The word "but" is a conjunction that helps connect two contrasting ideas in a sentence. For example, you might say, "I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain." Here, "but" shows the shift from wanting to enjoy the park to facing an obstacle, which is the rain. It highlights how one idea can change the direction of the other. Using "but" can also help clarify your thoughts. For instance, you might say, "I love ice cream, but I’m trying to eat healthier." In this case, "but" emphasizes the conflict between enjoying ice cream and the desire to maintain a healthy diet. It allows you to express both sides of your feelings clearly.