AEE 2357: But What About Conjunctions? English Grammar for Contrasts

Summary

All Ears English Podcast: AEE 2357 – But What About Conjunctions? English Grammar for Contrasts

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: February 13, 2025

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Introduction to Conjunctions: But vs. Though

In Episode 2357 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the nuanced differences between the conjunctions "but" and "though." Building on a listener's question, the episode aims to clarify when and how to appropriately use these commonly confused words to enhance English fluency and natural conversation skills.

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Listener's Question and Episode Inspiration

The episode kicks off with Lindsay and Michelle addressing a question from a YouTube viewer, satv1gt, who inquired about the differences between "but" and "though" and whether one can appear in the middle of phrases while the other ends them. Michelle introduces the episode as a continuation of a previous discussion on "though" from episode 2346, encouraging listeners to catch up if they haven't tuned in yet.

Michelle: "What a good morning. Thanks to you, Lindsay and Aubrey. You're doing a great job. I love this so much. It's an amazing morning because I listened to the All Ears English podcast." [03:18]

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Understanding "But" as a Coordinating Conjunction

Michelle explains that "but" is typically used mid-sentence to connect two independent clauses, highlighting a contrast between them. She provides clear examples to illustrate its usage:

Michelle: "We don't usually eat out, but we didn't feel like cooking today." [05:51]

Lindsay: "I was supposed to have class today, but it canceled." [05:33]

Lindsay adds that "but" not only links contrasting ideas but also helps in varying tone, preventing monotony in speech.

Lindsay: "The conjunction 'but' allows you to have kind of a benchmark or a sign post or separation in what you're saying. So you're not monotone." [06:15]

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When to Use "Though" Instead of "But"

While "but" serves as a standard conjunction for contrasts, "though" offers a more flexible placement within sentences—at the beginning, middle, or end. Michelle emphasizes that "though" often adds spontaneity and emphasis to the contrast being presented.

Michelle: "You're thinking out loud and this is a lot of what we do in English... It's fluid, it's flexible." [09:20]

She demonstrates this with examples:

Lindsay: "I'm hoping Mark comes to the party, though he didn't come last time, so I doubt it." [09:46]

Michelle: "I'm hoping Mark comes to the party, but he didn't come last time, so I doubt it." [09:37]

Lindsay notes that starting a sentence with "though" can add a layer of spontaneity, making the conversation feel more natural and less rigid compared to the more structured "but."

Lindsay: "The way we speak our native languages or English is we're thinking of what's going on as we're saying it exactly right." [08:59]

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Starting Sentences with "But" in Conversational English

Addressing common academic advice against starting sentences with "but," Lindsay and Michelle clarify that in everyday conversation, beginning a sentence with "but" is perfectly acceptable and can enhance the flow of dialogue.

Michelle: "If you are speaking, absolutely, there's no reason not to [start with 'but']." [08:20]

Lindsay: "Never let the rules of writing a paper get in the way of connection." [08:44]

They provide a mini role-play to exemplify this usage:

Lindsay: "I'm leaving at 4:30 for the game." [07:41]
Michelle: "But I thought you had to be there at four." [07:44]

This exchange illustrates how "but" can effectively introduce a contrasting point within a natural conversation.

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Exploring Expressions with "If," "But," and "Though"

The hosts introduce fun expressions that incorporate these conjunctions, enriching the conversational repertoire of ESL learners.

1. "No ifs, ands, or buts": This phrase conveys certainty or definitiveness, often used to dismiss excuses.

   Michelle: "No ifs, ands, or buts. This is a great expression that means certainly or definitely." [11:43]

   Example in context:

   Michelle: "We're going to Disneyland this year. No ifs, ands, or buts." [11:56]

2. "No buts": A shortened version of the above, used similarly to emphasize that no excuses will be accepted.

   Michelle: "We might also just say no buts. We'll just say, 'No excuses.'" [12:31]

   Demonstration through role-play:

   Michelle: "No buts. You have to be there." [12:19]

   Lindsay: "Yes. You're coming." [12:45]

These expressions serve to assert intentions or decisions firmly yet playfully, fostering engaging interactions.

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Role-Playing Conversations to Demonstrate Usage

To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in role-plays that showcase the practical application of "but" and "though," as well as the expressions discussed.

