but instead this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but instead this" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It can be used when contrasting two ideas, but it typically requires additional context to make sense. Example: "I expected a detailed report, but instead this vague summary was provided."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But instead, this animal didn't move, didn't bark, and was better behaved than most passengers.

The New York Times

But instead this was Lord's 2005 without the Harmison-induced bloodshed.

The Guardian - Sport

But instead, this was self-indulgence ratcheted up to ghastly new heights.

The Guardian

Perhaps Benediction will evoke neither late-90s noise nor late-00s irony but instead this 1994 interview.

The Guardian - Music

He was entrusted to guard Sweden's cultural heritage, but instead this senior librarian spent years surreptitiously stealing and selling scores of its rare and precious books.

The New York Times - Books

But instead this administration is now investing less in energy innovation and conservation and more in corporate subsidies for oil exploration and extraction and nuclear power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But instead of this my opponent spotted that I had played an early h3 and found the shocking 1…Rg8.

The Guardian - Sport

I peeked in a window of a monastery, expecting to see attentive pupils, but instead caught this Buddhist technophile, framed in perfect Rembrandt-esque lighting.

The New York Times

But instead of this approval, they got complicated instructions from the FDA.

Forbes

This is not to say that the past experience will be replicated precisely, but instead for this review is for discussion purposes only.

Forbes

But instead of this dualism of art/not-art, I prefer to imagine a spectrum that runs from more provocative to less provocative.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but instead," ensure a clear expectation is set up in the first part of the sentence to make the contrast more effective and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "but instead this" without a clear preceding statement that establishes the expected outcome or situation. Without this context, the contrast becomes unclear and the sentence loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but instead this" functions as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a contrast or unexpected outcome. It signals a divergence from an anticipated situation, as shown by Ludwig's examples of sentences from news media and scientific articles where the phrase has been used. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered not correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but instead this" functions as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a contrast or unexpected outcome. While relatively common, with examples spanning news media and scientific articles, Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as not correct and advises using clearer alternatives. Frequent contexts include News & Media and Science. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider using alternatives such as "however, this" or "instead this", and ensure a clear expectation is set up in the preceding clause. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instead, this

Removes the "but", creating a slightly more concise expression of substitution or replacement.

however, this

Replaces "but instead" with a simpler conjunction, maintaining the contrast but streamlining the sentence.

rather, this

Emphasizes a preference for the latter option over the expected one, offering a more direct contrast.

conversely, this

Highlights an opposite or contrasting viewpoint, providing a clear alternative.

by contrast, this

This alternative is a very direct way to signal a clear and noticeable difference.

on the contrary, this

Introduces a statement that contradicts a previous one, offering a strong contrast.

in contrast, this

Signals a notable difference between two things being compared, emphasizing the distinction.

contrary to that, this

This is an emphatic alternative that highlights the unexpected nature of what follows.

on the other hand, this

Introduces a contrasting point or aspect, suggesting a balance or different perspective.

as an alternative, this

This highlights the element of choice or substitution, emphasizing that what follows is a different option.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "but instead this"?

You can use alternatives like "however this", "rather this", or "conversely this" depending on the context.

Is "but instead this" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "but instead this" is often considered grammatically awkward. It can usually be improved by using a more direct contrastive phrase.

How can I make my writing clearer when using contrast?

Ensure that the initial expectation is clearly stated before introducing the contrasting element with phrases like "however this" or "in contrast this".

What is the difference between "but instead this" and "instead this"?

The phrase "instead this" is a more concise version of "but instead this", and might be preferred for its brevity, though both are often improved with a slight rephrasing for clarity.