but no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but no' is a valid phrase that is often used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like: "I was expecting to go on vacation, but no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

OMG, Jeff Daniels, SORRY BUT NO!

Los Angeles Times

But no throwing up.

The New York Times - Magazine

But no Avonte.

The New York Times

But no rescue came.

The New York Times

"But no Italian".

The New Yorker

But no poutine.

The New York Times - Food

But no use waiting.

The New York Times

But no torture, no".

The New Yorker

"But no other drama".

The New York Times

But no Jagr.

The New York Times - Sports

But no blackbird – yet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but no" to create a sense of surprise or contrast, effectively setting up an unexpected turn in a narrative or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "but no" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sound informal or conversational. Opt for more sophisticated transitional phrases like "however", "nevertheless", or "on the contrary" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but no" primarily functions as a conjunction phrase. It introduces a contrast or denial of an expectation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts. It serves to negate or contradict a prior statement or assumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but no" is a versatile conjunction phrase used primarily to express contrast, denial, or surprise. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media. While suitable for neutral to informal contexts, it should be used sparingly in formal or academic writing, where alternatives like "however" or "on the contrary" may be more appropriate. The phrase effectively sets up unexpected turns in narratives, adding emphasis to the difference between expectation and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still no

Emphasizes the continuation of a negative state despite expectations.

however not

Changes the conjunction from "but" to "however", maintaining a formal tone.

actually not

Adds emphasis to the unexpected nature of the situation.

yet not

Replaces "but" with "yet", suggesting a slight nuance in the unexpectedness of the situation.

in reality, no

Highlights the difference between expectation and reality.

nonetheless, no

Similar to "nevertheless", but can be used in more formal contexts.

nevertheless, no

Implies a condition or obstacle that doesn't change the outcome.

on the contrary

Introduces a direct opposition to a preceding statement.

alas, no

Adds a tone of regret or disappointment.

instead

Indicates a substitution or alternative to what was expected.

FAQs

How can I use "but no" in a sentence to show contrast?

Use "but no" to introduce an unexpected contrast to a previous statement. For example: "I thought I would get a promotion, but no, they hired someone else".

Are there formal alternatives to "but no"?

Yes, you can use "however not", "nevertheless", or "on the contrary" in more formal contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but no"?

While it's generally acceptable in informal writing and speech, starting a sentence with "but" can be considered less formal. Using a stronger conjunction like "however" might be more appropriate in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "but no" and "but not"?

"But no" is typically used as a standalone phrase to express disagreement or contrast, whereas "but not" is used to negate a specific element within a sentence. For example: "I wanted coffee, but not tea".