Family Reunion Scenario:

Lindsay: "I'm so glad you made it. Your parents usually come, but I don't think I've seen you at one of these before." [12:55]

Michelle: "I know it's the first time I've been able to attend. Something always comes up. But this time I was like, I'm going, no ifs, ands, or buts." [13:11]

Michelle: "Though she did beat me at Uno this morning." [13:22]

In this exchange:

• "But" is used to contrast previous absence with current attendance.
• "No ifs, ands, or buts" emphasizes the decision to attend.
• "Though" introduces a spontaneous, contrasting thought, adding humor and relatability.

Lindsay highlights the subtle differences in using "but" versus "though," noting that "though" can introduce an unplanned contrast, enhancing conversational flow.

Lindsay: "You just hear it a lot. You can absolutely use it." [08:20]

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Key Takeaways and Conclusions

The episode wraps up with Lindsay and Michelle summarizing the critical points about "but" and "though":

1. "But" is a reliable conjunction for introducing contrasts within sentences, suitable for both written and spoken English.

   Michelle: "But is typically in the middle of a sentence as a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses." [05:23]

2. "Though" offers flexibility and spontaneity, often used to emphasize contrasts in spoken conversation.

   Michelle: "It's fluid, it's flexible. So often you just throw it in because you realize I need to emphasize this contrast." [09:20]

3. Starting Sentences with "But" is acceptable in conversational English, enhancing natural dialogue and preventing monotony.

   Michelle: "If you are speaking, absolutely, there's no reason not to." [08:20]

4. Expressions like "No ifs, ands, or buts" and "No buts" are useful for emphasizing certainty and dismissing excuses, adding color to everyday interactions.

   Michelle: "This is good. So for me, it's more common to hear no ifs, ands, or buts." [12:45]

Lindsay and Michelle encourage listeners to practice these conjunctions and expressions to achieve more natural and fluent English communication, emphasizing that mastering these subtle differences can significantly enhance conversational skills.

Lindsay: "Connection and verbal expression is so different from writing a paper. Never let the rules of writing a paper get in the way of connection." [08:44]

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Next Steps for Listeners

Listeners are encouraged to:

1. Listen to Part One (AEE 2346): For a foundational understanding of "though."
2. Subscribe to the IELTS Energy Podcast: To access part three of the series, which will cover additional linking phrases for contrast.
3. Engage with the Community: Practice using "but" and "though" in conversations and explore the expressions like "no ifs, ands, or buts" to solidify their grasp of these conjunctions.

Michelle: "Your next action listeners, go over to 2346. Listen to part one of this series and then go and subscribe." [16:42]

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By dissecting the intricate uses of "but" and "though," Episode 2357 equips ESL learners with the tools to navigate contrasts in English seamlessly, fostering both grammatical accuracy and conversational fluency.

Transcript

[A]

This is an All Ears English podcast, episode 2357. But what about conjunctions? English grammar for contrasts? Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection. With your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz, and Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the All Ears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward/app.

[B]

When you're in an English conversation, how can you know whether to use but or though today? Find out the very subtle difference and how to use these two conjunctions. Do you struggle when new topics come up in conversation? Not sure how to transition to the next idea or jump in when a group of native speakers are having a conversation? These are all skills you build right here on Allers English. Plus. We believe in connection, not perfection when it comes to learning English. So we show you how to connect in English in any situation. Hit the follow button now to make sure you don't miss a single episode of All Ears English. Thank you. Hello, Lindsay. How are you?

[A]

Hey, Aubry. I'm doing well. How are you?

[B]

I am great. It's winter in Arizona.

[A]

Yes. Speaking of winter, what is your favorite season?

[B]

I would say winter in Arizona. Not winter in Idaho when it's snowy and cold.

[A]

But what about fall when, you know, just the hot air is cooling down and you can finally go outside and breathe? Isn't that a great time of year?

[B]

Not in Arizona. I would love fall in Colorado, and I did love fall growing up in the Northwest. But in Arizona, fall is hot and miserable. You're ready for it to cool down and it doesn't until, like, Christmas.

[A]

Oh my gosh. You kind of have six months of hot, miserable weather in Arizona and then.

