but commonly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but commonly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception to a previously mentioned idea, indicating that something is generally true but has common exceptions. Example: "The procedure is rarely followed, but commonly, exceptions are made for urgent cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can take several forms, but commonly consist of low-fidelity paper prototypes of landing pages.

The Guardian

Symptoms vary, but commonly include a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and burning or watery eyes.

Harvard University

Another complex process to describe, but commonly encountered in food processing, is mixing.

Introduction to Food Engineering

Several complex but commonly encountered problems in the engineering practice are computationally investigated.

Computers & Structures

Positions rarely are abandoned for lack of XYZ equipment, but commonly from lack of support or lack of teamwork.

Cornell University

The answer is available (from many text books on x-ray diffraction), but commonly only for two extreme cases.

Cornell University

However, there is an incorrect but commonly held perception that streamlines cannot be used for gas reservoirs.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The "large and simple clinical trial" is a study design rarely undertaken in the United States but commonly used elsewhere.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A lineage may comprise any number of generations but commonly is traced through some 5 or 10.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nudism is a social practice in which the sexes interact freely but commonly without engaging in sexual activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Symptoms are variable but commonly include irregular leaf mottling (light and dark green or yellow patches or streaks).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but commonly" to introduce a frequent exception or contrasting situation to a general statement, adding nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but commonly" multiple times within a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but commonly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas, where the second part introduces a frequent exception or alternative to the first. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but commonly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce frequent exceptions or qualifications to general statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Found across diverse sources like scientific journals, news articles, and academic papers, "but commonly" adds nuance to writing. While the phrase is useful, avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain clarity and variety. Remember, there are several alternatives, such as "however often" or "yet frequently", that can be employed to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, often

Replaces "commonly" with "often", indicating a frequent occurrence that contrasts with the preceding statement.

yet frequently

Substitutes "commonly" with "frequently", highlighting that the contrasting occurrence is not rare.

though generally

Uses "generally" instead of "commonly", suggesting that the preceding statement is a broad rule with some exceptions.

although typically

Employs "typically" in place of "commonly", indicating that the initial statement is a usual pattern.

nonetheless usually

Replaces both "but" and "commonly" to provide a stronger contrast while maintaining a similar meaning.

in spite of this, often

Adds "in spite of this" to create a clearer contrast, while "often" replaces "commonly".

despite this, frequently

Similar to the previous alternative, but uses "frequently" to emphasize the occurrence's regularity.

conversely, as a rule

Uses "conversely" to indicate the contrast and "as a rule" to replace "commonly".

on the other hand, ordinarily

Presents the contrasting situation as an alternative perspective, with "ordinarily" replacing "commonly".

in contrast, characteristically

Highlights the contrast using "in contrast" and replaces "commonly" with "characteristically".

FAQs

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

"But commonly" is used to introduce an exception or a frequent occurrence that contrasts with a general statement. For example, "The disease is rare, but commonly presents with these symptoms."

What phrases are similar to "but commonly"?

Alternatives to "but commonly" include phrases like "however often", "yet frequently", or "though generally", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but commonly"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged, using "but commonly" to begin a sentence is grammatically acceptable, especially when you want to emphasize a contrast with a previous statement or idea.

What's the difference between "but commonly" and "but usually"?

"But commonly" and "but usually" are similar, but "but commonly" implies that the exception or contrasting situation is a frequent occurrence, while "but usually" suggests it's the more expected outcome.