Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

In a common usage, the word “but” erases all that has been said previously. This is a writing nicety. It is also a bad way to confuse conversation in the workplace.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but you need to check with me on things like this.

Quick, without looking back, what did the above say about the person first? It is difficult to remember. Let’s run through it again in pieces:

You have a lot of enthusiasm,

but

you need to check with me on this.

This is a common use of the word “but.” The closest meaning to the use of “but” here is “on the contrary.” Another way to say the above is:

Contrary to or regardless of your enthusiasm, you have to check with me on this.

The person’s enthusiasm is erased, gone, doesn’t matter here. What matters is that the person checks with ME on this.

This post is mostly about writing and using the word “but.” But, it is also about speaking to people in work and other situations that matter. From the above example, the message is clear:

You need to check with me on things like this.

Since that is the message, let’s state it clear and simple. We could have said:

We both like ice cream, but…

It is a nice day, but…

Roses are red, violets are blue, but…

Forget the first part. It only confuses the other person and dilutes the conversation. Get to the point.

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Footnote: a better way to say this message is:

I want you to check with me on things like this.

That statement expresses my desires about the situation instead of declaring a rule that YOU MUST follow.