[B]

Six months of beautiful weather.

[A]

Okay. All right.

[B]

But I love how you followed up your question saying, but what about fall? We often do in informal conversations, we will start a question with but we got a great question about but versus though, when to know which to use. And then we're also going to kind of dive into that advice to never start a sentence with but. Yes. Can you do that?

[A]

Yeah. There's a lot to talk about today. And today's episode is inspired by a YouTube viewer. A great question. Remember guys, we do have a YouTube channel for Allers English. Go over to YouTube and type in allers English and hit subscribe right away to be able to watch us on video. If that's how you prefer to learn, that is a good option for you, right?

[B]

Absolutely. And this was from satv1gt. It's always just like a YouTube handle. Yeah. So definitely your name. If you ask questions, if you want a shout out. Yeah. Please do read it for us. They said, what a good morning. Thanks to you, Lindsay and Aubrey. You're doing a great job. I love this so much. They're like, it's an amazing morning because I listened to the Allers English podcast.

[A]

We love that, we love that. We love that we can be a part of your day. It's an honor for us.

[B]

Yes, absolutely. And then they said, I was just wondering about the difference between but and though. Are they used for the same purpose? And can one of them be in the middle of phrases and the other in the end? Or is it. Is there more to it than this? So this is a great question and it's a followup. It's part two to part one was Allers English 2346 all about though. This is tricky English grammar, though.

[A]

So if you haven't consumed that one, I would stay on this episode and then when we finish, go back and consume part one. 23:46. Right.

[B]

You don't have to have heard that one first to hear that one. So stay to the end and then go check out that one and be sure you're following all three of our podcasts. Part three, three is going to be on IELTS Energy and we're going to share some other impressive linking phrases for contrast. Like though that would be great for the IELTS exam and just great for speaking and writing in general.

[A]

Exactly. I love it. So go and hit follow on the IELTS Energy podcast to be ready for part three in this series. Aubry, let's break it down. Where should we start today for our listeners?

[B]

Yeah, so you're going to hear all about though in part one, which can be at the beginning, middle and end. It's used a lot of different ways. Today we're focusing more on but. But we will talk about a time when we would use though instead of but. So stick around so you don't miss that. But is typically in the middle of a sentence as a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses. So these are sentences that could stand on their own, but it would be two simple sentences. We use a conjunction to combine them together to have a compound or a complex sentence. Yeah.

[A]

Lots of fancy Grammar, terminology there. But let's give our listeners a couple of examples so they can see what we're saying here. How about this one, Aubrey? I was supposed to have class today, but it canceled, right?

[B]

Yes. You can see it's used to introduce contrasting ideas. Right. Different conjunctions are used for different things and is definitely is just for more information, but is showing a contrast. So normally I have class, but today it was canceled. I might say we don't usually eat out, but we didn't feel like cooking today.

[A]

Exactly. So showing that contrast. And that is so important because we also change our tone of voice at the higher levels. We don't stay monotone as we insert the butt. Right. I saw. I heard your tone of voice change there, Aubrey. Could you say that second example again?

[B]

We don't usually eat out, but we didn't feel like cooking today.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You're going to have interesting intonation because it makes sense when you're showing a contrast.

[A]

So in some ways, this butt does more than just link the two contrasting pieces of the sentence. It allows you to have kind of a benchmark or a sign post or separation in what you're saying. So you're not monotone.

[B]

Exactly. It would be strange to just have two simple sentences. We don't usually eat out. We didn't feel like cooking today. So, you know, you'd still be like, so we did. It really wouldn't make sense. You need that conjunction to. To emphasize the contrast.

[A]

I love it. What else do we need to know here? Aubry?

[B]

Yeah. So if you are doing a deep dive on but you're likely going to see the advice to not use but to start sentences. This is for academic writing, formal writing, but as a stylistic choice, sometimes we will see it in writing. And you can. Absolutely. Especially for questions like Lindsay's follow up. But what about fall? Fall is am. We often will start a sentence with but when we're speaking.

[A]

Exactly. The writing techniques that I learned in, you know, high school don't apply to the way I speak and connect with human beings. Right. In English, in high school or in college, they tell you never start a sentence in a profession. A more academic paper with but. Fine. That's true. However, there's a lot of opportunities and you mentioned Aubry as a stylistic choice. If you read novels, you'll see that for sure.

