English grammar
But, however, and yet, on the other hand — contrast
Contrast two ideas or two people using but, however, and yet and on the other hand.
From the scene However…
In short
But joins a contrast in one sentence; however starts a new one. On the other hand compares two people or things.
Your turn
Which one goes with new sentence: however,?
Options: And yet, you never find anything · However, you always find time to watch TV · I know, but I'm very busy
Show answer
new sentence: however, → However, you always find time to watch TV
How it works
But joins a contrast inside one sentence. However starts a new sentence, followed by a comma; and yet adds surprise.
Good to know
On the other hand compares two different people or things, and often goes after the subject: You, on the other hand, are very messy.
inside one sentence: but I know, but I'm very busy
Javi
I know, but I'm very busy this week.
Lo sé, pero estoy muy ocupado esta semana.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) this week.
Options: I know, but I'm very busy · You always find time to watch TV · And yet, you never find anything
Show answer
Javi
I know, but I'm very busy this week.
Lo sé, pero estoy muy ocupado esta semana.
new sentence: however, However, you always find time to watch TV
Nuria
However, you always find time to watch TV.
Sin embargo, siempre encuentras tiempo para ver la tele.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: And yet, you never find anything · However, you always find time to watch TV · I know, but I'm very busy
Show answer
Nuria
However, you always find time to watch TV.
Sin embargo, siempre encuentras tiempo para ver la tele.
surprising contrast: and yet And yet, you never find anything
Nuria
Your system? And yet, you never find anything.
¿Tus métodos? Sin embargo, nunca encuentras nada.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Your system? (blank).
Options: You always find time to watch TV · And yet, you never find anything · I know, but I'm very busy
Show answer
Nuria
Your system? And yet, you never find anything.
¿Tus métodos? Sin embargo, nunca encuentras nada.
comparing two people: on the other hand You, on the other hand, are very messy
Nuria
I'm very tidy. You, on the other hand, are very messy.
Yo soy muy ordenada. Tú, en cambio, eres muy desordenado.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I'm very tidy. (blank).
Options: However, you always find time to watch TV · You, on the other hand, are very messy · I know, but I'm very busy
Show answer
Nuria
I'm very tidy. You, on the other hand, are very messy.
Yo soy muy ordenada. Tú, en cambio, eres muy desordenado.
Common mistake
Not however or on the other hand here. Inside one sentence.
I know, but I'm very busy this week.
Lo sé, pero estoy muy ocupado esta semana.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| inside one sentence: but | I know, but I'm very busy |
|---|---|
| new sentence: however, | However, you always find time to watch TV |
| surprising contrast: and yet | And yet, you never find anything |
| comparing two people: on the other hand | You, on the other hand, are very messy |
More lines from the story
- NuriaJavi, your room is a disaster.Javi, tu cuarto es un desastre.
- JaviOK, it's true. But I've got my own system.Bueno, es verdad. Pero tengo mis propios métodos de orden.