but not these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not these" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that certain items or examples are excluded from a broader category or list. Example: "I like many fruits, but not these: bananas, oranges, and kiwis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But not these days.

The New York Times

But not these people.

The Guardian

But not these two.

The New York Times - Sports

"But not these guys.

The New York Times

But not these lads.

The Guardian - Sport

"But not these others.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

BUT not with these families.

Huffington Post

But not on these meager terms.

The New York Times

But Not in These Plays.

The New York Times

But not on these flights".

The New York Times

But not under these circumstances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not these" to clearly delineate exceptions within a broader category or statement. This helps in avoiding ambiguity and ensures precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "but not these specifically" as it adds unnecessary redundancy. The phrase "but not these" already implies a specific exclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not these" functions as a contrastive conjunction, introducing an exception or exclusion to a general statement. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is used to specify what is not included within a broader category. This is reflected in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not these" is a frequently used and grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to introduce exclusions or exceptions to a general statement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news and media contexts, along with scientific writing, suggesting a neutral register. When employing "but not these", clarity and precision are key, and redundancy should be avoided. Alternatives such as "except for these" or "excluding these" can be considered for stylistic variation. This phrase helps clarify the scope of your argument and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not those

Replaces "these" with "those", which may be more appropriate depending on the context.

except for these

Replaces "but" with "except for", emphasizing the exclusion more directly.

excluding these

Directly states the act of exclusion, maintaining a similar level of formality.

other than these

A common and versatile alternative for expressing exclusion.

not including these

Focuses on the lack of inclusion, suitable for lists or inventories.

apart from these

Indicates a separation or distinction from the rest.

however, not these

Adds a contrast with "however", suitable for emphasizing exceptions.

yet not these

Similar to "however", but with a slightly more literary or formal tone.

with the exception of these

A more formal and emphatic way of stating an exception.

save for these

An older, somewhat archaic way to indicate an exception.

FAQs

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

Use "but not these" to introduce exceptions or exclusions to a previously mentioned group or category. For example, "I enjoy many fruits, "but not these": grapefruit, lemons, and limes."

What are some alternatives to "but not these"?

Alternatives include "except for these", "excluding these", or "not including these". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is there a difference between "but not these" and "but not those"?

The difference lies in proximity and demonstrative pronoun usage. "These" typically refers to items closer in proximity or already mentioned, while "those" refers to items further away or less immediately relevant.

When is it appropriate to use "but not these" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to make a clear and concise exception to a general statement. Ensure the context is clear and that the exclusion is relevant and necessary for precision.