[B]

Exactly. Yes. Right there. It's very intentional when that happens, but you'll hear it in conversations all the time. Let's do a little mini role play to show how that could happen.

[A]

All right. I'm leaving at 4:30 for the game.

[B]

But I thought you had to be there at four.

[A]

They pushed it back and it starts at five now. Yeah. So very common, of course.

[B]

Yes, yes. And I could say just, I thought you had to be there at 4 starting with. But does make it a little more informal, a little more conversational that they mean the same thing. And it does emphasize that contrast a little bit. Like. Oh, yeah, well, I thought it was this.

[A]

Yeah. You also could have said, I thought you had to be there at 4, though. I mean, that's conversational too. Right? You might see that. But I love the idea that it's just like, it's more direct. But I thought you had to be there at 4. But this. But that. You just hear it a lot.

[B]

Oh, yeah, you're going to hear it a lot. You can absolutely use it. So don't let this, you know, if you're thinking, oh, wait, I shouldn't start this with but no, if you are speaking, absolutely, there's no reason not to.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. And the idea of stopping and thinking, oh, my academic. Academic teacher told me not to do this. It. I think connection and verbal expression is so different from writing a paper. So never let the rules of writing a paper get in the way of connection.

[B]

Absolutely. Yes. Right. That's very good advice. Absolutely. So here's a question. Sometimes we will choose, though, over but when we are speaking. Writing to. But when we're speaking. When would we do that, Lindsay?

[A]

Yeah, I think when we need to really emphasize that contrast. Or. Oh, I like this one. Because it's all about spontaneity. When we realize the contrast is occurring as we're speaking. Because the truth is, the way we speak our native languages or English is we're thinking of what's going on as we're saying it exactly right.

[B]

It's fluid, it's flexible. So often you just throw it in because you realize I need to emphasize this contrast. So for example, I'll say a sentence with but and then you say it with though. Okay, Lindsay?

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I'm hoping Mark comes to the party, but he didn't come last time, so I doubt it.

[A]

Yeah. And here's the same thing. With though I'm hoping Mark comes to the party, though he didn't come last time, so I doubt it. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

And with. But it's sort of. You're just throwing out a statement with though there is that emphasis in the contrast. And I could see myself using though when it's like, as I'm speaking. I realize it's probably not going to happen. I hope. I'm hoping Mark comes, though. He didn't come last time, so I doubt it.

[A]

You're kind of thinking out loud and this is a lot of what we do in English, right? 100 this is the way to get to that natural level. So good you just realized that your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. When it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other sites. Indeed Sponsored Jobs helps you stand out and hire fast. With Sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster and it makes a huge difference. According to Indeed data, Sponsored Jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored Jobs. When I post jobs for my business, I need access to dozens of high quality candidates to choose from within just a few days. Speed matters when it comes to building your team, there's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at indeed.comae just go to indeed.comaee right now and support our show by saying heard about Indeed on this podcast. One more time, go to indeed.com a e e Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. Okay, Aubry, so let's go into a couple of interesting expressions using if, and but, but. Other buts.

[B]

Yes, these. We want to share a couple of fun ones. First is just no ifs, ands or buts. This is a great expression that means certainly or definitely. Right? You're wanting to emphasize your surety that something will happen.

[A]

I love it. Yes. So for example, we're going to Disneyland this year. No ifs, ands, or buts. Yes.

[B]

Yeah, we might use this. If we're wanting to tell someone we won't accept an excuse from them. And then we also shorten it and we'll just say no buts. Right? We might say, let's do a little mini role play to show this. So, okay, yeah, you're coming to my party Saturday, right?

[A]

Well, I.

[B]

No buts. You have to be there.

[A]

So you kind of cut me off right there.

[B]

Like, I will not accept your excuses. We'll also just say no excuses.

[A]

Yes. There are a lot of ways to say this. This could be the source of another episode entirely, for sure. But this is good. So for me, it's more common to hear no ifs, ands or buts. But I like the idea of shortening it and just saying, you know, no buds, you're coming. Okay? You're coming.

