but for deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but for deep" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to express a condition or exception, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "But for deep understanding, one cannot truly appreciate the complexities of the subject."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But for deep, lasting truths?

The New York Times

For shallow water (D << λ) one obtains the answer already quoted as equation (138), but for deep water (D >> λ) the answer is Waves on deep water are evidently dispersive, and surfers rely on this fact.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cross-country skis work on the same principle, but for deep snow and rough terrain, with fallen trees and boulders, or on steeper inclines, there is no better snow-travel tool than the snowshoe.

The New York Times - Travel

This method may be acceptable for shallow rock engineering, but for deep rock engineering, with the increase of drilling depth, the anisotropic properties of rock mass become stronger and should be considered.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

No, Enniskillen's elevation to suddenly being a destination for the globally powerful is a good story, but for deep historic, not superficial reasons.

Huffington Post

Stringent removal of low quality sequence is the first step, but for deep TCR sequencing this is inadequate.

Genome Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But for deep-dyed internationalists like this newspaper, the game's true beauty lies in its long reach, from east to west and north to south.

The Economist

For some twitch games that will be easy, but for deeper strategy games it will be a challenge.

TechCrunch

But for deep-down MMA fans, the blood isn't the thing; what gets us is the fighting through blood.

Vice

They'll be competing with those candidates not just for votes but for deep-pocketed donors, meaning they'll have to convince members of the 1 percent that, despite never having won political office before, they can outmaneuver Hillary Clinton arguably the savviest politician in the United States in a general election.

Vice

We gave the example of clean air, which is normally a public good, but for deep-sea divers with bottled air, it becomes a private good available only to the owner of the tank of air.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but for", ensure that the phrase following it is grammatically complete and clarifies the condition or exception. If not, consider rephrasing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but for deep" without a clear noun or context following it. This can lead to confusion and make your writing unclear. Instead, specify what 'deep' refers to, such as "but for deep understanding" or "but for deep water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but for deep" primarily functions as a conjunction introducing a condition or exception. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase lacks clarity and needs additional context. It sets up a scenario where the absence or presence of something "deep" affects the outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but for deep" is identified by Ludwig AI as lacking clarity and needing more context for effective communication. While it appears in varied sources such as news, science, and encyclopedias, its usage remains relatively uncommon. For improved clarity, consider alternatives like "except for profound" or specifying what 'deep' refers to, such as "but for deep understanding". This will ensure that your writing is both grammatically sound and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for profound

Replaces "but for" with "except for" and uses "profound" to maintain the intensity of "deep".

aside from deep

Similar to "except for", this option indicates an exception concerning something "deep".

were it not for deep

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing a condition related to something "deep".

if not for deep

Simpler and more direct conditional statement about something "deep".

without deep

Focuses on the absence of something "deep" as a condition.

but lacking deep

Highlights a deficiency or absence of something "deep".

beyond deep

Indicates something exceeding or surpassing "deep".

not considering deep

Excludes something "deep" from consideration.

save for deep

An archaic way to express an exception related to something "deep".

barring deep

Expresses that something "deep" could be a hindrance or obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "but for" correctly in a sentence?

Use "but for" to indicate a necessary condition. For example, "but for your help, I would have failed" means your help was essential to my success.

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

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "were it not for", "except for", or "had it not been for" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is it ever appropriate to use "but for" in informal conversation?

Yes, "but for" can be used in informal conversation, although simpler alternatives like "without" or "if it wasn't for" might sound more natural. For example, you might say, "but for you, I'd be lost".

What's the difference between "but for" and "except for"?

"But for" implies a necessary condition or cause, while "except for" indicates an exception. "But for the rain, we would have enjoyed the picnic" suggests the rain prevented the enjoyment, while "The picnic was great, "except for the rain"" means the rain was a minor drawback.