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Examples of but for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Available in two-packs of pouches ($21) or a six-pack ($54), but for the rest of the month get 15% off using the code TODAY15.
—Mike Snider, The Courier-Journal, 19 Apr. 2024
And the round shape reminds me of the Bottega Veneta Jodie Bags — but for only $22.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
All went as planned for Goliath but for one tiny, itsy-bitsy detail.
—Judith Regan, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024
The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo for the situation, but for years has been unable to reform its socialist economy, which is centrally planned and bogged down by bureaucratic restrictions and mismanagement.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
There is no single formula for radicalization, experts say, but for some young Tajik migrants, personal grievances outweigh geopolitical considerations.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
Since the start of the pandemic, vacancy rates have risen by more than 10% in Austin and San Francisco, but for very different reasons.
—Byalena Botros, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024
For some brands, this move can seem overly conservative, but for Patek Philippe — a storied independent brand with a catalog full of genre-defining designs — updating the classics can be even more satisfying for collectors than dropping new and daring watches.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
It’s written on the soul of those who lived through it, but for others it may have been overtaken by the urgencies of a presidential election, the rising death toll in Gaza or some singularly personal calamity that requires full attention.
—Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'but for.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of but for was
in the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near but for
Cite this Entry
“But for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but%20for. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Legal Definition
but-for
adjective
: of or relating to the necessary cause (as a negligent act) without which a particular result (as damage) would not have occurred
a but-for test of causation
compare substantial factor
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