But eventually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But eventually" is correctly used in written English.
It is usually used as a transition between two statements, especially when the second statement is the opposite of the first. For example: "I thought I wouldn't be able to finish this project in time. But eventually, I managed to complete it ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But eventually.

The New York Times

But eventually, he quits.

The New York Times

But, eventually, it wasn't.

The New Yorker

But eventually, they did.

The New York Times

"But eventually," she added.

The New York Times

But eventually he did.

The New York Times

But eventually you become immune.

The New York Times

But eventually they'll be strong.

The Economist

But eventually I came around.

The New York Times - Magazine

But eventually every sprinter trips.

The Economist

But eventually reality sets in".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "But eventually" to clearly signal a shift in circumstances or outcomes after a period of time or effort. It works best when contrasting an initial state with a later development.

Common error

Avoid using "But eventually" if there isn't a distinct contrast between the initial situation and the final result. The phrase is most effective when highlighting a change or resolution, not just a simple continuation of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But eventually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two clauses or sentences, indicating a contrast or shift in the situation over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to introduce a change after a period. Examples from Ludwig showcase its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But eventually" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrasting outcome following a period of time or effort. Ludwig confirms its correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. It effectively signals a shift or resolution, enhancing clarity and providing contrast. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear contrast is present and consider alternatives to fine-tune emphasis. As highlighted by Ludwig, its role as a conjunctive adverbial phrase is critical to its function, connecting clauses while indicating a change over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be that as it may, eventually

Maintains a formal tone while retaining the original meaning.

Nevertheless, ultimately

Stresses the eventual result overcoming previous obstacles.

Though, in the end

Emphasizes the final outcome despite initial circumstances.

Even so, in the long run

Focuses on the overall outcome after a considerable duration.

However, in due course

More formal and emphasizes the expected passage of time.

All the same, sooner or later

Indicates inevitability with a less defined timeframe.

Yet, with time

Highlights the contrast while focusing on the influence of time.

Still, after some time

Implies a period of waiting or persistence before the change.

Despite this, in time

Highlights the contrast while focusing on the gradual change.

Nonetheless, down the line

More colloquial and refers to an unspecified point in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "But eventually" in a sentence?

"But eventually" is used to show a contrast between an initial situation and what happens after some time. For example: "I struggled with the task at first, but eventually, I understood what to do."

What are some alternatives to saying "But eventually"?

You can use phrases like "nevertheless, ultimately", "though, in the end", or "still, after some time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to use "But eventually" after already establishing a time frame?

While not always redundant, consider if the "but" already implies a shift over time. If the contrast is clear, "eventually" might be unnecessary. However, it can add emphasis to the change.

What's the difference between "But eventually" and "Eventually"?

"Eventually" simply indicates something happened after a period of time. "But eventually" emphasizes a contrast or change from a previous state. The "but" highlights the difference, making it suitable when you want to show a shift.