but missed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but missed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not achieved or was overlooked in a particular context. Example: "I planned to attend the meeting, but missed it due to a scheduling conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The guards shot, but missed.

The New York Times

But missed they were.

The Guardian

We speared two but missed several.

The New York Times

A bomb was thrown but missed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Someone shot at another person, but missed.

The New York Times

Overall revenue rose 2.5 percent, but missed expectations.

The New York Times

Occasionally, our system sprayed water but missed the target source.

Cornell University

Ed Essertier '43 attended the event but missed the photo.

Princeton University

He fired once but missed, she said.

The New York Times

Langford had another attempt, but missed short.

The New York Times - Sports

Later, the plane bombed the same position again, but missed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but missed", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was missed and the context in which it was missed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "but missed" in quick succession within a single paragraph. While grammatically correct, it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your sentence structure or using alternative conjunctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but missed" functions as a conjunction, linking two contrasting ideas. The "but" introduces a contrast or exception to the preceding statement, while "missed" indicates a failure to achieve a particular goal or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but missed" is a grammatically sound and versatile conjunction used to express a contrast between an intended action or expectation and its failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and encyclopedias, indicating its wide applicability. When using "but missed", ensure that the sentence clearly defines what was missed and why, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity. Consider varying sentence structures to avoid repetition, and be mindful of the subtle distinctions between "but missed" and similar phrases like "but overlooked". Overall, "but missed" is a valuable tool in written and spoken English for conveying unsuccessful outcomes and contrasting ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet failed

Emphasizes the lack of success after an attempt or effort.

still fell short

Indicates a failure to reach a target or standard.

however unsuccessful

Highlights the lack of a positive outcome despite circumstances.

though miscalculated

Suggests an error in planning or estimation led to the failure.

but overlooked

Focuses on the act of something being disregarded or not noticed.

yet disregarded

Stresses the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.

nevertheless deficient

Emphasizes a lack of something essential or required.

but omitted

Highlights the act of excluding or leaving something out.

however deficient

Points out a shortcoming or inadequacy in something.

though avoided

Indicates an attempt to evade or steer clear of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but missed" connects two related but contrasting ideas, indicating a failure to achieve an expected or desired outcome. For example, "He aimed for the target, but missed."

What are some alternatives to "but missed"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "but missed" include "yet failed", "however unsuccessful", or "still fell short".

Is it correct to say "missed it, but" instead of "but missed"?

While grammatically possible in some contexts, "missed it, but" is less common and may sound awkward. "But missed" typically flows more naturally when connecting two parts of a sentence.

What's the difference between "but missed" and "but overlooked"?

"But missed" implies an attempt was made, whereas "but overlooked" suggests something was not noticed or considered at all. They are not always interchangeable.