AND, BUT: Same and Interchangeable?

Question

Hello,I submit that the words AND and BUT are the same and interchangeable.AND means, "In addition to..."BUT means, "Wait for it, I am about to speak in addition to what was previously stated."Therefore, both words mean "In addition to..."Example of Interchangeability:I rode my bike, AND clapped my hands, then fell off the bike.I rode my bike, BUT clapped my hands, then fell off the bike.The result is the same. I clapped my hands, then fell off the bike. The context is unchanged. The reader knows that I was on a bike, clapped my hands, then fell off the bike. It does not matter if one uses AND nor BUT, because they are the same and interchangeable.Thanks

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Actually, only 'AND' adds. 'BUT' subtracts.

AnonymousI rode my bike, AND clapped my hands, then fell off the bike.

This suggests that I was riding my bike and clapping my hands at the same time, and then I fell off the bike.

AnonymousI rode my bike, BUT clapped my hands, then fell off the bike.

This suggests I was riding my bike quite successfully, but when I tried to clap my hands at the same time I was riding the bike, things went wrong, making me fall off the bike.
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'AND' also adds in terms of the sequence of events in time. We say I woke up and got out of bed. We don't say I got out of bed and woke up unless we mean something quite different.
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In the study of logic, you will note that 'and' and 'but' are equivalent. Within the specialized terminology of logic they are equivalent in terms of the truth values of the clauses they connect. However, they are far from equivalent as used in ordinary language.
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CJ

Anonymous · Answer

That seems subjective. One cannot deny that I was both riding my bike and clapped my hands which caused me to fall off the bike. Clapping my hands while riding my bike is only implied to have occurred at the same time.

Clive · Answer

BUT means, "Wait for it, I am about to speak in addition to what was previously stated."
I don't agree with your definition. Compare it to the following dictionary definition.

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http://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/but

— used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

I don't know her, but my husband does.
He wants to go to the movies, but I want to go to the museum.
He plans to visit Boston and Chicago, but not New York.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousThat seems subjective. One cannot deny that I was both riding my bike and clapped my hands which caused me to fall off the bike. Clapping my hands while riding my bike is only implied to have occurred at the same time.

I don't know what point you're trying to make. I don't know if you have a question or just want to make a statement of your opinion on this topic. Maybe someone else can help you.
CJ

AND, BUT: Same and Interchangeable?

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