but guns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but guns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are contrasting or adding a point related to firearms or weapons. Example: "I appreciate the peaceful approach to conflict resolution, but guns can sometimes escalate the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But guns?

The New York Times

But guns were risky territory.

The New York Times

But guns are everywhere in Arizona.

The New York Times

But guns are typically kept at home.

The Economist

"They know nothing but guns".

The New York Times

But guns were also an issue.

The New York Times

But guns were around every day.

The Guardian - Music

But guns are not always involved in these disputes.

The New York Times

But guns are too available to young people".

The Guardian

But guns in America are no trifling matter.

The Guardian

But guns also leave victims permanently injured and in constant pain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but guns", ensure the contrast you're drawing is clear and relevant to the surrounding discussion. Avoid using it as a conversational filler; make sure it advances your argument or provides a necessary counterpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "but guns" in casual conversations where a more nuanced or detailed explanation would be more appropriate. Its starkness can sometimes come across as dismissive or overly simplistic in personal interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but guns" functions primarily as a transitional phrase, introducing a contrast or counterpoint related to firearms. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It's typically used to shift the focus or present an opposing view in a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but guns" is a common phrase used to introduce a contrasting point or shift the discussion towards firearms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight inconsistencies, raise concerns, or present opposing views on gun-related topics. While versatile, its starkness suggests thoughtful usage in conversation where a more nuanced approach might be preferable. Consider alternatives such as "yet firearms" or "however weapons" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yet firearms

Replaces "but" with "yet" to offer a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the contrast.

However, weapons

Substitutes "but" with "however" and "guns" with "weapons", providing a more general term.

Nevertheless, firearms

Uses "nevertheless" for a stronger sense of contrast and "firearms" as a formal substitute.

On the other hand, guns

Introduces a contrasting perspective using "on the other hand", emphasizing a different viewpoint.

Conversely, firearms

Employs "conversely" to indicate an opposite perspective, paired with the more formal "firearms".

Despite that, guns

Uses "despite that" to show contrast, highlighting that something happens even with the presence of guns.

In contrast, weapons

Presents a direct contrast using "in contrast", paired with a broader term "weapons".

Even so, guns

Indicates that something is true despite what has been said, keeping the focus on guns.

Still, firearms

Uses "still" to introduce a contrasting point related to firearms, implying continuation despite a previous statement.

That being said, guns

Acknowledges a previous point while transitioning to a contrasting one specifically about guns.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but guns" typically introduces a contrasting element related to firearms. For example: "We have laws about many dangerous items, "but guns" seem to be treated differently."

What are some alternatives to "but guns"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "yet firearms", "however weapons", or "nevertheless firearms" to convey a similar contrasting meaning.

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

While starting a sentence with "but" is generally accepted, beginning with "but guns" might sound abrupt. It's often better to incorporate it within a clause to ensure smoother readability. An alternative could be "even so, guns".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "but guns"?

The phrase is appropriate when you want to contrast something with the topic of guns, often highlighting an inconsistency, problem, or differing perspective. The goal is to convey the idea of an exception or unexpected twist when gun related topics are involved.