but nowadays

USAGE SUMMARY

"but nowadays" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something which is currently different than it was in the past. For example, "People used to believe that the earth was flat, but nowadays we know that it is round."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But nowadays, I think that is changing.

Independent

But nowadays, that seems unlikely.

The New York Times

But nowadays, it's often used that way.

The Economist

But nowadays the scales are even.

The Guardian - Music

But nowadays, so much more seems knowable.

The New York Times - Tech

But nowadays, there aren't many jobs, period".

The New York Times

But nowadays I consider myself cured".

The Guardian - Sport

But nowadays anyone can prepare vegan food.

The Guardian

But nowadays, every hard-charging C.E.O.

The New Yorker

But nowadays that would not happen".

The Guardian

But nowadays, Mr. McCreadie is losing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but nowadays", ensure the sentence provides sufficient context about the 'past' situation so the contrast is clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but nowadays". While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using other transitional phrases or rephrasing your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but nowadays" functions as an adverbial conjunction, connecting two contrasting ideas or situations, one from the past and one current. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but nowadays" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to contrast past and present situations. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used. It's prevalent in news and media, signaling a change or evolution over time. While effective, avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity in contrasting contexts enhances writing quality. Alternative phrases like "these days" or "in recent times" offer variety. Remember to provide enough context when highlighting the shift in current situations to maximize understandability. Ludwig's examples clearly show its function in contrasting past and present scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but these days

A simpler, more direct alternative, conveying the same contrast between past and present without additional emphasis.

but now

A concise alternative that directly contrasts the current situation with a previous one, suitable for simpler sentences.

but in this day and age

This alternative emphasizes the modern period, highlighting the contrast with previous times, adding a nuance of modernity.

but in today's world

This alternative highlights the contemporary context, suggesting a broader scope of change influenced by current global conditions.

but in current times

Focuses on the present period, similarly contrasting with the past but with a slightly less emphatic tone than "in this day and age".

but as things stand today

This phrase stresses the current state of affairs, indicating a contrast from a previous situation.

but in recent times

Similar to "as of late", this phrase emphasizes the recent nature of the changes being discussed.

but at the present time

A more formal way to indicate the current period, contrasting it with the past, suitable for more formal writing.

but as of late

Focuses on changes that have occurred recently, providing a more immediate sense of contrast with the past.

but at this juncture

This alternative is more formal and indicates a critical point in time where the present situation diverges from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "but nowadays" in a sentence?

Use "but nowadays" to contrast a current situation with a past one. For example, "People used to write letters, "but nowadays" they mostly send emails".

What are some alternatives to "but nowadays"?

You can use phrases like "these days", "in recent times", or "at the present time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "but" with "nowadays"?

While "but nowadays" is a common construction, "nowadays" can also be used independently to indicate a contrast with the past, though the "but" often strengthens the contrast.

What is the difference between "but nowadays" and "but today"?

"But today" typically refers to a contrast with something that happened very recently, while ""but nowadays"" indicates a broader shift over time. For example, "I was tired yesterday, but today I feel great" versus "People used to rely on newspapers, but nowadays they get their news online".