but not during

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not during" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a time frame in which something is not allowed or applicable. Example: "You can work on the project at any time, but not during the scheduled meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During early lactation, but not during late gestation, the insulin: glucose ratio decreased quadraticaly (P = 0.04).

Animal Feed Science and Technology

But not during the performance itself.

The New York Times

"You can drink water before you eat fondue," he told me, "but not during or after.

The New York Times - Travel

Nascar, which is not affiliated with ARCA, requires spotters during races, but not during practice.

The New York Times - Sports

I change it quite often, but not during the same tour.

The New York Times

He and Bonilla played cards before a lot of games, he said, but not during games.

The New York Times - Sports

It was particularly strong in the late 1940s and early '50s but not during the '30s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The road to freedom can be hard to find, but not during Summer Streets.

The New York Times

Parking is free at night at a nearby lot, but not during the day.

The New York Times - Travel

They remain free to hover over Yankee Stadium, but not during games.

The New York Times

A bimodal pore size distribution develops during isothermal holding, but not during heating.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying exceptions, place "but not during" close to the main statement to maintain clarity. For example: "Access is permitted at all hours, but not during maintenance periods."

Common error

Avoid using "but not during" as a sentence opener, as it can create ambiguity. Instead, integrate it within the sentence. Incorrect: But not during the exam, students can use calculators. Correct: Students can use calculators, but not during the exam.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not during" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, indicating an exception or limitation regarding a specific timeframe. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in clarifying conditions and restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not during" is a grammatically correct and versatile conjunction phrase used to specify temporal exceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed across diverse contexts, notably in science and news media. To ensure clarity, integrate it smoothly within sentences rather than using it as a sentence opener. Consider alternatives like "except during" or "not while" for stylistic variation. Mastering its usage enhances precision in writing by effectively delineating when something does not occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not while

A more concise alternative, indicating something doesn't happen concurrently with another event.

except for the duration of

Replaces "but not during" with a phrase emphasizing exclusion within a specific timeframe.

excluding the time of

Similar to "except for the duration of", it specifies that something is not applicable during a given period.

other than during

Emphasizes that something is generally true, except within the specified timeframe.

not throughout

Implies that an event or condition is not consistent during a given period, specifically excluding it.

apart from when

Highlights an exception to a general rule or situation.

with the exception of

States a clear exclusion of a particular timeframe from a broader context.

outside of

Indicates something happens at times other than the period mentioned.

not in the course of

Indicates that something doesn't occur while another process or event is ongoing.

save for the period of

Formally expresses an exception to a general condition or activity.

FAQs

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

Use "but not during" to specify a time frame when something is not allowed or applicable. For example, "You can submit assignments anytime, "but not during" the final exam period."

What are some alternatives to "but not during"?

Alternatives include phrases like "except for", "excluding the time of", or "not while", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but not during"?

While grammatically permissible, it's often better to integrate "but not during" within the sentence for improved clarity. Starting with "but not during" can sometimes sound awkward.

How does "but not during" differ from "except during"?

"But not during" and "except during" are largely interchangeable. "But not during" may imply a slightly stronger contrast or unexpected exception, while "except during" is often used for more routine or expected exclusions.