Nobody likes a BUT. Because as we have learned over time, it’s basically the single word that can invalidate a preamble, precursor, or entire thought that precedes whatever comes after it.
What a dicey word.
So what do we do about it???
I’ve spent the last several years making it a practice to remove big ugly BUTs from my vocabulary when they’re used in such a way that effectively cancels out what I said just before. We’ve all experienced this in some way or another…
I totally want to come to your party…BUT…I just have so much going on I don’t know if I can make it.
(Do you really want to come?)
You did a great job on this report…BUT…here are all the errors I found that need to be fixed.
(Did I really do a great job?)
You’re a really important member of this team…BUT…I really need you to get more done.
(Am I really an important team member?)
How can you avoid the plague of the big ugly BUT, you might wonder?
Here are some ways I’ve found that can circumnavigate that nasty BUT:
Use “and” to indicate that several things, even if contradictory, can be true at the same time. I really want to come to your party. And, I have a lot going on right now and don’t know if I can make it.
Use “even though” to show that whatever might invalidate the one thought actually doesn’t take away from it at all. Even though there are some errors to be fixed, you did a great job on this report.
Separate your thoughts with a period and a pause. Make them distinct and equally relevant. You’re a really important member of this team. … I really need you to get more done.
If you have your own special ways around those big BUTs, I’d love to hear them!
Ditch the BUTs but keep the BUTTS!