Now that’s a word we use every now and then.
I wanted to come to your party ‘but’……… ; I would have cracked the entrance exam ‘but’……; Its very important for me to wake up at 4:00 a.m. ‘but’…….; and many more.
According to grammar, ‘but’ is a conjunction used to connect two sentences or phrases.
We spend our energy and all of the creativity in framing the first part of the sentence that comes before ‘but’. BUT as I say now, the actual story lies in the second part. In a conversation, the content conveyed in the second part holds the crux of the whole talk. This can be explained by a simple example, Ron went in for an interview. He hands over his CV to the employer and their conversation starts. After a talk of about 15-20 minutes, the employer says, “ See Ron, your CV is very impressive and you have managed to maintain a good reputation in your field; that’s commendable, ‘but’ we cannot hire you as you are over qualified for the post we are offering through this walk-in.” So, everything told to Ron before this ‘but’ was in vain.
The point is it doesn’t matter how convincing, beautiful and satisfying is the first part. People don’t even consider it; as if it doesn’t exist for them. What matters for them is the second part. Like –
I wanted to attend your party, but ‘ I had to work out my presentation before the deadline.’ ; I would have cracked the entrance exam but ‘ I couldn’t afford to get admission in the renowned coaching institute.’ ; Its very important for me to wake up at 4:00 a.m. but ‘ I have promised my friend to accompany him to the discotheque.’
Many times the second part turns out to be an excuse for one’s failures. So we must try to avoid being in situations where we have to use this word.
What are your experiences and opinions about this word BUT?