but that

but that — conjunction

1. In formal or literary English, this linking expression stands in place of 'that'

1.連接詞C1
釋義

In formal or literary English, this linking expression stands in place of 'that' when the main part of the sentence contains a negative or asks a question, connecting the idea that follows to the first part.

例句

There is no doubt but that the experiment proved the theory correct.

construction: no doubt + but that + clause

Who knows but that the missing painting might still be found one day?

construction: question + but that + clause

文法句型

negative/doubt + but that + clause

question + but that + clause

用法筆記

Common after expressions of doubt, denial, or uncertainty such as 'there is no doubt', 'who knows', 'no one could deny', and 'not a day/morning went by'. The phrase belongs to formal written English and is rarely used in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌I think but that it will rain.
✅I think that it will rain.
💡'but that' is NOT a general substitute for 'that'; it only works after a negative or a question.
❌There is no doubt but he did it.
✅There is no doubt but that he did it.
💡the full phrase 'but that' must be used together; dropping 'that' changes the structure.