The conjunction but is used to suggest a contrast. It was a sunny day, but the wind was cold. (Here the second clause suggests a contrast that is unexpected in the light of the first clause.) The stick was thin but it was strong. He was ill but he went to work. She is poor but honest.

I’d like to go, but I don’t have any money. Tom ran, but he missed the bus. I was unhappy, so I ate some chocolate. I forgot the sun cream, so I got burnt. I got into university because I studied hard. I won’t buy a bicycle because I don't like cycling. We usually place a comma before "or", "but" and "so".

" I like her, but I don't like her friend. " I studied for the test, but I don't think I did well. " I'm hungry, but I have nothing to eat. " I need to go home, but all of the flights are cancelled. " I want to buy a car, but I don't have any money.

We use but for adding contrasting information, i.e. information that is different. I studied a lot, but I failed the exam. He is good but not the best.