[B]

So fun. Let's do a role play where we can show of course, you know, but and though in a sentence. And then also these fun expressions.

[A]

All right.

[B]

We are at a family reunion in this.

[A]

Okay. Oh, boy, here we go. I'm so glad you made it. Your parents usually come, but I don't think I've seen you at one of these before.

[B]

I know it's the first time I've been able to attend. Something always comes up. But this time I was like, I'm going, no ifs, ands or buts.

[A]

That's what my mom said to me when I told her I had to work. She said, no buts.

[B]

Your mom is the best. Though she did beat me at Uno this morning.

[A]

So clearly with that last one. We'll break down the last one first. You came up with that idea, as you said that, didn't you? It's kind of spontaneous in the moment.

[B]

Totally. Right. I'm like, your mom's the best. And then I remember she beat me at this game this morning. So then I add this more to be funny. Right. Though she did beat me at Uno this morning.

[A]

And I think the reason that works for the spontaneous thinking is because you're actually resting on, though, more than we do on. But I think if you already had that in mind, that you were going to say she beat you at Uno, you probably would have said, your mom's the best, but she beat me at Uno this morning. That's kind of pre prepared. You already knew it. But with this one, though, she did beat me at Uno. So that idea is coming to you in the moment. So you're waiting to formulate the idea. Does that make sense? Yeah.

[B]

And then when we've sort of formulated in that moment, I think that's why we add, though, to emphasize the contrast. Like, okay, I just said this positive thing and now I'm really highlighting this contrast.

[A]

Yeah, because you need something, right? You need something to contrast there. Good. Let's go over what else we said here. Aubry.

[B]

Yeah, so you started it and you're saying your parents usually come, but I don't think I've seen you at one of these before. And this is like you said, it's sort of more pre planned. So then we use but to contrast it. We wouldn't choose though here.

[A]

It's very subtle. The difference Yes, I think you could. You know, your parents usually come, though. I don't. I guess you could. You could. Certainly. It wouldn't be wrong, though, right, Aubry? To say, though in that case.

[B]

Interesting how I feel like there is a subtle meaning change. I think if you said, though, I don't think I've seen you, it would sort of be like judging, like criticizing, like, I haven't seen you at these before, but just because it's emphasizing the contrast.

[A]

Interesting, interesting. And then you said, I know it's the first time I've been able to attend. Something always comes up. But this time I was like, I'm going, no ifs, ands, or buts.

[B]

Okay, so we have but as a conjunction in the sentence. Right. Something always comes up. But this time. And then we use that fun expression. I was like, I'm going, no ifs, ands, or buts. This means I'm not going to allow any excuse to stand in my way.

[A]

Exactly. And then I said, that's what my mom said to me when I told her I had to work. And she said, no buts. You know, you're going is a shortened version of the first one. I love it.

[B]

Exactly. My mom said this a lot. She was like, nope, I won't accept any excuses. No buts. That's just shortening. No ifs, ands, or buts.

[A]

Yeah, just laying down the law. There you go. Good stuff. So, Aubry, what's our takeaway for today?

[B]

Yeah, I think this is such a fun connection skill to playfully refuse to accept a no to an invitation. What you're really saying is, I really want you there. Right. You're trying to let them know in a playful way. Right. No excuses, like, we want you to be there.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. Meaning, you're welcome. We enjoy your company. Right. That's really what you're saying. And I like how in this episode, Aubry, we touched on the use of though as kind of a hanging, like a little break where you can hang out in that word, extend it and keep thinking as you're formulating your response. The contrast in the statement. It's pretty cool.

[B]

It is. It's really interesting. This is very subtle how the conjunction you choose kind of does change your meaning. And it is subtle. Right. Nothing to stress about. But often as we're speaking, we choose which one we want, depending on how much we want to emphasize the function of the sentence, the contrast. In this case, I love it.

[A]

So your next action listeners, go over to 2346. Listen to part one of this series and then go and subscribe. Hit follow on the Ielts Energy podcast to get part three. All right.

[B]

Yes. Love it. Awesome. Such a fun series. Thanks, Lindsay.

[A]

All right, Aubrey, I'll see you soon. Have a good one.

[B]

Bye Bye.

[A]

Thanks for listening. To all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com forward/fluencyscore. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.