but frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but frequent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs often or repeatedly, typically in contrast to another statement. Example: "The meetings are not mandatory, but frequent attendance is encouraged to stay updated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Infection was a severe but frequent 20-600 %) complication with decompensated cirrhosis although frequently asymptomatic, and accounted for increased mortality [ 3, 6].

BMC Gastroenterology

But frequent flyer numbers?

The Guardian

The entries were apparently of stunning banality but frequent disagreement.

The New Yorker

There are lengthy quotations and entertaining but frequent digressions.

The New York Times - Books

But frequent updates could annoy the friends who see them.

The New York Times

But frequent updates over the building's loudspeaker system pushed the time back.

The New York Times

But frequent protests against Mr. Netanyahu's policies may have political repercussions.

The New York Times

But frequent — and steep — discounts can often be found on even the upper-category rooms.

The New York Times - Travel

But frequent fliers like Mr. Allen have no illusions that conditions will improve soon.

The New York Times

There's no cure for this disease, but frequent meals can help ward off many attacks.

The New York Times - Magazine

But frequent droughts could dry the soil and let oxygen in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but frequent" to introduce a contrasting aspect that occurs regularly, adding depth to your description. For example, "The errors were minor, but frequent, requiring careful review."

Common error

Avoid using "but frequent" when a simple "but" suffices. Overusing it in straightforward contrasts can make your writing sound clunky. For example, instead of "He was tired, but frequent in his attendance", simply say, "He was tired, but he attended regularly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but frequent" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the repetitive nature of the second element. It is commonly used to highlight that despite a certain condition, an event or attribute occurs regularly, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but frequent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used conjunctive phrase that introduces a contrasting idea while emphasizing the repetitive or regular nature of the second point. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used across various contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. It serves to add depth to descriptions by highlighting that despite a certain factor, an event or attribute still occurs frequently. While versatile, avoid overusing it in simple contrasts where a single "but" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet common

Replaces "but" with "yet", maintaining the contrastive meaning while highlighting the common occurrence.

although regular

Substitutes "frequent" with "regular", emphasizing the consistency and routine nature despite the contrast.

however often

Uses "however" to show contrast and "often" to mean frequently, giving a slightly more formal tone.

though recurring

Replaces "frequent" with "recurring" to highlight the repetitive nature of the event or attribute.

notwithstanding its frequency

A more formal alternative that directly addresses the frequency despite a contrasting element.

despite being commonplace

Indicates that something is usual or unremarkable, even if it seems like it should be exceptional

while often

This alternative uses "while" to introduce a clause that is true at the same time as the main clause, emphasizing frequency.

even though frequent

Uses "even though" to emphasize the contrast, highlighting that the frequency doesn't negate the contrasting element.

in spite of its prevalence

Similar to "notwithstanding its frequency" but uses "prevalence" to denote widespread occurrence.

though repeatedly

Replace "frequent" with "repeatedly" emphasizes that something happens several times

FAQs

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

Use "but frequent" to connect two contrasting ideas, emphasizing that the second idea occurs often. For example: "The discomfort was manageable, "but frequent", affecting daily activities."

What can I say instead of "but frequent"?

You can use alternatives like "yet common", "although regular", or "however often" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "but frequent" or "and frequent"?

"But frequent" is used to contrast two elements, while "and frequent" simply adds frequent as an additional element without implying a contrast. For example: "The mistakes were small "but frequent"", implies a contrast in their impact.

What's the difference between "but frequent" and "though frequent"?

"But frequent" is a more direct way to show contrast and emphasize frequency, while "though frequent" places more emphasis on the contrast itself. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.