but next month

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but next month" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a future time frame in contrast to the present or a previous time mentioned. Example: "I can't attend the meeting this week, but next month, I will be available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But next month, or next year?

Harvard University

But next month I'm on to the next one.

TechCrunch

But next month he will unveil the one that I suspect matters most to him.

The Guardian - Books

But next month, the monument will mark a more sober anniversary.

The New York Times

But next month, the Prado is banking on a sure-fire winner.

The Guardian

But next month we will be presented with another opportunity to stop testing and slow the nuclear arms race.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Atelier remains open, but next month she will officially open another showroom, next to her studio in the Flatiron district.

The New York Times

But next month, BlackBerry will improve its odds by offering the Q10 (around $250 with contract).

The New York Times

But next month, if I can get it decluttered, it will go on the market for a third time.

The New York Times

She has been based in New York, but next month she is to begin working in the same capacity from Baltimore.

The New York Times

But next month, NATO's leaders will meet in Lisbon and decide whether the alliance should build a missile defense for Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but next month" to clearly indicate a shift in plans, events, or circumstances in the immediately following month. It provides a straightforward temporal marker for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "but next month" when a more specific date or timeframe is known. Using a precise date will improve clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but next month" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action or event will occur. According to Ludwig, it's a perfectly acceptable way to refer to the near future in contrast to the present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but next month" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a contrast or shift occurring in the upcoming month. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English. It finds its greatest utility in News & Media, marking temporal transitions in a clear and concise manner. While versatile, avoid using it when more precise dating is possible to prevent vagueness. When a contrast with another temporal adverb is present, the expression should be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in the following month

Replaces 'next month' with a more formal equivalent.

however next month

Uses 'however' to emphasize the contrast with what was previously stated.

yet the following month

Employs 'yet' to introduce a contrasting event in the subsequent month.

though the month ahead

Uses 'though' to signal a contrast with a focus on the upcoming month.

on the other hand next month

Adds 'on the other hand' for a clearer contrast.

conversely next month

Uses 'conversely' to indicate an opposite or contrasting situation.

instead next month

Uses 'instead' to suggest a replacement or alternative.

by next month

Focuses on a deadline or point in time.

the subsequent month however

Reorders the phrase to place emphasis on the time element.

in the coming month though

Highlights the arrival of the next month with 'in the coming month'.

FAQs

How can I use "but next month" in a sentence?

Use "but next month" to contrast a current situation with something that will happen in the following month. For example, "I'm busy this week, but "but next month" I'll have more free time".

What are some alternatives to saying "but next month"?

Alternatives include "in the following month", "however next month", or "by next month" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While some traditional grammar guides discourage starting sentences with "but", it is now widely accepted in both formal and informal writing. The word "but" serves as a conjunction, connecting contrasting ideas smoothly. See also other alternative phrases.

When should I use "but next month" versus "next month"?

Use "but next month" when you need to explicitly contrast the following month with the current situation or a previous statement. If there is no need for contrast, simply using "next month" is sufficient.