but but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but but" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect or informal.
It can be used in informal contexts, often to emphasize a contradiction or to express surprise, but it is generally better to avoid it in formal writing. Example: "I thought you were coming to the party, but but you said you had other plans?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

BUT, BUT, BUT... we need to be so careful about how we talk about this.

Huffington Post

But then comes the "but": "But I can't help envying the kabbalists.

The New York Times - Books

But, but, but, but, but.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But! But, but but.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But but but, I said.

The New Yorker

So if you say, but, but, but.

Harvard Business Review

"But — but you are a Turk?

The New York Times - Books

"But, but, they promised".

The Guardian - Books

But, but you but-but that that preoccupation, that concern never suffocates, it never silences.

Princeton University

-- But, but, but: There's something discordant about this moment.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And they were like, but but.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "but but" in formal writing. Opt for single conjunctions like "however" or "nevertheless" for clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple conjunctions like "but but" as it weakens your writing and makes it sound less sophisticated. Choose a single, strong connector instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but but" typically attempts to function as a conjunction, aiming to introduce a contrast or exception to a previous statement. However, this repetition is grammatically unconventional and often perceived as awkward. As Ludwig AI suggests, alternative single-word conjunctions are preferable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "but but" might appear in informal speech, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect and stylistically weak in formal writing. Ludwig AI suggests opting for stronger, single-word conjunctions like "however", "nevertheless", or "yet" to clearly and effectively express contrast. Avoiding the repetition of conjunctions will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Given the absence of examples from authoritative sources, it's best to steer clear of "but but" in most contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however

Replaces the repetitive "but but" with a single, standard conjunction to indicate contrast.

nevertheless

Offers a more formal alternative to "but", suitable for emphasizing a contrast despite a preceding statement.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless", providing a slightly less formal way to introduce a contrasting point.

yet

A concise conjunction indicating contrast, often used to introduce a surprising or unexpected element.

still

Indicates that something is true despite something else that might prevent it.

even so

Emphasizes that what follows is true despite what has just been said.

that said

Introduces a contrasting or qualifying statement, often in a conversational tone.

on the other hand

Used to present a different perspective or a contrasting argument.

despite that

Highlights a contrast by indicating that something occurs regardless of a previous condition.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the previous one.

FAQs

How can I avoid using "but but" in my writing?

Replace "but but" with stronger, single conjunctions such as "however", "nevertheless", or "yet" for clearer and more professional writing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but but"?

No, the phrase "but but" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to use a single conjunction to indicate contrast.

When is it acceptable to use "but but"?

The phrase "but but" might be acceptable in very informal speech or to emphasize surprise or disagreement, but it should be avoided in written communication.

What's a more sophisticated way to express a contrasting idea than "but but"?

Instead of "but but", try using phrases like "on the other hand", "despite that", or "conversely" to introduce a contrasting point in a more refined manner.