but ironically

USAGE SUMMARY

'but ironically' is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to draw attention to an interesting or unexpected contrast between two ideas or facts. For example: She had been working hard for months to get the job, but ironically, she ended up being offered the position without even applying for it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sounds grandiose computing, everywhere!–but ironically, a future of ubiquitous computing is one where computers actually go unnoticed.

Forbes

"But ironically, I didn't prepare".

The New York Times

The effect is narcissistic, but ironically so.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a phony claim, but ironically that's a good thing.

University of California, Berkeley

But, ironically, the upheaval helped protect the characters.

The New Yorker

But ironically it is Sun's competitors that may take advantage.

The Economist

But, ironically, it might also have failed to attract followers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But ironically the energy sector got left behind.

The Guardian

But ironically, pro football followers are losing interest in him.

The New York Times

It was beautiful but ironically I felt sad rather than the peace I normally feel there.

Stanford University

But ironically, our leading candidate was just a trifle short (at 207 spaces).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the ironic element is genuinely present and not just a coincidence. "But ironically" is most effective when there's a clear and recognizable contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "but ironically" to simply point out funny coincidences or absurd statements. It's for situations where a genuine reversal or contradiction exists, not just for adding humor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but ironically" primarily functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two clauses or sentences, introducing a sense of contrast or unexpectedness. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but ironically" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to introduce an element of contrast or unexpectedness. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely accepted in English writing. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and general writing, serving to highlight paradoxical situations. While it's not exclusive to any specific register, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast is genuine and adds intrigue to your writing, avoiding trivial or humorous misuse. Alternatives like "yet paradoxically" or "however, in a twist" can offer similar nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet paradoxically

Replaces 'ironically' with 'paradoxically', emphasizing the contradictory nature of the situation.

however, in a twist

Adds a narrative element, highlighting an unexpected turn of events.

conversely, against expectations

Focuses on the contrast against what was anticipated.

in an unexpected turn

Emphasizes the surprise element of the situation.

contrary to what one might think

Directly opposes a common assumption.

though it may seem contradictory

Acknowledges the apparent contradiction in the statement.

in a surprising contradiction

Highlights the contradictory nature as the primary focus.

on the contrary, surprisingly

Directly introduces a surprising opposite point.

unconventionally, however

Stresses the unconventional aspect of the situation.

in defiance of logic

Emphasizes the illogical or unexpected nature of the outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but ironically" in a sentence?

Use "but ironically" to introduce a contrasting or unexpected element that subverts a previous expectation or statement. For example, "He studied diligently for the exam, but ironically, he failed due to a last-minute error".

What are some alternatives to using "but ironically" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "yet paradoxically", "however, in a twist", or "conversely, against expectations" to convey a similar sense of contrast or unexpectedness.

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

While it's more common to find "but ironically" in the middle of a sentence to connect contrasting ideas, starting a sentence with "but" followed by a comma is acceptable in modern usage for emphasis. However, ensure the ironic element is clear and impactful.

How does the tone of "but ironically" differ from simply using "but"?

"But" simply indicates a contrast. "But ironically" adds a layer of unexpectedness or contradiction, suggesting that the outcome or situation is contrary to what one might expect. It's stronger and more nuanced than a simple contrast.