but extremely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but extremely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a contrasting idea or to highlight the intensity of a particular quality or state. Example: "The weather was cold, but extremely refreshing after the heatwave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not just poor, but extremely poor.

The New York Times

"It's spectacular to watch but extremely dangerous".

The New York Times - Sports

It is competent but extremely slight (Mitchell).

The New York Times

She is considered unarmed but extremely narcissistic.

The New York Times

It is competent but extremely slight.

The New York Times

Or Ollie, reckless, charming but extremely caring.

The Guardian

We had a very friendly but extremely disrespectful, volatile relationship.

The Guardian - Music

Richelieu's foreign policy was not only ambitious but extremely expensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He would be a safe, but extremely dull choice.

The New York Times

The drawing is simple and clear, but extremely effective..

The Guardian - Books

Not especially swank, but extremely comfortable, stylish and very good.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but extremely" to introduce a significant contrast or unexpected degree of a quality. For instance, "The task was simple, but extremely time-consuming."

Common error

Avoid using "but extremely" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Overusing it can make your language sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Consider using simpler alternatives like "but very" or "but really" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but extremely" functions as a conjunctional intensifier. It connects two contrasting ideas, emphasizing the degree of the second element. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it serves to highlight a quality that is unexpectedly or surprisingly intense, adding emphasis to the contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but extremely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that functions as a conjunctional intensifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively connects contrasting ideas while emphasizing the degree of the second element. While versatile enough for many contexts, "but extremely" appears most commonly in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedic content. When using "but extremely", remember to wield it judiciously, as overuse can detract from its impact and make your writing sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but intensely

Replaces "extremely" with "intensely", preserving the conjunction but changing the degree of emphasis.

yet highly

Replaces "but" with "yet" and "extremely" with "highly", maintaining the contrasting and emphatic meaning.

but seriously

Replaces "extremely" with "seriously", preserving the conjunction but shifting to a more conversational tone.

though very

Substitutes "but" for "though" and "extremely" for "very", reducing the intensity slightly.

however quite

Uses "however" instead of "but" and "quite" instead of "extremely", offering a more formal tone.

nevertheless remarkably

Replaces "but" with "nevertheless" and "extremely" with "remarkably", increasing the formality and emphasis.

still exceedingly

Substitutes "but" for "still" and "extremely" for "exceedingly", maintaining a similar level of emphasis.

while exceptionally

Uses "while" instead of "but" and "exceptionally" instead of "extremely", slightly altering the tone.

although particularly

Replaces "but" with "although" and "extremely" with "particularly", reducing the overall intensity.

even if intensely

Substitutes "but" for "even if" and "extremely" for "intensely", significantly changing the structure and intensity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but extremely" in a sentence?

Use "but extremely" to show a notable contrast or to emphasize the degree of a characteristic. For example, "The instructions were clear, "but extremely" detailed" indicates that the detail level was surprisingly high despite the clarity.

What are some alternatives to "but extremely" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "however remarkably", "nevertheless exceptionally", or "yet highly" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

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

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "but extremely" is generally discouraged in formal writing. It's better to integrate the phrase within a clause to ensure a smoother flow. For instance, instead of "But extremely important, this detail must not be overlooked", write "This detail, though seemingly minor, is "but extremely" important and must not be overlooked".

How does the use of "but extremely" differ from "but very"?

"But extremely" implies a higher degree of intensity compared to "but very". Use ""but extremely"" when you want to emphasize a significant or unexpected degree of the contrasting quality, whereas "but very" is suitable for milder emphasis.