but alternatively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but alternatively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a different option or perspective in a discussion or argument. Example: "We could proceed with the original plan, but alternatively, we might consider a more innovative approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The concept is probably rooted in a culture that values goofing around, preferably at the beach but alternatively in front of a screen.

The New York Times - Tech

But alternatively the matter could be taken to the federal court for a hearing.

The Guardian

Sales of diesel and petrol cars were up but alternatively fuelled vehicles saw the biggest increase, up 59% in October.

The Guardian - Business

"Then," Mr. Farley says, "move into power training," like jumping onto and off boxes or stair steps, followed by "surf-specific training, such as paddling with resistance," preferably in a pool but alternatively on a rowing machine in a gym.

The New York Times

This could be because the film has a good understanding of genre pacing, but alternatively it could signal the moment that the house lights inexplicably came on in the middle of the film, or when the woman next to me screamed so loudly that everyone at the screening briefly thought she was being physically assaulted.

The Guardian - Film

It has generally been assumed that death of neurons causes neurotransmitter loss, but alternatively neurotransmitter depletion itself may at least contribute to neurodegeneration.

Medical Hypotheses

In our study we did not perform CAP- scoring, but alternatively scored D- and K-bursts similar to CAP A1 bursts [22].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

One unit will cost a whopping US$7,800, but alternatively, buyers can opt for a US$180 monthly lease plan that includes the cloud-based management service.

TechCrunch

In later works, however, he is undecided: it could be that ethical sentences express judgements; but, alternatively, they may express emotions or commands.

SEP

The bisection method is a classical technique widely used in the literature in order to approximate μ ∗ but, alternatively, we can also apply the enhanced version of the CDM.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If two nodes, u and v, do not have a direct link (u, v ε E but alternatively, there exists a link, (u, w), (w, v) ε E, it means the nodes are in a two-hop (H2) neighbourhood.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but alternatively" to introduce a clear and distinct alternative, ensuring it's not just a minor variation of the initial option.

Common error

Avoid using "but alternatively" when a simpler conjunction like "or" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but alternatively" serves as a conjunctive adverb, linking two contrasting options or possibilities. Ludwig shows its use in introducing different courses of action or perspectives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but alternatively" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for introducing an alternative option or perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. The phrase appears frequently in scientific and news contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a clear and distinct alternative is being presented. Simpler options like "instead" or "on the other hand" may be more appropriate for less complex scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an alternative

Directly presents another option or course of action.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting option or perspective.

conversely

Indicates an opposite or reverse situation or viewpoint.

in contrast

Highlights a difference between two options or ideas.

by contrast

Similar to "in contrast", emphasizing a difference.

instead

Replaces a previous option with a different one.

otherwise

Indicates what will happen if a condition is not met, or introduces a different option.

then again

Introduces a different point of view or possibility.

another possibility is

Suggests an alternative explanation or scenario.

as a substitute

Presents a replacement for something previously mentioned.

FAQs

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

"But alternatively" is used to introduce another option or possibility. For instance, "We could drive, but alternatively, we could take the train".

What's a simpler way to say "but alternatively"?

You can use alternatives like "on the other hand", "conversely", or "instead" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "but" before "alternatively"?

While "but alternatively" is common, you can sometimes omit the "but" and simply use "alternatively" if the contrast is already clear from the context.

What's the difference between "but alternatively" and "however"?

"However" generally introduces a contrasting statement, while "but alternatively" specifically introduces a different option or course of action. The nuance lies in the direct offering of a choice with the latter.