8 October 2017 - but

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Precision Language Tools

The most overused word in English writing is “but”. “But—but—-” I hear you say. Tsk tsk! Used as a conjunction, “but” means nothing but “and, in contrast,” which is often redundant. It’s more fruitful to say “And—and—”. Also, that way you are always right.

clue:

“But” in “nothing but” is different. That means “nothing except”. Part of the joke is that in “But—but—” the meaning is more like “I disagree, because....”

give me a clue so sweet and true

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