but is this

USAGE SUMMARY

"but is this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to check the veracity of something or to express doubt or confusion. For example, "I heard the exam was scheduled for tomorrow, but is this true?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is this wise?

The Economist

But is this unusual?

The New Yorker

But is this creativity?

Independent

But is this enough?

The Economist

But is this right?

The New York Times

But is this item authentic?

The New York Times

But is this really true?

The New York Times

But is this really helpful?

The New York Times - Arts

But is this tribute deserved?

The Economist

But is this meaningful opposition?

The New Yorker

But is this perception accurate?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “but is this” to introduce a counterpoint or question the validity of a preceding statement. It's especially effective in argumentative writing and critical analysis.

Common error

Avoid using “but is this” in simple declarative sentences where a direct contradiction is more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or unclear. Instead, use direct contrasting statements for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but is this" functions as an interrogative conjunction, serving to introduce a question that challenges or contrasts with a previous statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid way to express doubt or seek verification. The numerous examples show its effectiveness in initiating critical inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “but is this” is a versatile phrase used to introduce questions or counterpoints, predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to prompt critical reflection. When writing, it's crucial to use it to challenge prior statements effectively, avoiding overuse in simple declarations. Alternatives like "however, is this" or "yet, is this" offer similar functions with nuanced tonal differences. Understanding these nuances can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However, is this

Replaces "but" with "however", maintaining a similar level of formality and questioning intent.

Yet, is this

Substitutes "but" with "yet", providing a slightly more literary or formal tone while retaining the core meaning.

Though, is this

Changes "but" to "though", resulting in a slightly less direct, more reflective tone.

Is this, however

Inverts the sentence structure and uses "however" to introduce the contrasting element, creating a slightly more formal nuance.

Is this the case, though

Adds "the case" to make the question more explicit, and uses "though" at the end for a softer challenge.

But might this be

Uses "might" to introduce more uncertainty and tentativeness to the question.

Then again, is this

Introduces a second thought or doubt using "then again", softening the directness of the challenge.

Alternatively, is this

Poses the question as a different perspective, suggesting another possibility to consider.

Conversely, is this

Uses "conversely" to indicate an opposite viewpoint, making the questioning more emphatic.

On the other hand, is this

Presents the question as another side of the issue using "on the other hand", framing it as a balanced inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "but is this" to question a statement, introduce doubt, or explore an alternative perspective. For example, "The data suggests improvement, but is this /s/improvement sustainable?".

What is a more formal alternative to "but is this"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "however, is this /s/however+is" or "yet, is this /s/yet+is" to introduce your questioning point.

Is "but is this" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but is this" is grammatically correct when used to introduce a question or counterpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use.

When should I avoid using "but is this"?

Avoid using "but is this" in contexts where a direct contradiction or statement is more appropriate. In such cases, a simple contrasting statement may be more effective.