I will but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a willingness to do something with a condition or limitation that follows. Example: "I will but only if you promise to help me with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I will, but not yet".

The New York Times - Sports

I will, but I do not want to.

The New Yorker

"I know I will, but it's too soon," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not certain I will, but you never know ….

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I will but it ain't your idea," Ma said, and shooed us out of the kitchen.

The New Yorker

"I don't think I will, but I cannot rule it out," he told the news agency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"They'll think, 'I didn't win this time, but next time I will.' But what if conditions have changed?

The New York Times - Science

'Will you retire when I tell you?' and he says, 'Of course I will.' But he's not shot yet".

The Guardian - Sport

If I have to act, I will - but it's not on the agenda".

The Guardian - Sport

I will... ), but this was my first discovery of a novel — big, poetic, strange, disorderly, "a story of the buried life," as Wolfe described it.

The New York Times - Books

In a story about marrying an older man, she recalls: "He said, 'I will.' But I found out he couldn't".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I will but", ensure the contrasting element is clear and adds meaningful nuance to the statement. For example, "I will help, but only if you ask nicely" provides a condition for your willingness.

Common error

While acceptable, "I will but" can sound slightly informal. In professional or academic writing, consider alternatives like "I will, however" or "I intend to, nevertheless" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will but" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking a statement of intent or willingness with a contrasting element or condition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It expresses a qualified agreement or intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Huffington Post

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will but" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that expresses a willingness to do something, qualified by a condition or limitation. As Ludwig points out, it's considered correct and appears very commonly, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, remember that more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. The authoritative sources using the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I intend to, however

Replaces "will" with "intend to", adding a degree of formality while maintaining the conditional sense with "however".

I am willing, although

Substitutes "will" with "am willing", explicitly stating willingness but introducing a contrast with "although".

I plan to, yet

Uses "plan to" instead of "will", suggesting a plan is in place, and "yet" to introduce a contrasting element.

I shall, nevertheless

Replaces "will" with the more formal "shall" and "but" with "nevertheless", indicating a formal tone.

I am going to, but still

Emphasizes intention with "am going to", adding "still" to reinforce the contrast.

I am inclined to, but

Introduces the idea of inclination, suggesting a leaning towards the action, but retaining the contrast.

I'm prepared to, even so

Indicates readiness with "prepared to", replacing "but" with "even so" to show concession.

I'm ready to, however

Similar to being prepared, but uses 'ready' to show a state of preparedness and 'however' as a conjunction.

I want to, however

Expresses desire to perform an action, while 'however' presents a contrasting statement.

I desire to, yet

A more formal way of saying wanting to do something, while expressing contrast through 'yet'.

FAQs

What does the phrase "I will but" mean?

The phrase "I will but" means that someone is willing to do something, but there is a condition or limitation attached to their willingness. It's a way of expressing a qualified agreement.

How can I use "I will but" in a sentence?

You can use "I will but" to express your intention to do something with a caveat. For example, "I will help you, but I need to finish my own work first".

What are some alternatives to using "I will but"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I will, "however"", "I will, "nevertheless"", or "I will, "yet"", which can provide a similar meaning with slightly different connotations.

Is it more formal to say "I will but" or "I will, however"?

"I will, "however"" is generally considered more formal than "I will but". The latter can sound somewhat informal or conversational.