but always

USAGE SUMMARY

"but always" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to draw attention to an ongoing state of affairs that is being contrasted with something else. For example: "I am sometimes able to do a lot of work, but always tired at the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Always friendly but always forgetting".

The Guardian - Arts

"But always read books".

The New Yorker

But always, there was one.

The New York Times

But, always, John loved meetings.

The New Yorker

But always a different floor.

The New Yorker

"Stubborn, but always a gentleman.

The New York Times

But always he pressed onward.

The New Yorker

But always she was silent.

The New Yorker

But always meeting ourselves".

The Guardian - Books

But always with interest.

The New York Times

"But always one speed".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but always" to clearly indicate a contrasting element that does not negate a persistent condition or action. It's effective for emphasizing resilience or consistency in the face of challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "but always" when the "always" is already implied or redundant. For example, "He tried, but always failed" can often be simplified to "He always failed" if the attempt is already understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but always" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the persistence or consistency of the second idea. Ludwig AI supports this by showcasing numerous examples where "but always" connects opposing circumstances with an ongoing state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but always" serves as a conjunction to introduce a contrast while highlighting the consistent or persistent nature of the subsequent clause. As Ludwig AI indicates, the grammatical status is correct, and its usage is very common across various domains, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, the phrase can be replaced with alternatives like "yet invariably" or "however perpetually" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. A key best practice is to employ "but always" to emphasize resilience or consistency despite challenges, avoiding redundancy by ensuring the "always" isn't already implied. This makes "but always" a versatile and valuable addition to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet invariably

Replaces "but" with "yet" and "always" with "invariably", emphasizing consistency.

though, invariably

Replaces "but" with "though" and "always" with "invariably", offering a slightly more informal tone.

however, perpetually

Substitutes "but" with "however" and "always" with "perpetually", highlighting continuity despite contrast.

nevertheless, constantly

Replaces "but" with "nevertheless" and "always" with "constantly", emphasizing persistence despite an obstacle.

yet, perpetually

Combines "yet" and "perpetually" for a similar contrast and emphasis on continuity.

still, without exception

Uses "still" instead of "but" and "without exception" to underscore the consistency of the action.

although, unfailingly

Uses "although" to introduce the contrast and "unfailingly" to highlight the reliability of the action.

even so, consistently

Employs "even so" and "consistently" to highlight the unwavering nature of the action despite a preceding condition.

notwithstanding, invariably

Emphasizes the contrast with "notwithstanding", while "invariably" highlights consistency.

despite that, regularly

Substitutes "but" with "despite that" and "always" with "regularly", emphasizing a habitual action despite a contrary circumstance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but always" in a sentence?

Use "but always" to introduce a contrasting element that doesn't negate a consistent action or state. For example, "The work was hard, "but always" rewarding" shows the difficulty didn't diminish the reward.

What are some alternatives to using "but always" in my writing?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet invariably", "however perpetually", or "still, without exception", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "but always" considered formal or informal language?

"But always" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might exist depending on the specific situation.

What's the difference between using "but always" and "yet always"?

The difference between "but always" and "yet always" is subtle. "But" introduces a more direct contrast, while "yet" suggests a contrast that's somewhat surprising or unexpected, though both can often be used interchangeably.