but man

USAGE SUMMARY

'but man' is not an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It is an informal phrase, usually used in dialogue, and should not be used in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "But man, that was amazing!" you could say "That was amazing!".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But man, those mushrooms.

The New York Times - Magazine

But man stupid".

Independent

"But man, it's stressful out there.

The New York Times - Sports

But man cannot hold back doomsday".

The New Yorker

"But man, I just wanted an opportunity".

The New York Times - Sports

But man, they sure looked good.

The New York Times

"But man, it's good to see".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But man-made disasters are also responsible.

The Economist

But men can.

The New York Times

But men's fiction?

The New York Times

But men.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "but man" with more appropriate phrases like "however", "nevertheless", or a simple exclamation if emphasizing surprise or disbelief.

Common error

Avoid using "but man" in academic papers, business reports, or any professional communication. Opt for more formal conjunctions and interjections to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but man" functions as an informal conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement or express surprise, disbelief, or emphasis. While Ludwig AI advises against its use in formal writing, its prevalence in informal contexts shows its role in casual communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "but man" is widely used in informal speech and writing, it's considered grammatically incorrect for formal contexts. Ludwig AI advises against its use in academic, business, or professional settings. Its primary function is to add emphasis and informality. Consider alternatives like "however", "nevertheless", or exclamations to maintain a polished tone in formal communication. Although the phrase is very frequent according to Ludwig, its usage should be limited to informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but wow

Replaces "man" with "wow" to express surprise or admiration.

but damn

Substitutes "man" with "damn" for a stronger, more emphatic expression.

but goodness

Replaces "man" with "goodness" for a more polite expression of surprise.

but jeez

Replaces "man" with "jeez" for a more casual and slightly exasperated tone.

but seriously

Emphasizes sincerity or a shift in tone to a more serious point.

but listen

Directs attention to something important or surprising.

yet still

Focuses on a surprising continuation despite a previous statement or condition.

however indeed

Adds emphasis to a contrasting point.

although really

Introduces a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what was previously said, emphasizing its reality.

notwithstanding this

Formally introduces a contrasting point despite what has been mentioned before.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "but man"?

The phrase "but man" is suitable for informal conversations, casual settings, or when aiming for a colloquial tone. It's generally not appropriate for formal writing or professional communication.

What are some formal alternatives to "but man"?

For formal alternatives, consider using "however", "nevertheless", or "yet". If expressing surprise, a simple exclamation might suffice.

Is "but man" grammatically correct?

While frequently used in speech, "but man" doesn't conform to standard grammatical conventions. Ludwig AI confirms it is not appropriate for written English.

How can I use "but wow" instead of "but man"?

You can use "but wow" similarly to "but man" when expressing surprise or amazement, although it remains an informal expression.