But definitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But definitively" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete thought or a misplacement of the word "definitively," which typically means "in a way that is clear and certain." Example: "But definitively, we need to make a decision by tomorrow."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The American public narrowly, but definitively, tells pollsters it favours gun rights over new restrictions.

Independent

Since the girls they met were all Jersey girls (not Kevin Smith's Jersey Girls but definitively Jersey Girls nonetheless), the filmmakers wanted to shoot in New Jersey.

The New York Times

Instead of focusing on the regime and its agents as possible instigators of reform, we must recognize the power of the flourishing marketplace to slowly but definitively transform North Korea from the bottom up.

The New York Times

"The film was an opportunity to make one of my fantasies come true -- to explore a world where I had never been," said Ms. Amari, a petite 31-year-old who speaks softly but definitively.

The New York Times

Bobby's heartbreak is only a part of the lesson that he learned, quickly but definitively; the other part, and the starker one, is that he lost her to someone who's not merely older but richer, worldlier, and more powerful.

The New Yorker

Said chips were as soft and buttery as can be, while the haddock, literally squeaky in its freshness, came in an airily light, but definitively crisp, well-seasoned batter.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We've talked about some possibilities, but nothing definitively".

The New York Times

Afterwards, Cavendish weaved slightly but without definitively closing the door on the German.

The Guardian - Sport

Contaminated, the Roman army was sorely tried by disease and obliged to retreat, but not definitively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Berlusconi has been tried more than a dozen times, but never definitively convicted.

The Economist

The previous year, Baader and Raspe were found dead in their jail cell, probably but not definitively suicides.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider restructuring the sentence. Place "definitively" either before or after the verb to ensure it modifies the verb correctly, rather than awkwardly following "but".

Common error

Avoid placing "definitively" directly after "but" as it often creates an awkward and grammatically incorrect construction. Ensure "definitively" modifies the intended verb or adjective for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But definitively" functions as a conjunction phrase where "but" introduces a contrast or qualification. According to Ludwig AI, the placement of "definitively" directly after "but" is considered non-standard and potentially grammatically incorrect, impacting the phrase's overall effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "But definitively" is used to introduce a contrast followed by a conclusive statement. Ludwig AI identifies it as potentially grammatically incorrect due to the awkward placement of "definitively" directly after "but". While common in news and media sources, it's less appropriate for formal or academic writing. For enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness, consider rephrasing the sentence to place "definitively" appropriately to modify a verb or adjective, or using alternative phrases like "however definitively" or "but certainly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However, definitively

Replaces "but" with "however", maintaining the contrastive meaning and emphasizing the definitive nature of the statement.

Yet, definitively

Substitutes "but" with "yet", providing a slightly stronger sense of contrast while retaining the definitive aspect.

Nonetheless, definitively

Uses "nonetheless" to offer a more formal contrast before the definitive assertion.

Nevertheless, definitively

Similar to "nonetheless", this emphasizes the contrast with a formal tone, followed by a definitive statement.

But certainly

Replaces "definitively" with "certainly", offering a less formal but similar sense of assurance.

But absolutely

Uses "absolutely" instead of "definitively" to convey a strong sense of certainty after the contrast.

But unequivocally

Offers a more emphatic and formal alternative to "definitively", highlighting the lack of ambiguity.

But conclusively

Replaces "definitively" with "conclusively", implying that the statement is a result of clear evidence.

But clearly

Uses "clearly" as a less forceful but more straightforward substitute for "definitively".

But assuredly

Provides a more formal and confident alternative to "definitively", emphasizing the certainty of the statement.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "definitively" in a sentence?

Use "definitively" to modify a verb or adjective, indicating certainty or conclusiveness. For example, "The study "definitively proves" the link between smoking and lung cancer".

What are some alternatives to "but" that can be used to introduce a contrasting statement?

Consider using alternatives such as "however", "yet", "nonetheless", or "nevertheless" to introduce a contrasting statement in a more formal tone.

Is it grammatically correct to place "definitively" directly after a conjunction like "but"?

While not strictly ungrammatical, placing "definitively" directly after "but" can sound awkward and is often stylistically weak. It's better to restructure the sentence for clarity.

What is the difference between "but certainly" and "but definitively"?

"But certainly" expresses a level of confidence or assurance, while "but definitively" aims to convey conclusiveness or finality. However, "but definitively" is not standard usage; rephrase for better clarity.