but that

but that — 連接詞

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

1.連接詞C1
釋義

否定疑問連詞

用於否定或疑問後，相當於that

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.

無人不確信該實驗證明了該理論。

construction: no doubt + but that + clause

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

誰知道，說不定那幅失蹤的畫作總有一天會被找到。

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.