Page:A Desk-Book of Errors in English.djvu/59

Rh but what: This is equivalent to but that which and is an incorrect expression for but that. "I am not sure but what I shall be there" should be written but that, and indicates the possibility or even probability of being there; but note that if the but be omitted from the latter (and correct) usage, the indication is the reverse. Compare.

but yet: Should not be used when either but or yet is sufficient by itself; as, "Wealth may seek us; but wisdom must be sought"; not but yet. When, however, Archbishop Trench says, "But yet these pains hand us over to true pleasures" (Study of Words, p. 232), each conjunction has its distinct adversative sense. This appears still more clearly in "Ye are but common men, but [on the contrary] yet [notwithstanding that fact] ye think with minds not common." Wallenstein 2, 3.

bute: A vulgar corruption of "beauty" used by illiterates; as, "She's a bute." Correctly "She is a beauty" or "a beautiful woman."

butt in, to: A vulgar although expressive phrase meaning "to interfere officiously or inquisitively with," not used by persons accustomed to refined diction.

by: Properly used before the agent or doer; with before the instrument or means; as, "He was killed by the assassin with a dagger." But active forces are often thought of as agents, so that we properly