but all too often

USAGE SUMMARY

"but all too often" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something occurs more often than one would expect or more often than is desirable. For example: "He was supposed to come back at noon, but all too often he came back late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But all too often they fall short".

The New York Times

But all too often that is not the case.

Harvard University

But all too often it was not well done.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But all too often that is exactly what happens.

Independent

But all too often the implementation has been a fiasco.

The Economist

But all too often, we're our own worst enemy.

The New York Times - Tech

But all too often, difference is not seen, nor valued.

Harvard Business Review

But all too often, the news they made was grim.

The New York Times

Researchers freely acknowledged these difficulties, but all too often fail to modify their research designs.

Australasian Marketing Journal (AMJ)

But all too often, our research shows, they are not.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

How he does it holds some obvious but all-too-often overlooked lessons for managers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but all too often", ensure that the statement preceding it sets up an expectation or ideal scenario, creating a clear contrast with the frequent, often undesirable, reality that follows.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "but all too often". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but all too often" functions as an adversative conjunction, linking two contrasting ideas. It introduces a situation that frequently occurs, typically in contrast to a desired or expected outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but all too often" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a contrasting, frequently occurring reality. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights situations that happen more often than desired or expected. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to express critique or concern. When writing, it is best used to emphasize a deviation from an ideal scenario, while avoiding overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternatives include phrases like "more often than not" or "frequently, however". This phrase's versatility and clear communicative purpose solidify its place in effective and nuanced English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more often than not

Emphasizes the frequency of an occurrence, similar to "but all too often".

frequently, however

Highlights the frequency with an adversative sense, similar to "but all too often".

as often as not

Indicates that something happens nearly as much as it doesn't, echoing the frequent occurrence in "but all too often".

more frequently than desired

Explicitly states that the event occurs more often than one would like, similar to the implied dissatisfaction in "but all too often".

all too common

Indicates something is unpleasantly or regrettably frequent, closely related to the negative connotation of "but all too often".

regrettably often

Highlights the regret associated with the frequency, a similar sentiment to "but all too often".

too frequently in reality

Highlights that something is more frequent than expected in practice, similar to "but all too often".

unfortunately, often happens

Highlights the unfortunate nature of the frequency, with a similar sentiment to "but all too often".

as a general rule

Indicates something generally happens despite potential exceptions, similar to "but all too often".

on many occasions

Emphasizes that events happen more often that desired, highlighting frequency, but less judgement, similar to "but all too often".

FAQs

How can I use "but all too often" in a sentence?

You can use "but all too often" to introduce a contrasting situation that happens more frequently than expected or desired. For example: "The product should be delivered on time, but "all too often" it arrives late".

What phrases are similar to "but all too often"?

Similar phrases include "more often than not", "frequently, however", or "all too common", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is "but all too often" considered formal or informal?

"But all too often" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate in neutral to formal writing where you want to emphasize a frequent, undesirable reality.

What's the difference between "but all too often" and "often"?

"Often" simply indicates frequency. "But all too often" implies that something happens frequently, contrary to what is desired or expected, adding a layer of disappointment or frustration.