but not normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unusual or atypical, contrasting it with what is considered normal. Example: "The results of the experiment were surprising, but not normal for this type of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Nascar parlance -- but not normal sports discourse -- the number is a predominant identifier.

The New York Times - Sports

So it could be challenging to develop drugs that can hurt tumors but not normal cells.

The New York Times - Health

But "not normal" is not enough, even when there is lots of non-normalcy, as in Elaine's cartoon.

The New Yorker

Additionally, AMD exhibited significant antiproliferative effect against a panel of PCa cells, but not normal prostate epithelial cells.

Cancer Letters

Conclusion: The depsipeptide plus flavopiridol combination exhibits powerful and selective cytocidal activity against cancer but not normal cells.

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Concentric contractions induced force deficits in GRMD but not normal dogs; however, the difference between the 2 groups was not significant (P=.08, Wilcoxon rank-sum test).

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

If the replication of the virus occurs in tumor cells, but not normal cells, the virus may be used as an antitumor agent.

Japanese Dental Science Review

Immunohistochemistry confirmed that COMP protein accumulates in SSc but not normal skin, with SSc skin showing striking deposition in the papillary and deeper dermis.

Matrix Biology

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered to induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells but not normal cells.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been previously shown to possess oncolytic activity, causing specific lysis of cancerous but not normal cells.

Molecular Therapy

Immunotherapy specifically targets only tumor cells expressing the antigen/oncogene of interest, thereby developing specific immunity against neoplastic but not normal cells.

Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not normal", ensure the contrast is clear and that the context provides a reference point for what is considered 'normal'. This helps to emphasize the deviation and its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "but not normal" excessively in informal writing where simpler alternatives like "unusual" or "different" might be more appropriate. It can sometimes sound overly technical or clinical in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not normal" functions primarily as a contrastive conjunction, connecting a statement to a condition that deviates from the expected or typical state. It serves to highlight the unusual or atypical nature of something in relation to a recognized norm. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not normal" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to highlight deviations from established norms. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate across diverse contexts, especially in scientific and news-related domains. While widely accepted, writers should consider simpler alternatives for informal communications and maintain a clear contrast to what is considered 'normal' to maximize the phrase's impact. The phrase functions as a contrastive conjunction, with the main purpose of emphasizing anomaly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet atypical

This emphasizes the departure from the typical or usual.

though unusual

Focuses on the unexpected or rare nature of the subject.

however aberrant

Highlights a deviation from the normal or correct way.

still irregular

Implies a lack of conformity to rules or patterns.

albeit exceptional

Suggests that the situation is an exception to the norm.

while deviant

Highlights a departure from accepted standards or norms.

nonetheless peculiar

Emphasizes the odd or strange nature of the subject.

even if extraordinary

Suggests something is beyond what is ordinary or usual.

in spite of being anomalous

Highlights the irregularity or inconsistency of the subject.

not conforming to the norm

More explicitly states the lack of adherence to typical standards.

FAQs

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

Use "but not normal" to highlight a contrast between a standard condition and an atypical one. For instance, "The patient's blood pressure was elevated, "but not normal" for someone under such stress."

What are some alternatives to saying "but not normal"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "yet atypical", "though unusual", or "however aberrant" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "but not normal" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. In some formal contexts, more precise or technical terms might be preferable. Always ensure clarity and avoid sounding overly colloquial or vague.

What is the difference between "but not normal" and "abnormal"?

"But not normal" emphasizes a deviation from a specific standard, whereas "abnormal" implies a broader departure from what is considered typical or healthy. "Abnormal" often carries a more negative connotation.