This paper discusses the usage of the conjunction but. I classify its usage into three classes, with each class having two subclasses:
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(1)
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adversative relation: inference, contrast |
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(2)
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topic marker: development of topic, change of topic |
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(3)
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speech act: performance of speech act, denial of preliminary condition for performing speech act |
The core usage is the one concerning adversative relation, from which the other two usages topic \ marker usage and speech-act usage \ are derived. What is important is that all the usages have the conception gdenialh in common.
It is also important to note that the same phenomena can be seen in Japanese conjunctions corresponding to but. It is possible that the same principle can be applied to both English and Japanese.
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