but not usually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not usually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is an exception or not the norm in a particular context. Example: "I enjoy spicy food, but not usually when I'm feeling unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But not usually.

The New York Times

Amadeo sweats, but not usually from work.

The New Yorker

But not usually, because I was underage.

The New Yorker

But not usually successful business.

The New York Times

The answer is sometimes, but not usually.

The Guardian - Opinion

Online study is convenient but not usually comical.

The New York Times

Restaurant prices constantly rise, but not usually at Fiamma's pace.

The New York Times - Food

But not usually a steep drop, and not always an enduring one.

The Economist

Are there other boats out there like this? Undoubtedly, but not usually of this scale.

Independent

Although I did sometimes – but not usually when I was on my own, shopping.

The Guardian

Out of it all a story emerges, but not usually a page-turner.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not usually", ensure the statement preceding it establishes a clear norm or expectation for the contrast to be effective.

Common error

While "but not usually" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated alternatives might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "however, infrequently" or "yet, seldom".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not usually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It introduces a contrast to a preceding statement, indicating that while something might generally be true, it is not invariably the case. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not usually" is a versatile phrase used to introduce exceptions or deviations from general statements. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, adding nuance to writing. While suitable for most situations, writers should consider more formal alternatives for highly academic or professional contexts. As the examples highlight, it is especially prevalent in news, media, and scientific sources, showing that the phrase is suitable for many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but infrequently

Replaces 'usually' with 'infrequently', suggesting a lower occurrence rate.

though uncommonly

Uses 'though' to introduce the contrast and 'uncommonly' to denote rarity.

however rarely

Employs 'however' for contrast and 'rarely' to indicate infrequency.

yet seldom

Substitutes 'but' with 'yet' and 'usually' with 'seldom', both indicating less frequency.

but on occasion

Replaces 'usually' with 'on occasion', suggesting that something happens sometimes, but is not a regular occurrence.

but not habitually

Replaces 'usually' with 'habitually', emphasizing that something isn't a regular practice.

except sporadically

Uses 'except' to introduce the exception and 'sporadically' to suggest irregular intervals.

not as a rule

Indicates something does not happen according to general practice.

but exceptionally

Highlights that something is an exception rather than the norm.

but not as a general thing

Expresses that something isn't generally the case or typical.

FAQs

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

Use "but not usually" to indicate an exception to a general statement, such as: "I drink coffee every morning, "but not usually" after 2 PM".

What are some alternatives to "but not usually"?

Alternatives include phrases like "but infrequently", "though uncommonly", or "however rarely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "but not usually" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "however, seldom" or "yet, infrequently" for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "but not usually" and "but not always"?

"But not usually" suggests something happens less often than expected, while "but not always" simply indicates it doesn't happen every time. For example: "I order pizza, "but not usually" with pineapple" (I rarely do). "I order pizza, "but not always" on Fridays" (I don't do it every Friday).