but in this case

USAGE SUMMARY

'but in this case' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about an exception to a general rule. For example: "We usually don't offer refunds, but in this case, we will make an exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in this case I'm intrigued.

The New Yorker

But, in this case, I avoided that.

The New Yorker

But in this case it is true.

The Economist

But in this case, perceptions matter.

The New York Times

But in this case, China erupted.

The New Yorker

But in this case, maybe not.

Independent

But in this case, it did".

Independent

But in this case nobody win.

The New Yorker

But in this case, no.

The Washington Post

But in this case it should be.

Cornell University

But in this case, it probably isn't.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in this case" to clearly signal an exception or deviation from a general rule or expectation. It adds emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but in this case" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. Try using alternatives like "however in this situation" or "yet in this instance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in this case" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a contrastive conjunction. It serves to introduce an exception, qualification, or deviation from a previously stated general rule or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but in this case" is a versatile transitional phrase used to introduce exceptions or deviations from general rules. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While its high frequency underscores its utility, writers should avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms such as "however in this situation" or "yet in this instance" to maintain writing quality. Remember to signal an exception to a general rule or expectation with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however in this situation

Replaces "case" with "situation", offering a slightly more general context.

yet in this instance

Substitutes "but" with "yet" and "case" with "instance", providing a slightly more formal tone.

nonetheless in this scenario

Uses "nonetheless" instead of "but" and "scenario" for "case", increasing formality.

even so in this situation

Replaces "but" with "even so", maintaining a similar level of contrast.

in this particular situation

Omits "but", focusing solely on specifying a unique circumstance.

in this specific instance

Similar to the previous, emphasizing the specificity of the situation.

on this occasion though

Uses "though" at the end for a less direct contrast.

for this reason however

Highlights the reasoning behind the exception.

with this exception

Directly states that what follows is an exception.

under these circumstances though

Specifies that the following is true only under certain conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "but in this case" in a sentence?

You can use "but in this case" to introduce an exception to a general statement. For example, "The restaurant is usually closed on Sundays, but in this case, it will be open for a special event."

What are some alternatives to "but in this case"?

Alternatives include "however in this situation", "yet in this instance", or "nonetheless in this scenario", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but in this case"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged, using "but in this case" is acceptable when it clearly connects to the previous statement and introduces an exception. However, ensure it doesn't lead to fragmented or confusing sentence structure.

What's the difference between "but in this case" and "in this case however"?

"But in this case" places more emphasis on the contrast with the general rule, while "in this case however" puts more focus on the specific situation being discussed. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.