but how

USAGE SUMMARY

"but how" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of surprise or confusion, for example: I knew she was smart, but how did she figure it out so quickly?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But HOW?

University of California, Berkeley

But how? Beats headphones.

Independent

But how many ropes?

The Guardian - Sport

But how about anger?

The New York Times

"But how dare you!

The New York Times

But how much reform?

The Economist

But how people react?

The Economist

But how convincingly?

The Economist

But how to respond?

The New Yorker

But how stunning.

The New York Times - Books

But how? Where?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but how" to introduce a contrasting question or a challenge to a previous statement. It's effective for expressing skepticism or seeking clarification.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "but how" in formal contexts. Instead, integrate the question more smoothly within the sentence structure to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but how" functions as a conjunction phrase used to introduce a question or express skepticism following a statement. It serves to challenge or seek clarification on a previous point, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but how" is a grammatically sound phrase functioning as a conjunction to introduce a question or express skepticism. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It is frequently employed in news and media, academia, and science to challenge or seek clarification on a prior statement. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and formality of your writing, as overusing "but how" or using it in highly formal settings might detract from your intended tone. Alternatives such as "however, in what way?" or "nevertheless, how?" can provide a more polished expression. Using this phrase strategically can effectively enhance your writing by prompting deeper analysis and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in what way

Elaborates on the "how" to specifically ask about the method or process.

but by what means

Emphasizes the instruments or methods used to achieve something.

how though

Reverses the word order for a more informal, conversational tone.

still how

Conveys a sense of unresolved questioning despite previous information.

how is that though

Adds a layer of explanation-seeking to the question.

yet how

Emphasizes a sense of contrast or unexpectedness.

however is that possible

Expresses stronger skepticism or disbelief.

but under what conditions

Focuses the inquiry on the specific circumstances required.

but what's the procedure

Specifically requests information about a set of actions.

but what's the methodology

Inquires about the system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

FAQs

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

"But how" is typically used to express surprise, skepticism, or a desire for clarification following a statement. For example: "They achieved record profits, but how did they manage to do that?"

What's a more formal alternative to "but how"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "however, what method was employed?" or "nevertheless, how was this accomplished?" for a more polished tone.

How does "but how" differ from simply asking "how"?

"But how" implies a contrast or challenge to a prior statement, suggesting that the method or process is unexpected or requires further explanation. Simply asking "how" is a more neutral request for information.

Is it ever incorrect to use "but how"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "but how" can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement.