But / Though
Expressing defeat or challenge
Brian worked in marketing for two years, but lost his job when his company down-sized during the bad economic recession. Brian wants to continue pursuing his career, yet he has several difficulties to face.
Brian's future will depend on his being able to remain optimistic and put his best foot forward. The following are two states of mind:
A but vs. though state of mind
| BUT – AN OBSTACLE / DEFEAT |
|---|
After a statement of intent, but introduces a clause with a contrasting thought— often an obstacle or reason for setback or defeat. |
Brian is focused on the obstacles! Brian hopes to find a new job, but few employers are hiring. He stood in line to get into a job fair, but he found nothing in marketing. He also, wants to go to business school, but he has no savings to pay tuition or to support himself while studying. He'd like to get some additional training; however, he's unsure where to get it. Brian doesn't know where to get started. He's letting the obstacles overcome him and keep him from his goals. |
| BUT – AN OBSTACLE / DEFEAT |
|---|
After a statement of intent, but introduces a clause with a contrasting thought— often an obstacle or reason for setback or defeat. |
Brian is focused on the obstacles! Brian hopes to find a new job, but few employers are hiring. He stood in line to get into a job fair, but he found nothing in marketing. He also, wants to go to business school, but he has no savings to pay tuition or to support himself while studying. He'd like to get some additional training; however, he's unsure where to get it. Brian doesn't know where to get started. He's letting the obstacles overcome him and keep him from his goals. |
challenge (n.) -- a difficulty that tests strength, skill, or ability, especially in a way that is interesting
encourage (v.) – inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence
defeat (n.) – a difficulty that results in loss; being overcome
discourage (v.) – not give courage, spirit, or confidence
down-sized (adj.) – decreased, let go unnecessary workers
face (v.) – to deal with or manage a difficult situation
marketing (n.) – promoting a business, advertising, and selling, and so on.
no ifs, ands, or buts (expression) – do not make excuses
obstacle (n.) -- something that makes it difficult to achieve something; a block
optimistic (adj.) – believing that good things will happen in the future
pessimistic (adj.) – doubtful that good things will happen in the future
setback (n) – a problem that delays or prevents progress
state of mind (expession) – way of thinking
stuck (adj) – unable to move away from a bad situation
But vs. Though
Obstacle or challenge?
But vs. Though
| INTENT | BUT | OBSTACLE |
|---|---|---|
Brian planned on attending a job fair, |
but |
the line to get in wrapped around the block. (It discouraged him. it.) |
Brian hopes to find another job, |
but |
few employers are hiring. (It's unlikely.) |
Brian expected to get a lead at the Job Fair, |
but |
he found nothing in marketing. (He left disappointed.) |
Brian would like to go back to school, |
but |
he has no savings. (He can't pay and doesn't want to ask his parents.) |
Brian wants to get some additional training, |
but |
he's unsure where to get it. (He's stuck. He's doubtful about making that first step.) |
| INTENT | THOUGH | CHALLENGE |
|---|---|---|
Brian planned on attending a job fair |
though |
the line to get in wrapped around the block. (He stood in it anyway.) |
Brian hopes to find another job |
though |
few employers are hiring. (He'll find one.) |
Brian expected to get a lead at the Job Fair |
though |
he found nothing in marketing. (He found other options.) |
Brian would like to go back to school |
though |
he has no savings. (He will find other funding or a scholarship.) |
Brian wants to get some additional training |
though |
he's unsure where to get it. (He will check with counselors at the local community college.) |
But is a coordinating conjunction. Also see But "Beginning a sentence"
Though, although, or even though is a subordinator. Grammar terms vary: adverb clauses (UUEG 17.3-11); preposition "adjunct of concession" (CaGEL 8 §13.2); conjunction (PEU 49) "subordinating conjunction" (LGSWE 2.4.8); adverbial clause (CoGEL 15.39-40). For details, see Connector Review Grammar Notes
Practice
The Interview
Is it an obstacle or a challenge?
- Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence. Include the idea of the words in parentheses.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button.