but definitely not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but definitely not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong negation or to clarify that something is not included or applicable in a particular context. Example: "I enjoy spicy food, but definitely not the extremely hot varieties that can burn my mouth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But definitely not brown.

The Guardian

But definitely not mince pies".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But definitely not copying anyone.

The Guardian - Sport

Close, sort of, but definitely not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gripping, but definitely not for younger readers.

Independent

Also courageous and loyal, but definitely not a role model.

The New York Times

The Jacuzzi fixtures were gold-colored, but definitely not gold.

The New York Times

Last but definitely not least, a word about nonhuman animals.

The New York Times

I'm shapely and curvy, but definitely not a size two".

The New York Times

It will be theatre but definitely not a musical.

The Guardian

"I feel a little more confident or comfortable, but definitely not complacent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but definitely not" to clearly and emphatically exclude something from a category or consideration. This phrase adds a strong sense of negation, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse in very casual conversation. While grammatically correct, too frequent use can sound overly emphatic or even slightly aggressive. Opt for simpler negations like "but not" or "however, not" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but definitely not" functions as a conjunctional phrase used to introduce a strong negation or exclusion following a contrasting statement. Ludwig AI examples show its role in clarifying what is not included within a broader category or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but definitely not" is a commonly used conjunctional phrase that adds emphasis to a negation. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Alternative phrases like "but certainly not" or "but absolutely not" can be used for similar emphasis. Remember to use "but definitely not" to clearly and emphatically exclude something from a category or consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but certainly not

Emphasizes the certainty of the negation.

but absolutely not

Stresses the absolute nature of the negation.

but emphatically not

Highlights the forceful and clear nature of the negation.

but assuredly not

Indicates confidence in the negation.

but by no means

Expresses that something is not the case in any way.

however, not at all

Uses "however" to introduce a contrast and "not at all" for negation.

yet, under no circumstances

Emphasizes that something will not happen under any condition.

but far from it

Indicates the opposite is true.

but on no account

Stresses that something should not be done or considered.

but quite the opposite

Indicates a complete reversal of what was expected.

FAQs

How can I use "but definitely not" in a sentence?

Use "but definitely not" to strongly negate something after presenting a contrasting idea. For example, "I like some desserts, "but definitely not" chocolate cake."

What are some alternatives to "but definitely not"?

You can use alternatives such as "but certainly not", "but absolutely not", or "but by no means" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "but definitely not" or "but not definitely"?

"But definitely not" is the correct and more common phrasing. "But not definitely" is grammatically awkward and rarely used.

What's the difference between "but not" and "but definitely not"?

"But definitely not" adds emphasis to the negation compared to the simpler "but not". Use "but definitely not" when you want to express a stronger sense of exclusion or disagreement.