But, However, Although

​but, although, however

These are all similar words. They have different rules.

These are all similar words, but they have different rules.

Although these are all similar, they have different rules.

These are all similar words. However, they have different rules.

​How to express a contrast. التباين

​But joins two clauses.

It must go before the second clause and has a comma (,) before it.

I don't like Facebook, but I use it to keep in contact with friends.

I like cheese, but the doctor told me not to eat it.

​Although joins two clauses.

It can go at the start of the sentence and a comma separates the clauses.

Although I don't like Facebook, I use it to keep in contact with friends.

Or it can go in the middle, with a comma before it.

I use Facebook to keep in contact with friends, although I don't like it.

​However joins two sentences, and introduces the second sentence.

A full stop (period) goes before it, and a comma goes after it.

I don't like Facebook. However, I use it to keep in contact with friends.