but contemporary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but contemporary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to contrast something with a modern or current context, often following a statement about the past or a different style. Example: "The painting reflects traditional techniques, but contemporary artists often use mixed media to express their ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not experimental, but contemporary.

The New York Times

But contemporary language is hardly frozen.

The New Yorker

But contemporary implications are noticeably unremarked.

Independent

But contemporary slavery is something else.

The New York Times - Arts

But contemporary novels?

The Guardian - Books

But contemporary and international tinges are added.

The New York Times - Arts

"But contemporary art remains a mystery for many.

The New York Times

But contemporary challenges bear comparison with the events of 2003.

Independent

But contemporary entitlement spending is "five to 10 times larger".

The New York Times - Books

But contemporary Japanese theater remains by and large terra incognita.

The New York Times - Arts

But contemporary artists tend to favor response over mimesis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but contemporary" to introduce a modern twist or perspective that contrasts with a more traditional or historical context.

Common error

Avoid using "but contemporary" when the modernity is already implied. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but contemporary" functions as a contrastive conjunction phrase. It's used to introduce an element of modernity or current relevance in opposition to something previously stated, often a traditional or outdated concept. As Ludwig AI points out, it bridges past and present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but contemporary" is a commonly used contrastive phrase that introduces a modern perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively highlights the differences between traditional and modern approaches. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as academic writing. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, ensure its use is not redundant. Consider alternatives like "yet modern" or "however modern" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet modern

Replaces "contemporary" with "modern" to emphasize a break from the past while still being current.

however modern

Similar to "yet modern" but adds more emphasis with the use of "however".

though contemporary

Emphasizes the contrast, placing "contemporary" in a slightly subordinate position.

but current

Uses "current" as a synonym for "contemporary", making the phrase slightly less formal.

yet current

Combines the contrast of "yet" with the immediacy of "current".

but of the moment

Replaces "contemporary" with a more colloquial expression, indicating something fashionable or relevant now.

however up-to-date

Uses "up-to-date" to highlight the modernity and relevance of the subject.

though fashionable

Specifically emphasizes that something is modern in terms of style or trend.

but modern-day

Emphasizes that something is of the present day, often in contrast to historical or traditional aspects.

yet forward-thinking

Highlights an element that is not only modern but also innovative and progressive.

FAQs

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

Use "but contemporary" to contrast something traditional or historical with a modern aspect. For example, "The design incorporates classical elements, but contemporary materials offer improved durability."

What are some alternatives to "but contemporary"?

Alternatives include "yet modern", "however modern", or "but current", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "but contemporary modern"?

Yes, "but contemporary modern" is generally redundant. Since "contemporary" already means modern, using both words together is unnecessary. Choose either "contemporary" or "modern" depending on the context.

How does "but contemporary" differ from "but traditional"?

"But contemporary" introduces a modern aspect in contrast to something else, while "but traditional" introduces a traditional aspect. The two phrases are opposites in terms of the element they emphasize. Example: "The method is innovative, but contemporary challenges exist." vs "The approach is new, but traditional values are respected."