4.70 followed by 'but'

'Nothing', 'no one', 'nobody', and 'nowhere' can be followed by 'but' to mean 'only'. For example, 'There was nothing but cheese' means that there was only cheese.

• I look back on this period with nothing but pleasure.
• He heard no one but his uncles.

Indefinite pronouns and adverbs which begin with 'any' can be used in similar structures. However, in these structures 'but' means 'except', rather than 'only'.

• I could never speak about anything but business to Ivan.
• It's been years since he has taken her to visit anyone but the children.