“But” and “However” But However Conjunction. Adverb. Contrast ( two contrasted ideas) positive + negative - Contrast ( two contrasted ideas) positive + negative - Informal / Casual. Formal. 1. I want to go to the party. the first idea (+) 2. I can’t go to the party. The second idea (-) 1. Our sales are up. the first idea (+) 2. Our customer satisfaction is down. The second idea (-) I want to go to the party, but I can’t. Our sales are up. However, Our customer satisfaction is down