but i know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting statement or to express awareness or certainty about something despite previous information. Example: "I understand your concerns about the project, but I know we can overcome these challenges together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I know what's there.

The New Yorker

But I know the difference.

The New York Times

But I know what's coming.

The New Yorker

But I know that's wrong.

The New Yorker

"But I know my son.

The New York Times

"But I know it's real.

The New York Times

But I know it's coming.

The New York Times - Sports

But I know, right?

The Guardian - Books

But I know differently.

The Guardian

"But I know I am lucky.

The New Yorker

But I know them all pretty much".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but I know" to introduce a contrast or qualification to a previous statement. This signals to the reader that you are acknowledging one thing while introducing another aspect or perspective.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "but I know" as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but I know" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas. It typically introduces a statement that qualifies or contradicts a previous one, expressing a sense of awareness or certainty despite the initial information. As Ludwig AI shows, this can be used in News and Media, everyday conversations and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but I know" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a contrasting element or qualification to a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse for a more engaging writing style. Alternatives such as "however, I understand" or "yet, I am aware" can provide a similar meaning with a different nuance. It is considered correct to use it, according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, I understand

Replaces "but" with "however" for a more formal tone and uses "understand" to convey awareness.

still, I comprehend

Substitutes "but" with "still" for a simpler contrast and "comprehend" to denote complete understanding.

yet, I am aware

Substitutes "but" with "yet" and uses "aware" to highlight consciousness of a fact.

even then, I recognize

Uses "even then" to indicate a condition and "recognize" to highlight acknowledgement.

nonetheless, I realize

Employs "nonetheless" for a stronger contrast and "realize" to emphasize comprehension.

that said, I appreciate

Replaces "but" with "that said" for a smoother transition and uses "appreciate" to indicate awareness with understanding.

even so, I am conscious

Uses "even so" to indicate concession and "conscious" to stress awareness.

be that as it may, I discern

Employs "be that as it may" for a formal tone and "discern" to suggest keen perception.

despite that, I perceive

Replaces "but" with "despite that" and uses "perceive" to suggest a deeper level of understanding.

in spite of this, I am informed

Employs "in spite of this" for a more emphatic contrast and "informed" to emphasize knowledge.

FAQs

What is the function of "but I know" in a sentence?

The phrase "but I know" serves to introduce a contrasting element or qualification to a preceding statement. It indicates that despite something being true or acknowledged, there is an awareness or certainty of another factor.

How can I replace "but I know" to avoid repetition?

To avoid repetition, you can use alternatives such as "however, I understand", "yet, I am aware", or "nonetheless, I realize". Each of these options /s/nonetheless+I+realize offers a slightly different nuance while still conveying a similar meaning.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but I know". "But" is a coordinating conjunction, and while it's often used to connect clauses, it can also begin a sentence for emphasis or to introduce a contrasting idea.

What's the difference between "but I know" and "but I think"?

"But I know" implies a certainty or confirmed awareness of something, while "but I think" introduces an opinion or belief. For example, "But I know /s/but+I+know he's coming" suggests you are sure of his arrival, whereas "But I think /s/but+I+think he's coming" suggests you believe he will arrive, but you are not entirely certain.