but devil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but devil" is not correct or commonly used in written English.
It may be intended as part of a larger expression or idiom, but as it stands, it lacks clarity and context. Example: "I wanted to go out, but devil knows what the weather will be like."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Likewise, Robert Pattinson's rat's-nest bouffant may look devil-may-care, but devil does care when there are photographers around.

The New York Times

But "Devil May Care" climaxes with Bond and Scarlett parachuting out of a crippled plane over the Soviet Union — almost three chapters before the end of the novel.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Kings appear unstoppable to outsiders at the moment, but Devils Coach Peter DeBoer sees things differently.

The New York Times - Sports

But Devils defenseman Mark Fayne arrived in the crease at just the right moment, blocking the shot.

The New York Times

But Devils fans and their future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur surely have something to say about this.

The New York Times

But Devils forward Brian Rolston tied the score early in the second.

The New York Times - Sports

But Devils forward Jim McKenzie, who dressed in place of Turner Stevenson (groin injury) saved a goal.

The New York Times - Sports

But Devils fans can be encouraged by the team's road record.

The New York Times - Sports

But the devil was in the details.

The New Yorker

But the devil is in the detail.

The Economist

Providence moves slowly but the devil hurries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "but devil" as it is not a standard or widely recognized expression in English. Opt for clearer and more common alternatives like "but who knows" or "but the problem is".

Common error

Be careful not to create non-standard phrases by misinterpreting or combining parts of known idioms. While "the devil is in the details" is common, using "but devil" on its own is likely to confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but devil" primarily functions as a conjunction phrase, attempting to connect two ideas while introducing an element of uncertainty or hidden difficulty. However, its non-standard usage makes it grammatically questionable, as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but devil" is not a recognized or grammatically sound expression in English. Ludwig indicates that it is not correct and lacks clarity, suggesting that it might be an incomplete or misinterpreted version of a larger idiom. While some sources contain the words "but" and "devil" in proximity, they do not constitute a standard phrase. It's better to use more common and understandable alternatives like "but who knows" or "but the devil is in the details" to avoid confusion and ensure clarity in your writing. Given its grammatical status and infrequent usage, it is advisable to avoid this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but who knows

Replaces "devil" with a more common expression of uncertainty.

but the catch is

Highlights a hidden problem or disadvantage.

but heaven knows

Similar to "who knows" but with a more emphatic tone.

but the problem lies in

Emphasizes the location of the central difficulty.

but the difficulty is

Directly points out the existing obstacle or complication.

but the real challenge is

Focuses on the primary hurdle to overcome.

but the snag is

Identifies a minor or unexpected obstacle.

but the crux of the matter is

Highlights the most crucial point or element.

but the sticking point is

Indicates the key issue causing disagreement or delay.

but there's a caveat

Introduces a limiting condition or exception.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "but devil"?

Alternatives include "but who knows", "but the problem is", or "but heaven knows", depending on the intended meaning.

Is "but devil" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "but devil" is not correct or commonly used in written English. It may be part of a larger expression, but it lacks clarity on its own.

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

It's generally advisable to avoid using "but devil" in your writing. If you intend to express uncertainty, consider "but who knows". If you're referring to hidden problems, try "but the devil is in the details".

What's the difference between "but devil" and "the devil is in the details"?

"The devil is in the details" is a common idiom that means the seemingly minor details of something can cause problems. "But devil" is not a standard phrase and should be avoided; consider "but who knows" instead.