but greatest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but greatest" is not correct and lacks context to be usable in written English.
It may be intended to compare something to the greatest of its kind, but it needs additional context to clarify its meaning. Example: "He may not be the fastest runner, but greatest in terms of endurance."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But "greatest ever"?

The Guardian - Opinion

But greatest single ever, you ask, really?

The Guardian - Music

Monthly water use was not different in drip-irrigated treatments (IR50 and IR80), but greatest in the WT45 treatment.

Agricultural Water Management

14 genera, 78 species; all oceans, but greatest diversity in Southern Hemisphere.

Britannica

For example, the Brachiopoda was present, but greatest diversity was shown by inarticulate brachiopods (like the one pictured below, left).

University of California, Berkeley

"We're about to see the last, but greatest, example of this as they become old.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Total opposites but great friends".

The New York Times - Sports

But great effort for him.

Independent

It's sad but great.

Independent

But great catches are great catches.

The New York Times - Sports

But great gifts are also great temptations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using comparative adjectives, ensure the sentence structure is grammatically correct. If you intend to contrast, consider using "but the greatest" or "but it is greatest in" to improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but greatest" without specifying what it is greatest in. Incomplete comparisons can confuse readers. Instead, provide a full comparison. For example: Not the fastest, but the greatest runner in terms of endurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but greatest" primarily functions as a conjunction phrase aiming to introduce a contrast or qualification. However, as noted by Ludwig, it often lacks necessary context for complete grammatical correctness and clarity, requiring additional information to specify the aspect in which something is "greatest".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but greatest" is a conjunction phrase intended to express a contrast while emphasizing a superlative quality. However, Ludwig indicates that it is often grammatically incomplete and lacks necessary context. While common in news and media, its ambiguity makes it less suitable for formal writing. To improve clarity, complete the comparison or use alternatives like ""but the greatest"" or "but best". Therefore, when using this phrase, ensure you specify in what aspect something is "greatest" to avoid confusing your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but best

Replaces "greatest" with "best", offering a grammatically sound alternative.

yet greatest

Substitutes "but" with "yet", maintaining the contrast but sounds slightly more formal.

though greatest

Replaces "but" with "though", slightly altering the flow of the sentence.

however greatest

Offers a more formal substitution for "but", emphasizing the contrast.

but most significant

Replaces "greatest" with "most significant", shifting the focus to importance.

but most important

Similar to "most significant", emphasizing the importance of the element being described.

but largest

Replaces "greatest" with "largest", focusing on size or quantity.

but most extensive

Shifts the focus to scope or range rather than overall greatness.

but paramount

Uses a more formal term for greatest, indicating supreme importance.

but ultimate

Implies finality or the highest level, depending on context.

FAQs

How can I correctly use a phrase like "but greatest" in a sentence?

To use it correctly, complete the comparison. For example, instead of "but greatest", try "but "but the greatest"" or "but greatest in terms of". This provides context and makes the comparison clear.

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

Consider using alternatives like "but best", "but most significant", or specifying the aspect in which something is greatest, such as "but greatest in endurance".

Is it always incorrect to use the phrase "but greatest"?

While often grammatically incomplete, "but greatest" can be acceptable if the context makes the comparison clear. However, for formal writing, it's advisable to use more precise phrasing.

What is the difference between "but greatest" and "but the greatest"?

"But greatest" lacks an article, making it sound incomplete or awkward. "But the greatest" is grammatically more correct because it specifies a particular instance of something being the greatest.