but more special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but more special" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing something to another, emphasizing that it has a greater significance or uniqueness. Example: "This event is important, but more special is the fact that it brings our community together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Despite a fresh truce, Markov said the conflict continues "just in different ways" – fewer artillery attacks but more "special ops".

The Guardian

He said: "Last week after our race we went on one of the big stages in London and I think there was tens of thousands of people there but just to see these people turn up in Leeds, a much smaller place and our hometown, it's just that little but more special".

BBC

It shouldn't be too fancy, but more special than a plain school notebook.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But nothing more special".

The New York Times - Sports

We may have had bigger personalities and brighter lights, but none more special.

The New York Times - Sports

One is a child — a smart kid, to be sure, and cute, but not more special than any other child.

The New Yorker

"Coming back to the top of the podium is always special, but also more special with Ferrari and the history of the team and the expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

It was good – but nothing more special than you would find in a sandwich shop or deli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But even more special is the story of Abbado's creation and development of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra itself.

The Guardian - Music

But the more special treatment is granted to early investors, the harder it will be for new funds to outgrow their friends-and-family beginnings.

The New York Times

See Theresults for the album here.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but more special" to emphasize a particular quality or aspect that stands out in comparison to something already considered special. It adds an extra layer of significance or uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the word "special". While "but more special" highlights something distinctive, repeatedly using "special" can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "unique", "exceptional", or "remarkable" to vary your language and maintain emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more special" functions as a conjunctional phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the greater significance or uniqueness of the latter. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and utilized across different contexts to add nuance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but more special" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize that something possesses a higher degree of uniqueness or significance compared to something else already considered special. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, while grammatically sound, it’s important to be mindful of overusing the word "special" itself. The phrase is found across various contexts, particularly in news and media, though more formal contexts are less common. To ensure clarity and impact, it's beneficial to consider alternatives such as "however more exceptional" or "yet more distinctive" to enrich the writing. The key is to use the phrase judiciously, highlighting its value in specific instances without diluting its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet more distinctive

Emphasizes distinctiveness with a contrasting conjunction.

however, more exceptional

Highlights exceptionality using a contrasting adverb.

though more singular

Focuses on the uniqueness or singularity of something.

albeit more unique

Uses "albeit" to introduce a qualification, stressing uniqueness.

still more remarkable

Emphasizes the remarkableness despite a preceding statement.

whilst more particular

Highlights a specific detail or aspect with a contrast.

nonetheless more memorable

Focuses on memorability in spite of something else.

even so, more significant

Highlights the significance of something despite a contrast.

on the other hand, more cherished

Expresses that something is valued more, setting it apart.

conversely, more extraordinary

Highlights the extraordinary nature of something in contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "but more special" in a sentence?

You can use "but more special" to highlight a specific aspect or quality that is even more significant than something else already deemed special. For example, "The gift was thoughtful, but "but more special" was the handwritten note that came with it".

What's the difference between "special" and "but more special"?

"Special" indicates something is noteworthy or unique. "But more special" implies an even greater degree of significance or uniqueness when compared to something else that is already considered special. It introduces an additional layer of importance.

Which is correct, "more special" or "more unique"?

Both "more special" and "more unique" are grammatically acceptable. However, "unique" technically means 'one of a kind' and thus doesn't readily admit a comparative. "More special" is generally used to indicate something is particularly valued or significant compared to something else.

What can I say instead of "but more special"?

You can use alternatives like "however more exceptional", "yet more distinctive", or "though more singular" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.