but here

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but here' is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a contrasting idea, opinion, or fact in a sentence, similar to 'however'. For example: "I thought I had lost the keys, but here they are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But here?

The New York Times

But here I sit".

The New York Times - Sports

But here, it wasn't.

The New Yorker

But here goes nothing.

The New York Times - Arts

But here we go.

The New Yorker

But here is calm".

Independent

"But here we're socialists".

The New York Times

But here, I'm afraid".

The New York Times

But here it's awful".

The New Yorker

Anywhere but here.

Independent

But here it was.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but here" to introduce a surprising or unexpected contrast, especially when the 'here' refers to the current situation or location.

Common error

Avoid using "but here" when a simple "but" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound clunky and less impactful. Ensure that the 'here' adds specific context or emphasis to the contrast you are making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but here" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a contrast or unexpected element in the narrative or argument. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts to highlight a shift in perspective or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but here" is a versatile and frequently used transitional phrase that introduces a contrast, often emphasizing the present situation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing, as well as offering valuable examples. While alternatives like "however" and "nevertheless" exist, "but here" adds a specific emphasis on the context. It is most common in news and media, encyclopedia articles, and wiki contexts, suggesting its broad applicability across different writing styles. Remember to use it judiciously to enhance the impact of your writing and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however

This alternative is a direct synonym, providing a simple contrasting transition.

yet

This alternative offers a more concise way to introduce a contrasting element.

nevertheless

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the contrast more strongly.

even so

This alternative indicates a concession followed by a contrasting point.

nonetheless

This alternative is similar to "nevertheless" but can sound slightly more literary.

in contrast

This alternative explicitly highlights the contrasting nature of the information.

on the other hand

This alternative introduces a different perspective or contrasting option.

conversely

This alternative provides a direct reversal of the previous statement.

despite this

This alternative emphasizes that the following statement holds true even with the preceding information.

still

This alternative indicates that something is true despite a previous statement that might suggest otherwise.

FAQs

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

Use "but here" to introduce a contrast or surprising element, often emphasizing the present situation. For example, "I expected traffic, "but here" the road is clear."

What are some alternatives to using "but here" in my writing?

Alternatives to "but here" include "however", "yet", or "nevertheless", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is there a difference between using "but here" and simply using "but"?

"But here" adds emphasis on the present context or location, making the contrast more immediate or surprising compared to a simple "but". The phrase "but" is more general and doesn't necessarily highlight the current situation.

Can "but here" be used in formal writing, or is it more suited for informal contexts?

"But here" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, but consider the tone of your piece. More formal alternatives like "nevertheless" might be preferable in highly academic or professional contexts.