but alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but alone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a contrast or condition where something is true only when one is by themselves. Example: "I enjoy spending time with friends, but alone, I find peace in solitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"With others, but alone".

The New Yorker

But alone it is not sufficient.

Independent

Yet she, too, was anything but alone.

The New York Times

But Kristina is anything but alone.

The Guardian

Mr. Ribot seemed elated, and anything but alone.

The New York Times - Arts

Those are fine, but alone, that's not the answer".

The New York Times

The Borovlyany church is anything but alone in its predicament.

The New York Times

Cameron has been on stage all but alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

The assertion of human rights is important, but alone they make for a pretty thin creed.

The New York Times

Incongruity may be a necessary condition for humor, but alone it's not sufficient.

The New Yorker

Studies have found that Americans are all but alone in giving newborns their own room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but alone" to highlight the insufficiency of a single element or factor. It works well to introduce the idea that other components are necessary for success or completeness.

Common error

Avoid using "but alone" when you intend to express a complete state of isolation without any additional requirements. "But alone" implies a need for something more, so ensure this implication aligns with your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but alone" functions as a conjunction introducing a contrasting idea. It indicates that while something might be true or present, it is not sufficient or complete in itself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

The Guardian - Music

1%

The New Yorker

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but alone" is a versatile construction used to express insufficiency or incompleteness. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequency in news and scientific sources highlights its appropriateness across various registers. When using "but alone", ensure that the contrasting element is clear and that the intended meaning emphasizes the need for additional factors. While alternatives like "yet solitary" or "however isolated" exist, "but alone" offers a direct and effective way to convey a sense of limitation. Ludwig's analysis reveals it is a very common phrase, so use it with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet solitary

Replaces "but alone" with a more concise expression emphasizing the state of being solitary.

although solitary

Similar to "yet solitary", but uses "although" to introduce a contrasting element.

but by myself

Substitutes "alone" with "by myself", focusing on the personal experience of being alone.

though on my own

Highlights the personal aspect of being alone, similar to "but by myself".

however isolated

Emphasizes the feeling of isolation, changing the focus slightly from the simple state of being alone.

still solo

A more informal and concise way to express being alone, suitable for less formal contexts.

while isolated

Similar to "however isolated", but uses "while" as a conjunction.

though unaccompanied

Replaces "alone" with "unaccompanied", highlighting the lack of company.

yet unaided

Shifts the focus to a lack of assistance rather than simply being alone.

but without support

Emphasizes the absence of support, which can be a consequence of being alone.

FAQs

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

Use "but alone" to emphasize that something is insufficient on its own and requires additional factors. For example, "Talent is important, but alone, it's not a guarantee of success".

What can I say instead of "but alone"?

Alternatives include "yet solitary", "however isolated", or "although solitary", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but alone"?

Yes, "but alone" is grammatically correct when used to indicate that something is insufficient or incomplete on its own.

What is the difference between "but alone" and "alone"?

"Alone" simply describes a state of being by oneself. "But alone" implies a contrast, suggesting that being alone is not enough or is somehow limited without additional factors.