"And" is such a better word than "but"

bradly1101

Diamond Member
May 5, 2013
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www.bradlygsmith.org
(IMO)

Which sounds better to you?

"You look great but there's lipstick on your teeth."
"You look great and there's lipstick on your teeth."

You want to compliment, but, er, and, you don't want her heading out to the dance floor with the lipsticked chompers.

One sounds like the two observations are exclusive, the other less so (to me).

Knowing I prefer 'and' also affects my wording.

Rather than saying, "...but you haven't done the dishes," becomes, "...and the dishes need to be done" (less accusatory and judgmental IMO)

Just my (probably meaningless) two cents.
 

shortylickens

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sandorski

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Oct 10, 1999
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"but" is better. "and" is weird and inaccurately communicates why you mentioned it.
 

Alpha One Seven

Golden Member
Sep 11, 2017
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(IMO)

Which sounds better to you?

"You look great but there's lipstick on your teeth."
"You look great and there's lipstick on your teeth."

You want to compliment, but, er, and, you don't want her heading out to the dance floor with the lipsticked chompers.

One sounds like the two observations are exclusive, the other less so (to me).

Knowing I prefer 'and' also affects my wording.

Rather than saying, "...but you haven't done the dishes," becomes, "...and the dishes need to be done" (less accusatory and judgmental IMO)

Just my (probably meaningless) two cents.
The two words are not interchangeable and have different meanings.
 

bradly1101

Diamond Member
May 5, 2013
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www.bradlygsmith.org
I guess this should go under, "Things I've learned that work for me." My brain is leaking.

Some others:

Grammatically, it's easy to see where commas go by just the pause in your voice/mind as you'd say it (and of course there are pretty complex rules with exceptions, English keeps you on your toes). People always hear, "Commas are overused." It seems that that has resulted in their under-use. Making some sentences difficult to read one time through it can be awkward.

This comma rule always applies: Commas only come after first dependent clauses if they are six words or longer. Having been to Tallahassee I can say it's great.

He and she/him and her is similarly uncomplicated if you take one away. "Here him and her are" is wrong.

Apostrophes always come after numbers and acronyms when pluralizing. "I like the old 540s." Do I like the 's' model only? What about 540is? 540i's is clearer.

Stuff from along the way from teachers I've had.

Less than two cents.
 
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Zanovar

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2011
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Deep breaths. Big exhales work wonders.

One of the keys to unlock the door to happiness is low expectations.
Lower.
No, lower still.
There you go.

Im still fucking nervouus.,you dont have to be a twat,it heelps