the word BUT and how to avoid it

the word BUT and how to avoid it

The concept:

whatever is said before the word “But” — gets cancelled by what comes after it

Classic example:

"You worked really hard, BUT the results were disappointing"
→ what people remember: "the results were disappointing"
→ the "worked hard" part disappears

or:

"I like your idea, BUT there are a few problems"
→ what people remember: "there are problems"
→ the "like your idea" part disappears

the human brain tends to focus on the part after “But”

Solution: Substitution Strategies

“And” — the safest option

"You worked really hard, AND let's improve the results together"

“At the same time”

"This idea is interesting. At the same time, there are things we need to consider."

Split into 2 sentences

"You worked really hard. Let's focus on the next result."

Flip the order — put “But” at the front

"But — the results fell short. What's clear is, your hard work showed."
→ now what people remember: the hard work ✅

the most elegant strategy: replace “But” with “And”
the sentence still flows naturally, without cancelling anything