are but very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are but very" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point, often suggesting that something is only a small or insignificant part of a larger context. Example: "The results of the experiment are but very minor compared to the overall findings of the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We are very happy with where we are, but very nervous about where things are headed.

The New York Times

"You've got to be very realistic about where you are, but very optimistic about where you can be," he said during interviews this month.

The New York Times

I've conducted a totally unsystematic but long-term survey of them and can report that most know what autism and dyslexia are, but very few have any idea about specific language impairment (SLI).

The Guardian

He has left nothing in writing behind him, except some decrees; and there are but very few of his sayings recorded; one, for example, is, that he said Aegina must, like a gathering in a man's eye, be removed from Piraeus; and another, that he said he saw already war moving on its way towards them out of Peloponnesus.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They might look at the venture firm, they might look at how established they are, but very rarely do we get questions in terms of where our money's ultimately coming from.

TechCrunch

For in the common Philosophy, besides that the Notion and Theory of Local Motion are but very imperfectly propos'd, there are Laws or Rules of it not well, not to say at all, establish'd".[45] Again, Boyle writes: "Suppose a Ball were in motion, & all the world should be on a sudden annihilated about it; why may not the motion of that Ball be continu'd?

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's funny, but very, very painful.

The Guardian - Books

But phones are very, very powerful.

BBC

"That's very efficient, but very risky.

The New York Times

She was very strong, but very emotional.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was very painful, but very healing".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are but very" to introduce a contrasting element, highlighting a limitation or unexpected quality. For instance, "These changes are but very minor, yet they have a significant impact."

Common error

Avoid using "are but very" when the contrast is already strong. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant. Opt for a simpler conjunction if the contrast is evident without additional emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are but very" functions as a qualifier, often acting as a conjunction phrase to introduce a limitation or unexpected contrast to a statement. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in contexts where something is true, yet constrained in some manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are but very" is grammatically correct and serves to introduce a qualification or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in a variety of contexts, predominantly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While not overly common, its presence in authoritative sources indicates its validity. When considering alternatives, phrases like "are only slightly" or "are just barely" can offer similar nuances, but it's important to choose the one that best fits the intended emphasis. When using "are but very", be cautious not to overemphasize the contrast, ensuring clarity and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are only slightly

Emphasizes a small degree or extent.

are just barely

Highlights a minimal or almost insufficient quality.

are merely somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree with a sense of limitation.

are hardly extremely

Shows that something is far from being extreme.

are just a little

Suggests a small quantity or degree.

are scarcely quite

Implies something almost not reaching a certain level.

are negligibly quite

Highlights that something is almost zero

are minimally reasonably

Indicates the presence of something at an almost insufficient quantity but with a minimal quantity

are faintly pretty

A barely visible or audible quantity of something

are insignificantly too

Points that something is meaningless in proportion

FAQs

How can I use "are but very" in a sentence?

Use "are but very" to introduce a contrasting element or limitation. For example, "The risks are real, but they "are but very" manageable with the right precautions."

What are some alternatives to "are but very"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are only slightly", "are just barely", or "are merely somewhat" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "are but very"?

Yes, the phrase "are but very" is grammatically correct. It is used to express a limited degree or extent, often in contrast to something else.

What is the difference between "are but very" and "are merely"?

"Are merely" emphasizes simplicity or insignificance, while "are but very" highlights a limited degree or an unexpected contrast. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey.