but eventually

USAGE SUMMARY

"but eventually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that a process or event will happen after a period of time. For example, "We had to wait a long time, but eventually the package arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But eventually.

The New York Times

But eventually, he quits.

The New York Times

But, eventually, it wasn't.

The New Yorker

But eventually, they did.

The New York Times

"But eventually," she added.

The New York Times

But eventually he did.

The New York Times

But eventually you become immune.

The New York Times

But eventually they'll be strong.

The Economist

But eventually I came around.

The New York Times - Magazine

But eventually every sprinter trips.

The Economist

But eventually reality sets in".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but eventually" to introduce a contrasting outcome that occurs after a period or process, creating a sense of delayed resolution or change.

Common error

Avoid using "but eventually" in sentences where the sequence of events is immediately obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Consider using simpler transitions like "finally" or "in the end" for straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but eventually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses or sentences to indicate a contrast followed by a delayed outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly shows a shift after a period. It signals a transition from an initial state or action to a different result achieved over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"But eventually" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to indicate a contrasting outcome that occurs after a period. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions to signal a transition from an initial state to a different result achieved over time. While very common in news and media, it's suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, remember to use it where you want to highlight a shift after a duration, but avoid overuse in very simple sentences where a simpler transition might be more appropriate. Alternative phrases like "however, in the end" or "still, in the long run" can provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in the long run

Focuses on the ultimate outcome after a considerable period.

despite everything, ultimately

Highlights the challenges overcome before the final result.

however, in the end

Replaces "but eventually" with a stronger emphasis on the contrast and the final outcome.

even so, sooner or later

Indicates that something is inevitable and will happen at some point.

though, after some time

Highlights the passage of time before the eventual outcome.

yet, in due course

Offers a more formal and literary alternative, suggesting that something will happen at the appropriate time.

regardless, with time

Indicates that the outcome will happen as time goes on, no matter what.

still, in the fullness of time

Suggests that the eventual outcome will occur when the time is right.

be that as it may, in time

A more formal way of saying something will happen as time passes.

nonetheless, down the line

Emphasizes that something will happen later, despite what has happened before.

FAQs

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

Use "but eventually" to show that something happened after some time or effort. For example, "We faced many challenges, "but eventually" we succeeded."

What are some alternatives to "but eventually"?

You can use alternatives like "however, in the end", "yet, in due course", or "still, in the long run" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "but eventually" with other time-related adverbs?

While not strictly incorrect, using "but eventually" with adverbs like "finally" can be redundant. Choose the phrasing that best suits the flow and clarity of your writing. Consider rewriting to avoid unnecessary repetition.

What's the difference between "but eventually" and "but ultimately"?

"But eventually" implies something happened after some time, while "but ultimately" suggests a final, decisive outcome after a process or series of events. "But ultimately" carries a stronger sense of finality.