But

Example Sentences with But

• I like it, but...
• Nothing but the best.
• The cut and the but both end with the same sound.
• Say "but" slowly, then say it as one word.

How to Spell “but”

Children most often write this word as boot, ubt, butt, buut. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.

1. Start with the picture: <strong>but</strong> begins with the /b/ sound, so begin with "b".
2. Say the word slowly three times, then write one sound per letter: <strong>b - u - t</strong>.
3. The "u" in <strong>but</strong> says /ʌ/, not the letter name "uh". The mouth stays relaxed.
4. Blend the last two sounds smoothly: <strong>bu</strong> + <strong>t</strong> = <strong>but</strong>.

Phonics Tip for But

"but" and "cut" and "gut" share the ending /ʌt/. Say them back to back so the child hears that only the first sound changes. That is the core of the -ut family.

Fun Facts About But

Every letter in <strong>but</strong> carries one sound: b says /b/, u says /ʌ/, t says /t/. That is what makes it fully decodable — a child who knows the three sounds can read <strong>but</strong> on the first try, with no guessing from the picture. It belongs to the -ut family, which has 4 other words in it: cut, gut, hut, nut.

Where to Practise But

• All short u CVC words — 47 words
• The -ut word family
• CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
• CVC multiple choice quiz
• CVC sentences — read the word in context
• CVC worksheets