but arguably not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but arguably not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a counterpoint or to express a differing opinion on a statement that has just been made. Example: "The movie was a commercial success, but arguably not a critical one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This sort of "intelligence" would be of marginal importance but, arguably, not entirely useless.

The New Yorker

Yell.com is a powerful site, but arguably not a networked as it could be.

The Guardian

More subtle, but arguably not much less retro, Tame Impala draw an enormous teatime crowd on the main stage.

The Guardian - Music

Here are some recent examples, together with a couple of others that exhibit one of those qualities, but arguably not the other.

The New York Times - Arts

He would not be pleased with the comparison, but, arguably, not since John Henry Newman has an English theologian generated such a school of followers.

The Guardian

Sudan's Arabs absolutely have been and continue to be victims of the regime's corruption and monstrosities, but arguably not to the same extent as the rest of the nation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

BAE appears to have made a satisfactory start to 2016, but has arguably not been able to generate any excitement.

The Guardian - Business

The findings are contrasted with evidence from historical experience in clubs that enjoy close proximity to the focal clubs but are (arguably) not 'super clubs' (like Espanyol, TSV 1860 Munich, Stockport County and Bury, and Rayo Vallecano).

Harvard University

But it is, arguably, not quite so simple.

The Guardian - Music

But it is, arguably, not about her at all.

The Guardian - Film

But Soumission is, arguably, not primarily about politics at all.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but arguably not" to introduce a thoughtful counterpoint, indicating that while something might seem a certain way, there's room for reasonable disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "but arguably not" excessively, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or overly cautious. Strive for a balance between expressing doubt and making decisive statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but arguably not" functions as a conjunction phrase used to introduce a counterpoint or a qualified disagreement. It softens a negative statement, suggesting that an opposing viewpoint is possible, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but arguably not" serves as a valuable tool for introducing counterpoints or qualified disagreements in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase is recognized for its neutrality and capacity to express nuanced perspectives, it's essential to maintain balance and avoid overuse. By considering alternatives and understanding its function, writers can effectively use "but arguably not" to enhance the depth and thoughtfulness of their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not necessarily

Replaces "arguably not" with "not necessarily", indicating that something is not a certainty.

however debatably not

Replaces "arguably" with "debatably", emphasizing the contentious nature of the point.

but not definitely

Replaces "arguably not" with "not definitely", suggesting there is no definitive confirmation.

although contestably not

Substitutes "arguably" with "contestably", emphasizing that the point can be challenged.

though perhaps not

Substitutes "but arguably" with "though perhaps", indicating a more tentative counter-argument.

yet possibly not

Replaces "but arguably" with "yet possibly", softening the tone of disagreement.

still questionably not

Uses "still questionably" instead of "but arguably", highlighting uncertainty.

even if disputably not

Replaces "but arguably" with "even if disputably", suggesting the point is open to dispute.

while conceivably not

Uses "while conceivably" instead of "but arguably", conveying a sense of possibility that contrasts with the main statement.

nonetheless possibly not

Replaces "but arguably" with "nonetheless possibly", indicating a reservation despite what was previously stated.

FAQs

How can I use "but arguably not" in a sentence?

Use "but arguably not" to present a counter-argument or express a contrasting viewpoint. For example, "The policy change was intended to improve efficiency, "but arguably not", it has created more bureaucracy."

What phrases are similar to "but arguably not"?

Alternatives include "though perhaps not", "but not necessarily", or "however debatably not", each offering a slightly different nuance of doubt or disagreement.

Is it always appropriate to use "but arguably not" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone. In highly formal contexts, a more direct or assertive expression might be preferable. For example, rather than "the data suggests improvement, "but arguably not"", you could say "the data suggests improvement, but this conclusion is debatable".

What is the difference between "but arguably not" and "but certainly not"?

"But arguably not" suggests there's room for reasonable disagreement, while "but certainly not" expresses a stronger, more definitive contradiction. The former implies a nuanced perspective, whereas the latter indicates a firm conviction that something is incorrect or impossible.