English Expressions
Hi friends, does "but rather than" and "but rather" mean the same thing? Some of my native-speaker friends say that they are the same things but others don't, so I'm a bit confused.

1. It is not the changes that kill us, but rather the transition.
2. It is not the changes that kill us, but rather than the transition.

Question

English Expressions
Hi friends, does "but rather than" and "but rather"  mean the same thing? Some of my native-speaker friends say that they are the same things but others don't, so I'm a bit confused.

1. It is not the changes that kill us, but rather the transition.
2. It is not the changes that kill us, but rather than the transition.

Answer

1.   This sentence is fine.

2.   This is wrong.

Don't believe anyone who tells you otherwise.

Answer

I think it would depend a little bit on the context, but in the sentence you gave "but rather the transition." would be best.

1. "but rather" sounds a bit more formal and it often comes after a negative clause like, "It is not... but rather......"
Ex: 
It's not that I don't like your friends, but rather I feel shy around them.
I don't dislike rock music, but rather I just prefer the soothing sounds of classic.

2. "but rather than" is the same as "instead of". It will usually be followed by a verb, which is why your second sentence seems a bit unnatural, since "transition" is a noun."
Ex:
She said we couldn't be late, but rather than driving quickly she stopped at the grocery store.
I knew the pizza was spoiled, but rather than throw it away I ate it for dinner. Now I'm sick.

Answer

Many thanks, Good explanation.

Answer

He did not X but rather (he did) Y.

"but rather than" needs to be followed by two alternatives.
... but rather than X he did Y.