but commendably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but commendably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a positive aspect or action in contrast to a preceding negative or neutral statement. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges, but commendably, the team managed to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It signalled the end of a spirited but commendably clean contest featuring only one booking and Burr was rightly delighted with his men.

The Guardian - Sport

But commendably, the play doesn't merely ask for equal treatment; it also nods to the particular emotional pressures felt by women in the combat zone, many involving the Iraqi children who would approach soldiers or their convoys.

The New York Times

According to a recently updated study by the liberal, but commendably rigorous Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in order to meet his goals Romney would have to slash all non-defense programs other than Social Security, which he has said would be exempt, by twenty-two per cent in 2016 and thirty-four per cent in 2022.

The New Yorker

Had Villa folded in the traditional manner they would, of course, have been forgiven but, commendably, they opted to carry the fight to their tormentors, swamping midfield in the forlorn belief that Liverpool would eventually be undone either by complacency or, more probably, boredom.

The Guardian - Sport

Read a review 23 In reducing Zadie Smith's 2012 novel about crises of identity affecting two former schoolmates in London to 90 minutes of television, writer Rachel Bennette and director Saul Dibb inevitably lost Smith's stylistic tricks but commendably kept her complex representation of black lives.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Music has regressed into a form of high-profile busking: it's needy, but commendably independent at the same time.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But Swift commendably humanizes them, drawing out their polyvalent selves and hinting at their contradictions.

The New York Times - Books

But they commendably include the harrowing sequences of vehicular manslaughter, child neglect, drug overdose and domestic violence that many would rather not remember.

The Guardian - Film

An earlier, broader class suggested by the plaintiffs included all Illinois users who appeared in a photograph on Facebook, but the judge, commendably, decided that this would include people who appeared in images but were not in fact recognized or recorded as face templates by the recognition systems.

TechCrunch

Jack Glass is a lightweight but enjoyable read, commendably different from anything else.

The Guardian - Books

But it looks commendably elaborate, stunts-wise, and as pleasingly Armageddon-ridden as every blockbuster should be.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "but commendably" to highlight actions or qualities that deserve praise, especially when contrasting with less favorable circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "but commendably" in overly casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound stilted or overly formal in everyday conversation or informal correspondence. Opt for simpler alternatives like 'but well' or 'but nicely' in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but commendably" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two contrasting ideas or statements, while also expressing approval or praise for the action or quality being described. Ludwig AI shows this usage across different news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but commendably" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting contrasting ideas while expressing approval, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media contexts to acknowledge positive aspects despite challenges. While effective, it's best to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Consider phrases like "yet admirably" or "though praiseworthy" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet admirably

Replaces 'commendably' with 'admirably', focusing on the admirable quality of the action.

though praiseworthy

Substitutes 'commendably' with 'praiseworthy', emphasizing the deserving nature of the action.

however laudably

Uses 'laudably' instead of 'commendably', highlighting the praiseworthiness of the action in a slightly more formal tone.

but meritoriously

Replaces 'commendably' with 'meritoriously', stressing the deserving aspect of the action or quality.

notwithstanding its merit

This alternative focuses on acknowledging the merit of something, even though there might be contrasting factors.

despite its worth

This option emphasizes the value or worth of something in spite of another factor.

even with its strengths

Acknowledges the strengths of something, contrasting it with potential weaknesses or challenges.

while still admirable

Highlights the admirable nature of something while acknowledging other aspects that might be less positive.

yet with distinction

Uses "with distinction" to replace "commendably", implying that the action was performed in a way that stands out.

albeit creditably

Substitutes 'commendably' with 'creditably', suggesting that the action was performed in a manner deserving of credit.

FAQs

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

"But commendably" is used to highlight a positive aspect that contrasts with a preceding statement. For example, "The project faced numerous challenges, but commendably, the team still met the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "but commendably"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet admirably", "though praiseworthy", or "however laudably". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but commendably" too formal for casual writing?

Yes, "but commendably" can sound formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "but nicely" or "but well" for a more relaxed tone.

Can "but commendably" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "but commendably" is less common. It's generally smoother to integrate it within the sentence to connect contrasting ideas more directly, as in, "They faced many obstacles, but commendably, they persevered."