but necessarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but necessarily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not always the case or to qualify a statement that follows. Example: "Just because it is popular does not mean it is, but necessarily, the best choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jolly promising, but necessarily slow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was irreverent, mischievous, generous-hearted but necessarily manipulative.

The New Yorker

But "necessarily" is redundant here, following right on the heels of "must".

The Economist

While claims to scientific objectivity are common, most approaches towards these issues are not merely descriptive but necessarily normative.

City, Culture and Society

His sleeve notes were masterpieces of the form, but necessarily brief.

The Guardian - Books

We both knew that this second meeting would confirm the first but necessarily be the last.

The New York Times

Long, detailed but necessarily inconclusive sections on dates and sources impede readability.

The Guardian - Books

They give me broader insights into a world of which I am personally exploring an intriguing but necessarily narrow cranny.

Stanford University

It's lengthy, at two weeks, but necessarily so given the nearly 2,400 miles (3,860km) covered.

The Times

Our results validate the premise that stereospecific but necessarily weak binding of tropomyosin to F-actin is required for effective thin filament function.

Biophysical Journal

The tax passed on was imposed by a tariff act, 2 but necessarily the power does not depend upon the form by which it is exerted.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but necessarily" to introduce a condition or qualification that is essential for understanding the full context of your statement. It helps to avoid overgeneralizations and provides nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "necessarily" too frequently in close proximity. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "inevitably", "essentially", or "unavoidably" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but necessarily" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, used to introduce a qualification or contrast to a preceding statement. It indicates that while something might be true or expected, there's an essential condition or limitation to consider. As Ludwig AI says, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but necessarily" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce qualifications and conditions, preventing overgeneralizations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct. Found frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it indicates a level of formality suitable for professional communication. While alternatives like ""yet essential"" and ""although compulsory"" exist, "but necessarily" offers a specific nuance of essential conditionality. However, be mindful of overuse to maintain writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but inevitably

Highlights the certainty of an outcome despite contrasting factors, similar in strength.

but unavoidably

Focuses on the lack of alternatives, implying something cannot be helped, slightly stronger.

yet essential

Highlights importance or requirement contrasting with previous information.

while crucial

Highlights the importance contrasting it with a previous clause.

but needs must

Emphasizes inevitability or unavoidable action, stronger than "but necessarily".

however indispensable

Emphasizes something is crucial even though other circumstances exist, formal.

though requisite

More formal, indicating something is required despite other considerations.

albeit required

Indicates requirement despite possible reluctance or opposing factors, formal.

although compulsory

Shows obligation, even if some other condition exists.

but of course

Indicates something is logical or obvious, more casual than "but necessarily".

FAQs

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

The phrase "but necessarily" is used to introduce a qualification or condition to a previous statement. For example: "The task is complex, but necessarily time-consuming."

What phrases are similar to "but necessarily"?

Alternatives to "but necessarily" include "but unavoidably", "yet essential", and "although compulsory". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "necessarily"?

No, "necessarily" is not always needed. Consider whether the qualification is essential for accuracy or if the sentence works fine without it. Sometimes, the phrase is redundant.

What's the difference between "but necessarily" and "but not always"?

"But necessarily" indicates something is essential despite other factors, while "but not always" indicates something is only sometimes true. They serve different qualifying functions.