but he felt obligated to.)
Remember, "but" is a powerful word that can change the meaning of a sentence. Use it carefully and strategically to emphasize contrast, surprise, or concession.