~but that~: Implies a negative, but when it follows another negative phrase (as “I _don’t know but that_ I did it”) it suggests the positive or, as in the example given above, the likelihood or possibility that some act has been done. Locutions of this kind should be avoided as inelegant, say rather “I may have done it.”
~but what~: This is equivalent to _but that which_ and is an incorrect expression for _but that_. “I am not sure _but what_ I shall be there” should be written _but that_, and indicates the possibility or even probability of being there; but note that if the _but_ be omitted from the latter (and correct) usage, the indication is the reverse. Compare BUT THAT.
~but yet~: Should not be used when either _but_ or _yet_ is sufficient by itself; as, “Wealth may seek us; _but_ wisdom must be sought”; not _but yet_. When, however, Archbishop Trench says, “_But yet_ these pains hand us over to true pleasures” (_Study of Words_, p. 232), each conjunction has its distinct adversative sense. This appears still more clearly in “Ye are but common men, _but_ [on the contrary] _yet_ [notwithstanding that fact] ye think with minds not common.”--COLERIDGE _Wallenstein_ 2, 3.
~bute~: A vulgar corruption of “beauty” used by illiterates; as, “She’s a _bute_.” Correctly “She is a beauty” or “a beautiful woman.”
~butt in, to~: A vulgar although expressive phrase meaning “to interfere officiously or inquisitively with,” not used by persons accustomed to refined diction.
~by~: Properly used before the agent or doer; _with_ before the instrument or means; as, “He was killed _by_ the assassin _with_ a dagger.” But active forces are often thought of as agents, so that we properly say “The house was destroyed _by_ fire.” “His friends were displeased _by_ the selection of another chairman” means that the action displeased them; “his friends were displeased _with_ the selection,” etc., means that the man selected was not their choice.
“Oh, no! You mean ‘A gentleman _of_ the name of Hinkley.’ This is English, you know.”
One may say “I know no one _of_ the name of Brown,” or “I know no one _by_ the name of Brown”; but the meaning is different. One might know a man _of_ the name of Brown, but know him _by_ the name of Smith. It is better to say simply “a man named Brown.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.