从语义上看,but所表示的是非常明显的对比,转折的意味较however要强。
从语序上看,but总是位于所引出的分句之首,而however却可位于句首、句中和句末。
从标点符号上看,but之后一般不得使用逗号,而however则必须用逗号与句子其它部分分开。
1、He wanted to take no risks, however small.
他多小的风险也不想冒。
2、Many problems, however, escape detection.
然而许多问题却未被察觉。
3、There would be some benefit, however indirect, to the state.
国家会得到一些利益,不管有多少。
1、We got there early but Mike had already left.
我们及早到了那里,但是迈克已经离开了。
2、I know you don't like her but try not to make it so obvious.
我明白你不喜欢她,但是尽量别表露得那么明显。
3、There have been some problems but basically it's a good system.
虽然出现过一些问题,但这基本上仍不失为一个好系统。