EnglishFreePrintable

Using 'But' for Contrast

A free english worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Download now

Name:Date:

Using 'But' for Contrast

Read each sentence carefully. The word “but” joins ideas that are different or surprising. Use a comma before “but” when it joins two complete sentences.

Spotting contrast

Find how “but” connects ideas that are different.

1.In the sentence “Callum’s game was easy to start, but hard to finish”, which two ideas does “but” connect?

2.Which sentence uses “but” to connect ideas that contrast?

Kwame made a game, but Florence tested it.
Florence wanted to add music, but the computer had no speakers.
Callum opened the app, but he clicked the green button.

3.Complete the sentence with an idea that contrasts: “The robot looked very old, but …”

Joining ideas with “but”

Join each pair of complete sentences. Put a comma before “but”.

4.Join these sentences using “but”: “Florence’s code was short. It made a brilliant game.”

5.Join these sentences using “but”: “The screen was bright. The words were difficult to read.”

6.Join these sentences using “but”: “Kwame’s robot was noisy. It worked perfectly.”

Write your own contrasts

Create your own sentences using “but” to show a difference or something surprising.

7.Write a sentence about a coding club project. Use “but” to join two contrasting ideas, and include a comma before “but”.

8.Write a short paragraph of four sentences about making a new computer game. Include at least two sentences where “but” shows contrast. Check your commas and full stops.