but ideally

USAGE SUMMARY

"but ideally" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to introduce a better course of action or an ideal outcome of a situation. For example: "I could do this job quickly, but ideally I'd like to take my time and do it right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The building is a site for installation," he said, "but, ideally, there is a lack of determination.

The New York Times - Arts

But ideally the process begins at the beginning.

The New York Times

But, ideally, I'd like to see him thicken up his resume a bit first.

The New Yorker

But ideally it shouldn't show quite as much as it did here.

The New York Times

Christian's tale is inspiring, but ideally, of course, humans shouldn't mix with big cats.

The Guardian - Music

She adds: "Music that's new for me, but ideally for listeners too".

The Guardian - Music

After at least 30 minutes, but ideally when doubled in size, your dough is ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But ideally these relationships are more than just financial and transactional.

Harvard Business Review

Mouse models are helpful but ideally he wants to work with human tissue specimens.

Nature

But ideally, the software would analyze the content of the image itself.

MIT Technology Review

But ideally, treatments should be coordinated by a team that includes a certified diabetes educator.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but ideally" to introduce a more desirable alternative after presenting a less favorable option or current situation. It helps to frame the preferred outcome clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "but ideally" when you're actually presenting the only viable option, not a preferable one. "But ideally" implies a choice; if there isn't one, a different phrase is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but ideally" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, introducing a preferred or optimal condition that contrasts with a previously stated or implied situation. As shown by Ludwig, it provides a nuanced way to express desires or suggestions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but ideally" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce a preferred alternative or optimal scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse sources. Its primary function is to express a preference, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While common in various contexts, it's particularly frequent in news and media, making it a valuable tool for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, it would be better if

Emphasizes a contrast while stating a preferred situation.

although, it would be best if

Similar to "but ideally" in expressing a preferred condition.

yet, the preferred option is

Highlights a contrast and clearly indicates a favored choice.

however, the perfect scenario would be

Describes an ideal situation, often implying current imperfections.

while it's possible, it's preferable if

Suggests a possible action but indicates a more favorable one.

even so, the desired outcome is

Highlights the wished for result.

yet, what we really want is

Expresses a genuine desire or preference.

nonetheless, a better approach would be

Emphasizes improvement over an existing or implied method.

still, the optimal solution is

Focuses on the most effective or perfect solution.

although, the gold standard would be

Indicates an ultimate benchmark or highly desirable state.

FAQs

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

Use "but ideally" to introduce a preferred scenario or action that contrasts with a less desirable alternative. For example, "We could ship the product as is, but ideally, we'd like to fix the bugs first."

What phrases are similar to "but ideally"?

Alternatives include "however, it would be better if", "although, it would be best if", or "yet, the preferred option is", each offering a slightly different nuance.

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

While it's more common for "but ideally" to follow an initial clause, starting a sentence with "but ideally" is grammatically acceptable, especially for emphasis or to create a conversational tone.

What's the difference between "but ideally" and "but theoretically"?

"But ideally" suggests a desired or optimal situation, while "but theoretically" introduces a concept that might work in theory but may not be practical. The former focuses on preference, and the latter on possibility.