but it

USAGE SUMMARY

"but it" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to contrast a previous statement or idea. For example, "I thought the movie was great, but it was much longer than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is insufficient.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

But it is life".

The New Yorker

But it was life.

The New York Times

But it didn't.Why?

The Economist

But it took work.

The New Yorker

But it is risky.

The Economist

But it will fall.

The New Yorker

But it soon may.

The New York Times

But it shouldn't be.

Independent

But it was hopeless.

The New Yorker

But it looked good.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but it" to introduce a contrasting element or unexpected outcome, ensuring it logically follows the initial statement.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "but it" without a clear prior reference. Ensure the 'it' has a defined antecedent to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it" primarily functions as a conjunction introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement. It connects two related ideas, where the second part modifies or opposes the first. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various authoritative sources, including news media, scientific publications, and business documents. While versatile, ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, maintaining clarity. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still

Implies that something remains the same despite what was mentioned before.

yet

Suggests a contrast that is somewhat unexpected given what preceded it.

even so

Indicates that despite the previous statement, something else is still true.

despite that

Highlights that something is true regardless of a previous factor.

in spite of that

Similar to 'despite that', emphasizing a contrast despite a preceding condition.

however

Conveys contrast in a more formal tone.

that being said

Signals a transition to a contrasting or qualifying statement.

nonetheless

Similar to 'nevertheless' but can be slightly less formal.

nevertheless

Offers a stronger sense of contrast, often used to negate a previous statement.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting point of view or consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "but it" to connect a contrasting idea to a previous statement. For example, "The task was challenging, "but it" was also rewarding".

What's a more formal alternative to "but it"?

Alternatives such as "however" or "nevertheless" offer a more formal way to introduce a contrasting point.

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

While starting a sentence with "but it" is generally acceptable, ensure the "it" clearly refers to something previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "but it" and "and it"?

"But it" introduces a contrast, while "and it" adds additional, non-contrasting information. For example, "The sun was shining, "but it" was cold" versus "The sun was shining, "and it" was warm".