but nominally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but nominally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true in name or title only, without reflecting the actual situation or reality. Example: "The company is a nonprofit organization, but nominally, it operates like a for-profit business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

(The Republicans run 13, counting conservative but nominally non-partisan Nebraska).

The Economist

Now York, with a newer but nominally more permanent manager in Nigel Worthington, are 23rd.

The Guardian - Sport

But nominally left-wing governments in Britain and Poland are mourning, and a right-wing French government is cheering.

The Economist

Another rabble-rouser, Respect's George Galloway, is challenging Labour's Jim Fitzpatrick in the new but nominally safe east London seat of Poplar and Limehouse.

The Guardian - Opinion

The majority Muslim but nominally secular central Asian republic of Tajikistan has also issued its toughest-ever ban on seasonal celebrations, banning Christmas trees and gift-giving in schools.

The Guardian

Kepesh is now in his 60s, still an academic but nominally a celebrity, at least in New York, for his role as a cultural critic on public-service TV and radio.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The Ryukyu kingdom paid tribute to both China and Japan but was nominally independent, while Taiwan then belonged to China.

The Economist

As most people know by now, Super PACs are fund-raising vehicles that support a candidate but are nominally independent of that candidate's official campaign.

The New Yorker

Ms. Underwood sang a duet of her hit "Before He Cheats" with Ms. Alaina, who kept up, mostly, with the vocals but only nominally with the angst.

The New York Times - Arts

He proceeded to introduce Western political institutions, administration, and technical skills in Egypt; but Turkey, nominally suzerain over Egypt, declared war on France in September.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Mary Poppins, "Enough is as good as a feast," but this nominally sensible approach to life has never been embraced or practiced by the human race.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but nominally" to introduce a contrast where something is true in name or title but not in practical effect. This can add nuance to your writing by highlighting the difference between appearance and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "but nominally" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound less direct. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "in name only" or "ostensibly" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but nominally" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking two contrasting ideas. It introduces a qualification or exception to a preceding statement, indicating that something is true in name or form only, without necessarily being so in reality. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but nominally" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a contrast between what is claimed or officially stated and the actual reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It functions as an adverbial conjunction, adding nuance to writing by highlighting the difference between appearance and reality. While applicable across various registers, it's crucial to use it judiciously in formal writing. Remember to also explore the related phrases for alternative expressions. Overall, "but nominally" is a valuable tool for expressing subtle distinctions in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in name only

Focuses on the discrepancy between the stated name or title and the actual function or condition.

officially speaking

Highlights the difference between the formal declaration and the practical situation.

technically but not really

Emphasizes the technical correctness versus the actual truth.

in theory but not in practice

Draws a contrast between what is supposed to happen and what actually happens.

ostensibly

Indicates that something appears to be the case but might not be.

superficially

Suggests a lack of depth or genuine substance behind an appearance.

formally but not genuinely

Contrasts the formal aspect with the authentic or sincere aspect.

on paper

Highlights that something is true in written documentation but not necessarily in reality.

so-called

Expresses skepticism or doubt about the accuracy of a description or title.

putatively

Suggests that something is claimed or assumed to be the case, but without proof.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but nominally" is used to indicate a contrast between what is claimed or officially stated and what is actually the case. For example, "The organization is a charity, "but nominally" it functions as a for-profit business".

What are some alternatives to "but nominally"?

Alternatives to "but nominally" include "in name only", "officially speaking", or "technically but not really". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically possible, "nominally, but" is less common and may sound awkward in some contexts. "But nominally" generally flows more smoothly in a sentence, especially when introducing a contrasting idea.

What is the difference between "but nominally" and "but actually"?

"But nominally" suggests something is true in name only, whereas "but actually" indicates a real state of affairs that differs from a previous assumption or statement. For example, "The country is independent, "but nominally" it's controlled by a foreign power" vs. "I thought he was rich, "but actually" he's deeply in debt."