but at all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but at all" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the negative connotation of a sentence. For example, "I haven't seen him in weeks, but at all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It works great when I'm outside and there is a sunny day, but at all the other times I need a number it just collects dust.

TechCrunch

But, at all times, she is present a human witness.

The New Yorker

But, at all times, she is present — a human witness.

The New Yorker

But at all the aforementioned places, there was nary an earplug in sight.

The New York Times

But at all income levels, women are still concentrated in traditionally female areas of study.

The New York Times

Not the previous three games of this playoff series, but at all?

The New York Times - Sports

Union leaders said the ads were not directed at the governor, but at all lawmakers.

The New York Times

We are blessed to be Americans, not just in times of prosperity, but at all times.

The New York Times

But how do you do Homer — not just well, but at all?

The New Yorker

But at all levels, the provisions for dynamic changes to authorization for access are a severe complication.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the picture starts to change when you look not just at income taxes but at all taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but at all" to introduce a contrasting element that exists across all instances or conditions, ensuring a strong emphasis on the exception or contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "but at all" for simple contradictions where a direct "but" suffices. "But at all" emphasizes universality across instances, not just a single contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but at all" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, typically used to introduce a contrasting element that persists across all situations or instances. Ludwig's examples illustrate this use in various contexts, emphasizing universality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but at all" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to emphasize a contrasting element that persists across all instances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "nevertheless, without exception" exist, "but at all" provides a balanced and effective way to highlight universal exceptions. Remember to use it when you want to strongly emphasize a contrasting condition that holds true in every situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in every situation

This alternative is a more literal rephrasing, maintaining a similar level of formality.

nevertheless, without exception

This alternative offers a more formal and emphatic tone.

however, in any case

This alternative provides a stronger sense of contrast, highlighting the exception more directly.

nonetheless, consistently

This option emphasizes the unchanging nature of the contrasted element.

yet, under all circumstances

This alternative emphasizes the perseverance of a condition despite the contrast.

though, in every instance

This option presents a slightly more informal way of conveying the same meaning.

even so, invariably

This alternative conveys a sense of inevitability despite the contrast.

in spite of everything, constantly

Similar to the previous alternative, this one stresses the continued presence of something.

still, regardless

This option is a shorter, more concise way to express the contrast.

despite everything, always

This alternative highlights the resilience against obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "but at all" in a sentence?

Use "but at all" to introduce a condition or circumstance that applies universally, despite a previous statement. For example, "The training was rigorous, but at all times, safety was the priority."

What phrases are similar to "but at all"?

Similar phrases include "however, in any case", "nevertheless, without exception", or "but in every situation".

When is it appropriate to use "but at all"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a contrasting condition is present in every instance or situation, providing a strong sense of universality.

Is there a more formal alternative to "but at all"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "nevertheless, without exception" or "nonetheless, consistently". These alternatives provide a stronger, more sophisticated tone.