but not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an exception or contrast to a preceding statement. Example: "I enjoy hiking, but not in the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

but not subcutaneous (s.c).

Neuroscience Letters

But not EU nations.

Independent

But not certain?

The New Yorker

But not that badly.

The New York Times

But not on Sundays.

The New York Times

But not until.

The New Yorker

But not her.

The New Yorker

But not Keegan Bradley.

The New York Times

"Gone, but not gone.

The New York Times - Magazine

But not like Houston.

The New York Times

"Soon, but not today".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not" to introduce a specific exception or contrast to a previously stated condition or generalization. It helps to create clarity by pinpointing what doesn't conform to the general rule.

Common error

Avoid using "but not" when a simple negation suffices. Instead of saying 'I wanted to go, but not today', consider 'I wanted to go, but not today'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not" functions as a conjunction introducing a contrast or exception to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, demonstrating its role in modifying or limiting the scope of a previous idea, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not" serves as a versatile conjunction to introduce exceptions or contrasts within a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across numerous contexts. While simpler negations may suffice in certain instances, "but not" proves invaluable for clarifying limitations and refining meaning. Its neutral register renders it appropriate for diverse forms of communication, solidifying its status as a fundamental element of effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for

Indicates an exclusion from a general statement; more concise than "but not".

excluding

Specifically omits something from a group or consideration; similar in function to "but not".

with the exception of

Formally specifies that something is not included in a statement; more formal than "but not".

aside from

Similar to "except for", indicating an element that doesn't fit the general case.

apart from

Denotes something separate or distinct from the rest; similar in usage to "aside from".

save for

An archaic expression meaning "except for".

not including

Directly states that something is not part of a group; more explicit than "but not".

other than

Specifies something different or distinct; similar in meaning to "except for".

besides

Indicates that something is in addition to what has already been mentioned, often implying exclusion.

without

Emphasizes the absence of something in a given scenario; a stronger negation than "but not".

FAQs

How can I use "but not" in a sentence?

Use "but not" to introduce an exception or contrast. For example, "I enjoy most fruits, but not bananas" indicates that bananas are an exception to the fruits you enjoy.

What can I say instead of "but not"?

You can use alternatives like "except for", "excluding", or "with the exception of" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "but not"?

While grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound clunky. Consider whether a simpler negation or alternative phrasing might be more effective.

What's the difference between "but not" and "except for"?

"But not" introduces a contrast or exception, while "except for" specifically excludes something from a general statement. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the contrast or the exclusion.