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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
but non
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "but non" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be a truncation or a misspelling of "but none," which can be used to indicate the absence of something. Example: "I asked for volunteers, but none showed up."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
This occurs at a frequent but non constant rate.
Science
J'ai fait cela dans un but non lucratif.
News & Media
We consider both cell lines as transformed but non tumorigenic.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
But non-Zulus would object.
News & Media
But non-E.U.
News & Media
But non-Jews are also allowed.
News & Media
But non-food industrial commodities remain mixed.
News & Media
But non-commitment does have its advantages.
News & Media
Bruno would watch, concerned but non-judgmental.
News & Media
But non-metropolitan England must choose.
News & Media
The internet said to be 'supportive but non-invasive'".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "but non" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "but none" or "but not".
Common error
A common mistake is assuming "non" can directly follow "but" to negate a condition. Instead, use "but none" or rephrase to include a complete negation, such as "but not".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "but non" functions as a conjunction intended to introduce a contrast or exception. However, it is grammatically incomplete, requiring a noun or adjective to follow "non" for proper usage. Ludwig AI indicates this is not correct English.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
67%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "but non" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often a truncation or misspelling. While it appears in a limited number of sources, its usage is inconsistent and lacks grammatical support. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "but none", "but not", or rephrase the sentence for better clarity. Using correct grammar enhances communication and credibility.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
but none
Corrects the grammatical error; "none" implies a lack of something.
however, no
Replaces "but" with "however" for a formal tone and "no" for negation.
yet no
"Yet" offers a slightly less formal contrast than "however".
though no
"Though" provides a concessive contrast.
although no
"Although" offers a more formal concessive contrast.
but not
Emphasizes the negation of a specific attribute or condition.
however, without
Replaces "but" with "however" and uses "without" to express absence.
yet, without
"Yet" and "without" provide a contrast and express absence.
but zero
Emphasizes the complete absence of something.
however, zero
A more emphatic and formal way of stating the absence of something.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "but non" in a sentence?
Which is correct, "but non" or "but none"?
"But none" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "But non" is typically considered an error.
What can I say instead of "but non"?
Is "but non" ever appropriate to use?
In most contexts, "but non" is not appropriate. It's advisable to use grammatically correct alternatives for clarity and professionalism.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested