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Anuj89 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

"but that"

"I can't write five words but that i change seven"

I am not debating whether this sentence is correct. Of course it is. It was written by Dorothy Parker.
I just dont understand the sentence formation and would be grateful if you could shed some light on it. Possibly a few examples...thanks in advance
  

Top answer

Normally, we would say I can't write five words without having to change seven or I can't write five words without changing seven . I'm guessing she wanted a clause in the second part, so she could state the subject again. " I've never seen it anywhere else.

— Englishmaven

  • Normally, we would say I can't write five words without having to change seven or I can't write five words without changing seven .
  • I'm guessing she wanted a clause in the second part, so she could state the subject again.
  • " I've never seen it anywhere else.
  • She uses the phrase as a conjunction.
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2 Answers
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Normally, we would say I can't write five words without having to change seven or I can't write five words without changing seven.

I'm guessing she wanted a clause in the second part, so she could state the subject again. For than reason, she used "that." I've never seen it anywhere else. She uses the phrase as a conjunction.
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Here's one use of but that. Note that the expression is fairly literary and therefore not much used in ordinary conversations.

but that ... [verb] ~ without [verb+ing]

I can't write five words
without
changing seven (words).
_______

I seldom get into the shower but that the phone rings!

I seldom get into the showe
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