But so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But so" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect or awkward.
It could be used in informal contexts where a speaker is trying to connect contrasting ideas, but it lacks clarity and precision. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but so did my friend, which made it difficult to decide."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, so?

The New York Times

But so far, no.

The New York Times

But so are universities.

The New York Times

"But so be it".

The New York Times

But so fucking what?

The New Yorker

"But so does Erdogan".

The New York Times

But so do bears.

The Economist

But so am I.

The New York Times - Food

But so cabeza dura.

The New Yorker

But so are pets.

The Economist

But so is hockey.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "but so". Opt for more precise language that clearly indicates the relationship between clauses, such as cause and effect or contrast.

Common error

Avoid overusing "but so" in professional documents or academic papers, as it can make your writing seem less polished. Always aim for direct and unambiguous language.

Linguistic Context

"But so" acts as a coordinating conjunction, attempting to connect two contrasting ideas or clauses. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness is questionable, leading to ambiguity and potential misinterpretation. Standard conjunctions like 'however' or 'therefore' offer more precise connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "But so" appears frequently, especially in news and media sources, its grammatical status is considered incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not standard in written English and can be ambiguous. For clarity and precision, it's advisable to use alternative conjunctions or phrases such as "however", "nevertheless", or "even so". Despite its common usage, especially according to the examples Ludwig provides, aiming for more precise language enhances the quality and professionalism of your writing. Avoiding "But so" in formal contexts and opting for clearer conjunctions will improve overall communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

But even so

Focuses more on the contrast, suggesting that despite something, another factor remains true.

However, therefore

This alternative replaces "but so" with a more direct conjunction indicating consequence or result.

But consequently

This option adds a degree of logical sequence to the contrast being made.

Yet therefore

Similar to "however, therefore", it emphasizes both contrast and subsequent result.

All the same

Indicates that something remains true regardless of what has been said.

Nevertheless, thus

This phrase adds formality while maintaining the contrasting and consequential aspects.

Nonetheless

A more formal way of saying "nevertheless," suitable for professional contexts.

Even then

Highlights a condition under which something else still applies, despite expectations.

Even though

This alternative introduces a subordinate clause indicating concession before the main point.

Despite that

Emphasizes a contrastive element, downplaying the initial statement's significance.

FAQs

How can I use a more grammatically sound phrase instead of "But so"?

Consider using alternatives like "however", "nevertheless", or "even so" to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "But so" considered grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "But so" is generally not considered grammatically correct in formal writing. It's better to opt for more precise and formal conjunctions.

What is the difference between "But so" and "Even so"?

"But so" is generally seen as grammatically incorrect or ambiguous, while "even so" is a grammatically accepted phrase used to indicate that something is true despite what has just been said.

In what contexts might "But so" be acceptable?

While generally discouraged, "But so" might appear in informal speech or creative writing, but it's best to avoid it in formal or professional communication.