The difference between “But and yet” adversative coordinating Conjunction is that “but” is more milder than “yet” in terms of expressing contrast to the earlier main clause. “But” is used for negative as well as positive contrast. Whereas, “Yet” indicates negative contrast.
Meaning of “But and Yet” Adversative coordinating conjunctions
Both “But and Yet” Conjunctions express contrast to earlier statement. ‘But’ is milder than ‘Yet’ in introducing contrast. Besides, ‘Yet’ conjunction is used for negative contrast with more emphasis compare to but.
“I want to tell India that Osama bin Laden is dead, but the butcher of Gujarat lives and he is the Prime Minister of India,” Pakistan Foreign Minister Bhutto said — India Today News.
In this example, but conjunction is used to introduce independent coordinating clause with unexpected contrast to earlier statement.
The hidden meaning of “But” Conjunction is “In spite of” or “Despite that”.
Comparatively, ‘But’ is slightly milder in degree of contrast than ‘Yet’ Conjunction.
1.The cause of water scarcity isn’t low rainfall, but it is the poor water management.
2.Students love to visit forests, but they don’t dare to live in.
Understanding “But” as an adverb
The meaning of “But” as an adverb is that “Nothing but only”.
1. This is but one of the option to bail out ailing farming community.
Explaining “Yet” adversative coordinating conjunction
“Yet” adversative conjunction is used for negative contrast to the main clause with more highlight or emphasis comparatively. It is more stronger than But’ Conjunction.
In the formation, “Yet” connect two contrasting independent clauses, and its role is to introduce coordinating clause as answer to main clause.
Punctuation marks ‘Comma’ is used to separate clause introduced by “but or yet”. Sometimes, it is omitted but there is place in between.
1.Generally, I used to avoid wedding receptions, Yet my mother forced me this time.
In this example, “Yet” Conjunction expresses negative stronger contrast than “But’.
2.She is an excellent singer, yet she never sing for movies. Surprise contrast is expressed.
3.I don’t like spicy food, yet I had to eat in birthday party. (negative contrasts)
Understanding “Yet” as an adverb
Most of the time, “Yet” is used as adverb in the sentence. The hidden meaning of”Yet” adverb is that action is not completed at the time of expression. It is still more time to complete.
1.In the war for deposits, no one is winning yet.
2.Equipment have stolen from transformer yet again.
3.Belagavi lodge owners yet to get 15% dues for last year’s Assembly winter session — Deccan Herald news.
Difference between Yet and already
Grammatically, “Yet and Already” are frequently used as adverbs to describe whether the given action or activity is done or being done and need more time to be done.
- I have already submitted my assignment.
- Have you submitted your assignment yet?
- We haven’t finalized the list yet. We need more time.
- And, have you sent invitation to relatives yet?
- I have already sent invitation to relatives.
Already is used to express to indicate that action is completed earlier to our conversation.
While, in case of “Yet” action is not over and it need more time to get completed.
Both adverbs have role in perfect present tense to indicate the state of ongoing action.
Useful examples of “But and Yet” Conjunctions
1.The popularity of cricket isn’t ascribed to the beauty of game, but it is the matter of huge income. (Two subjects and verbs)
2.Students love to visit forests, but they don’t dare to live in it.
Using “but rather instead of but” Conjunction
3.Food crisis isn’t a product of food scarcity, but rather mismanagement of available resources.
4.Trade war between US and China isn’t due to trade imbalance, but rather it is for global dominance.
5.Fossil fuels are proved dangerous for environment, yet it is being used heavily.
6.Population growth is the big concern in the developing countries, yet they are advocating baby boom policies.
7.Free trade makes everyone better off, yet protectionist policies are adopted by US.
For, sometimes, we can use “But rather” instead of “But”. If we compare between “But also and but rather”, “But also” is more dynamic than “But rather.
What is the role of “But” as preposition
Apart from adversative coordinating conjunctions, “But” plays role of preposition as well.
Meaning of “But” as a preposition — except, with exception of, or other than this.
- The cause of water scarcity isn’t low rainfall but poor water management.
- The popularity of cricket isn’t ascribed to the beauty of game but the huge income.
- The water resources isn’t less but contaminated.
Last words on but and yet contrasting Conjunctions,
Now, it is almost clear the difference between “but and yet” Conjunctions.
“But and Yet” are adversative conjunctions. “Already” is the adverb indicates state of action in terms of time.
But” conjunction is milder than” Yet”. Later is more stronger to express emphasis.
Adversative coordinating conjunctions express differences, contrast or surprising contrast that may be negative or positive to the main clause or earlier statement.
Solved questions on But and Yet contrasting conjunctions
Finally, overlook the following solved questions. I hope these will enrich your understanding and make you more comfortable.
Q.1. What is difference between But and Yet?
Ans: Both But and Yet are adversative coordinating conjunctions. Both express contrast it may be nagative or positive to the main clause. Further, but and yet play role of adverbs as well. In case of “But”, it also acts as preposition.
This is all about the difference between but and yet adversative coordinating Conjunctions.
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Prepositions of time place agency