but not again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not again" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or intention not to repeat a previous action or experience. Example: "I enjoyed the concert last night, but not again; the crowd was overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Once, but not again.

The New York Times - Sports

Fogg had escaped once, but not again.

The New York Times

"I voted for them before, but not again".

The New York Times

Korean men had won here in 1947 and 1950, but not again until now.

The New York Times - Sports

He visited Burnett right then, before a Youkilis sacrifice fly scored Ellsbury, but not again until the fourth inning.

The New York Times - Sports

The Rangers scored the first goal Saturday, by Dan Girardi on a power play midway through the first period, but not again.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Well, sure, but maybe not again and again.

The New York Times - Books

But he did not again threaten to go it alone.

The New York Times

In addition, openness/intellectance significantly predicted confidence and accuracy but not overconfidence (again, with the other Big Five factors controlled statistically).

Journal of Research in Personality

Yes, she dallied with cocaine but she wouldn't again.

The Guardian

"I have before," one said, "but I wouldn't again".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not again", ensure the context clearly identifies what action or event is being discontinued to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I tried the spicy salsa once, but not again; it was too hot."

Common error

Avoid using "but not again" in situations where the context doesn't clearly define the scope of what won't be repeated. For example, saying "I visited Europe, but not again" could be confusing without specifying which aspect of the trip (e.g., the specific country, the travel style) is being avoided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not again" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a contrast to a previous statement, indicating that an action or event will not be repeated. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not again" is a grammatically correct and commonly used conjunction phrase to express that an action or event will not be repeated. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is more suitable for neutral to informal contexts, often found in news and media. If a more formal tone is needed, consider alternative phrasing. Remember to ensure the context clearly defines the action or event being discontinued to avoid ambiguity. This is a common expression and, as such, is widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but never again

Emphasizes a stronger sense of finality and determination not to repeat something.

but not a second time

Highlights the intention to avoid repeating an action immediately after it has occurred once.

but no more

Expresses an end to something, indicating that it will not continue.

but not any longer

Similar to "but no more", focusing on the duration of the cessation.

but not from now on

Specifies a starting point for the cessation, emphasizing future avoidance.

but that's the last time

Implies a firm decision that something will not be repeated, often carrying a tone of annoyance or regret.

but it won't happen again

A more direct statement assuring that an event will not recur.

but not another instance

Emphasizes that there will be no further occurrences or examples of something.

but not after this

Indicates that a current or recent event marks the end of something.

but one time only

Highlights the uniqueness and non-repeatability of an event.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but not again" is used to express that something will not be repeated or done again. For example: "I tried that restaurant once, but not again; the service was terrible."

What phrases are similar to "but not again"?

Similar phrases include "but never again", "but not a second time", or "but no more", each conveying a sense of finality regarding a repeated action.

Is it correct to say "but not again" in formal writing?

Yes, "but not again" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, though it might be more common in spoken language. Consider alternatives like "however, not subsequently" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "but not again" and "but not anymore"?

"But not again" typically refers to a specific instance or action, whereas "but not anymore" implies a longer duration or ongoing situation. For example: "I ate sushi yesterday, but not again" refers to a single event, while "I used to eat sushi, but not anymore" refers to a change in habit.