but clearly

USAGE SUMMARY

"but clearly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a contrast when expressing your opinion or making a comparison. For example: "His proposals for a new budget seemed like a good idea at the time, but clearly they didn't work out as expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But clearly not all.

The New Yorker

But clearly he does.

The New York Times - Sports

But clearly sinister.

The New York Times

"But clearly he doesn't respond".

The New Yorker

But clearly you want to.

The New York Times - Magazine

But clearly something is happening.

The New York Times

But clearly, attitudes are shifting.

The New York Times - Magazine

But clearly it worked.

The New York Times - Arts

But clearly they're not.

The New York Times

But clearly I was.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But clearly not yet.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but clearly" to introduce a contrasting point that is easily understood or evident from the context. It strengthens the contrast by highlighting the obvious nature of the second point.

Common error

Avoid overusing "but clearly" in formal academic or professional writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Consider alternatives like "however", "nevertheless", or "it is evident that" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but clearly" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the obviousness of the second point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its role in highlighting a readily apparent conclusion following a contrasting statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but clearly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a contrasting yet obvious point. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, highlighting its utility in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. Remember to leverage alternatives like "however it's evident" or "nonetheless it's obvious" when aiming for a more nuanced style. Keep in mind that "but clearly" works best when emphasizing a readily apparent conclusion following a contrasting idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however it's evident

Replaces "clearly" with "evident", maintaining the sense of obviousness.

yet it's apparent

Substitutes "but" with "yet" and "clearly" with "apparent", conveying a similar contrast.

nonetheless it's obvious

Replaces "but" with "nonetheless" and "clearly" with "obvious", indicating a contrast and something easily perceived.

still it's plain to see

Uses "still" instead of "but" and replaces "clearly" with "plain to see", emphasizing the ease of understanding.

even so it's manifest

Replaces "but" with "even so" and "clearly" with "manifest", giving a slightly more formal tone.

in spite of that it's understood

This phrase adds 'in spite of that', framing a contrast against the backdrop of common understanding.

that being said it's recognized

It swaps "but" for "that being said", shifting to a more conversational tone.

all the same it's realized

This variant focuses on the 'realization' aspect, suggesting a gradual understanding.

be that as it may it's undeniable

This alternative is more formal and stresses the 'undeniable' aspect of the statement.

at the same time it's perceptible

Changes the emphasis to 'perceptibility', implying that something can be sensed or observed, even if initially hidden.

FAQs

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

"But clearly" introduces a contrasting point that is easily understood. For example, "The initial plan had flaws, but clearly, a new approach was needed".

What are some alternatives to "but clearly"?

You can use phrases like "however it's evident", "yet it's apparent", or "nonetheless it's obvious" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "but clearly" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but clearly" might be perceived as too informal or assertive in some formal contexts. Consider more neutral alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless".

What's the difference between "but clearly" and "obviously"?

"But clearly" introduces a contrasting point that is easy to understand, whereas "obviously" simply emphasizes that something is evident. You might use "but clearly" to highlight a contrast, while "obviously" confirms a statement's self-evidence.