but at this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but at this time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate the present moment, as in "I may have an opportunity to do this at a later date, but at this time I am unable to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But at this time, we don't see there's any need".

The New York Times

But at this time they are not bothered by noise.

The New York Times

"But at this time, I have to object".

The New York Times

"But at this time it hasn't made a big impact.

The New York Times

But at this time of year, it always comes around to grilling.

The New York Times

"But at this time of year it's like July in Chile.

The New Yorker

But at this time the Greek world was also in a temporary state of balance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, at this time, we don't know if and how the benefits will outweigh the risks.

The Guardian - Tech

It's art rock karaoke, but at this time of night that's probably what's required.

The Guardian - Music

But at this time of day, it is one every three seconds.

The Guardian

But at this time of year he uses syrupy muzak renditions of Christmas carols.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but at this time" to clearly indicate the present state while implying a potential future change. For example, "We are not hiring now, but at this time we anticipate openings next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "but at this time" repetitively in formal contexts. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "however", "currently", or "at present" for a more natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but at this time" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, modifying a clause and connecting it to a preceding statement. It introduces a contrast or qualification related to the current situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates the present moment in relation to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but at this time" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrast while specifying the present situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, often found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While highly frequent, it is crucial to avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, opting for synonyms like "currently" or "at present" for variety. "But at this time" serves to create temporal qualifications and caveats, adding depth and nuance to statements across diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however at the moment

Replaces "this time" with "the moment" for a slightly more immediate feel.

but currently

Uses "currently" as a more concise substitute for "at this time".

but for now

Implies a temporary situation, suggesting things might change later.

but as it stands

Emphasizes the current state or condition of affairs.

but in the interim

Highlights that the current situation is temporary before a change.

but just now

Focuses on the immediate present with a sense of urgency.

but at present

A more formal alternative to "at this time".

but under the circumstances

Emphasizes the influence of current conditions on the situation.

however things stand

Indicates the current state of affairs, usually with a tone of acceptance.

but in the meantime

Suggests an action will happen at a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "but at this time" in a sentence?

Use "but at this time" to specify a condition or action relevant to the present, suggesting a possible future alteration. For instance, "The project is on hold, "but at this time" we expect to resume in July".

What phrases are similar to "but at this time"?

Alternatives include "however at the moment", "but currently", or "but for now". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "but at this time" formal or informal?

"But at this time" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. While not overly informal, consider alternatives like "but at present" for highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "but at this time" and "but at this moment"?

While similar, "but at this moment" implies a greater sense of immediacy. "But at this time" suggests the current period, whereas "but at this moment" highlights the exact present.