Examples of but for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The holidays usually involve mingling and exchanging gifts, but for a lot of people, that also means traveling is in order.
—
Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
Jennifer Lawrence is not only known for her acting prowess, but for her light-hearted sense of humor.
—Alex Kessler, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
This is a problem not just for Barbados and countries like it, but for the world.
—Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2023
There’s always some songs that are really personal — but for all intents and purposes, those aren’t the songs that have stood the test of time.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2023
Wildfires are still a concern, but for the first time in three years, no part of California is in a drought.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2023
Making this happen is a task not just for economists but for writers, filmmakers, artists, scientists and lawyers.
—Chirag Dhara, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2023
Traditional carry-ons are great, but for me, this backpack is a much better option.
—Nick Guy, wsj.com, 18 Oct. 2023
Each death is a daub of paint on a vast canvas, but for the bereaved, each opens up a gaping chasm of grief.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2023
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Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
Jennifer Lawrence is not only known for her acting prowess, but for her light-hearted sense of humor.
—Alex Kessler, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
This is a problem not just for Barbados and countries like it, but for the world.
—Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2023
There’s always some songs that are really personal — but for all intents and purposes, those aren’t the songs that have stood the test of time.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2023
Wildfires are still a concern, but for the first time in three years, no part of California is in a drought.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2023
Making this happen is a task not just for economists but for writers, filmmakers, artists, scientists and lawyers.
—Chirag Dhara, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2023
Traditional carry-ons are great, but for me, this backpack is a much better option.
—Nick Guy, wsj.com, 18 Oct. 2023
Each death is a daub of paint on a vast canvas, but for the bereaved, each opens up a gaping chasm of grief.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2023
See More
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 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
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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