but are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to provide contrast between ideas, e.g.: "I prefer cats, but are dogs not adorable too?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But are lipids toxic?

The Economist

But are they wrong?

Independent

But are these credible?

The Economist

But are they learning?

The New York Times

But are they realistic?

The Economist

But are they assassins?

The New York Times - Books

But are they funny?

The New Yorker

But are they overblown?

The New York Times

"But are they real?

The New York Times

But are they "sisters"?

The New York Times

But are they desirable?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but are" to introduce a question or statement that contrasts with a preceding idea, creating a sense of inquiry or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "but are" excessively in very simple sentences where a direct contrast using "but" alone would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "but are" is to act as a conjunction that introduces a contrasting statement or question. It typically follows an initial assertion and sets up a divergence or challenge to what has been previously stated. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but are" functions as a conjunction to introduce contrasting information, often in the form of a question or a skeptical remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While most common in news and media contexts, it also finds use in academic settings. When employing "but are", ensure it effectively contrasts with the preceding statement without sounding redundant. For enhanced formality or emphasis, consider alternatives such as "however are" or "yet are".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet are

Replaces "but" with "yet", maintaining the contrast but with a slightly more formal tone.

however are

Substitutes "but" with "however", providing a more explicit adversative connection.

though are

Uses "though" instead of "but", offering a concessive contrast.

even so are

Adds emphasis to the contrast, suggesting a stronger divergence from the previous point.

still are

Indicates a contrast that persists despite the preceding information.

nonetheless are

A more formal alternative to "but", conveying a similar sense of contrast.

in spite of this are

Explicitly indicates that the contrast exists despite what was previously stated.

regardless are

Implies that the following statement holds true irrespective of the previous one.

be that as it may are

A formal expression that acknowledges the preceding statement while introducing a contrast.

with that said are

Introduces a contrasting point after acknowledging the previous statement.

FAQs

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

Use "but are" to introduce a contrasting question or statement. For example, "They claim to be environmentally friendly, "but are" their actions truly sustainable?"

What's a less formal way to express the contrast introduced by "but are"?

In less formal contexts, consider using just "but" or rephrasing the sentence for clarity. For instance, instead of "The data suggests a decline, "but are" the figures reliable?" you could say "The data suggests a decline, but are the figures reliable?"

Are there synonyms for "but are" that add more emphasis?

Yes, phrases like "however are", "yet are", or "even so are" can add more emphasis when introducing a contrasting point.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but are"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is generally acceptable, using ""but are"" to begin a sentence can sound somewhat awkward. It's often better to incorporate it within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow.