but I made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I made" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a contrast or exception related to something you created or accomplished. Example: "I didn't think I could do it, but I made a beautiful painting that I'm proud of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But I made my point".

The New Yorker

"But I made the bed".

The New York Times

But I made you better".

The New Yorker

But I made it work".

The New York Times - Sports

"But I made it up," I said.

The New York Times

But I made myself forgive him.

The New Yorker

"But I made lemonade".

The Guardian - Music

"But I made nought".

The Guardian

I didn't score, but I made three.

Independent

But I made the decisions.

The New York Times

But I made no connection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but I made" to introduce a positive outcome or achievement that contrasts with a previous challenge or expectation. For example: "I was nervous about the presentation, but I made a strong impression on the clients."

Common error

Avoid using "but I made" if there's no clear contrast or preceding challenge. For example, instead of saying "I went to the store, but I made a sandwich", it's better to simply say "I went to the store and made a sandwich" if there's no contrasting element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but I made" serves as a conjunction introducing a contrasting statement following a previous one. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use to highlight achievements or creations despite prior challenges or limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but I made" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a contrasting action or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, to emphasize achievements despite challenges. Alternatives include "however I created" or "still I achieved", depending on the specific nuance. When using this phrase, ensure there's a clear contrast to avoid misinterpretations. Its neutral register makes it versatile for both informal and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however I created

Replaces "made" with "created", emphasizing the act of creation.

yet I produced

Uses "produced" instead of "made", focusing on the outcome.

still I achieved

Emphasizes the accomplishment despite a potential obstacle.

nonetheless I accomplished

A more formal way of highlighting the achievement.

even so I constructed

Replaces "made" with "constructed", suggesting a building or assembling process.

despite that I fashioned

Uses "fashioned" to imply a careful or artistic creation.

in spite of this I developed

Highlights the development process against a backdrop of difficulty.

regardless I generated

Focuses on the act of generating something, overcoming an obstacle.

although I formed

Emphasizes the formation or shaping of something.

I still managed to do

Highlights the element of success and being able to overcome potential difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "but I made" to introduce a contrasting outcome or accomplishment. For example: "I faced many obstacles, "but I made" it to the finish line."

What are some alternatives to "but I made"?

Alternatives include phrases like "however I created", "yet I produced", or "still I achieved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See more alternatives "here".

Is it correct to use "but I made" in formal writing?

Yes, "but I made" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when expressing a contrast or unexpected result. However, consider more formal alternatives like "nonetheless I accomplished" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "but I made" and "so I made"?

"But I made" indicates a contrast or overcoming of an obstacle, while "so I made" indicates a direct consequence or action taken. For example: "I was out of flour, but I made bread anyway" (contrast) versus "I was hungry, so I made a sandwich" (consequence).