but one catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but one catch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a condition or limitation that may affect the situation being discussed. Example: "The offer sounds great, but one catch is that you must sign a two-year contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

All but one CATCH practitioner was involved in the clinical care of children.

BMJ Open

But one catch is that getting an ARM may now be harder.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The piece, about the creation of a social networking site, is heavy on the technology, but one catches oneself wishing that technology didn't make for the most vivid character in a play that still involves people, Jason Zinoman writes.

The New York Times

Advertisements were running on the screen, something I normally ignored, but one caught my eye: "Have you considered becoming an egg donor?" I had heard of this before but knew almost nothing about it.

Huffington Post

But one caught his forehead, opening a gash.

The New York Times

Dozens of photographs decorate the narrow living room of Nicole Paultre Bell's home in Far Rockaway, Queens, but one catches the eye more quickly than the rest.

The New York Times

My pencil point (I had but one) caught in my coat and broke, and the world lost the prayer, a prayer that was only interrupted by the sobs of Stanton as he buried his face in the bedclothes.

The New Yorker

He remained a great manager, but one caught in the grip of a dream of long ago, still staring at a vision of beauty that faded and fell further into disuse as each year passed.

Vice

"I know for a fact without naming them, we've got a few guys on our team who, if it wasn't for Chicago State, these guys wouldn't only be part of unemployment (statistics) but ones caught in something illegal or involved in life-or-death situations.

Los Angeles Times

But there is one catch.

The New York Times - Sports

But there's one catch: You have to feel good.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one catch" to introduce a caveat or limitation after presenting something seemingly positive or advantageous. This helps to manage expectations and provide a balanced view.

Common error

Don't forget to thoroughly explain the "catch". Briefly mentioning it without detailing its implications can mislead the reader and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one catch" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a conjunction used to introduce a condition, limitation, or unexpected element that contrasts with what has been previously stated. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but one catch" serves as a useful conjunction phrase to introduce a caveat or limitation. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, using more formal alternatives is advisable in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to fully explain the "catch" to avoid misleading your audience and maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but there's a drawback

Replaces "catch" with "drawback", emphasizing the negative aspect or disadvantage.

but there's a limitation

Substitutes "catch" with "limitation", highlighting a restriction or constraint.

however, there's a stipulation

Uses "stipulation" instead of "catch", suggesting a specific condition or requirement.

but there is a downside

Employs "downside" in place of "catch", focusing on the potential negative consequences.

but there is a snag

Replaces "catch" with "snag", implying a hidden problem or difficulty.

but there's a caveat

Substitutes "catch" with "caveat", indicating a warning or condition that should be noted.

however, there is a problem

Uses a more general term "problem" instead of "catch" indicating some issue or difficulty.

but there's a hitch

Replaces "catch" with "hitch", suggesting a minor difficulty or obstacle.

but one condition applies

Replaces "catch" with an explicit mention of a condition that affects the situation.

however, one requirement exists

Employs the word "requirement" instead of "catch" highlighting a mandatory condition.

FAQs

How can I use "but one catch" in a sentence?

Use "but one catch" to introduce a condition or limitation. For example, "The job offer is excellent, "but one catch" is that it requires frequent travel."

What phrases are similar to "but one catch"?

Alternatives include "but there's a drawback", "however there's a stipulation", or "but there is a downside". These phrases all introduce a condition or limitation to something previously stated.

Is it appropriate to use "but one catch" in formal writing?

While "but one catch" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "however, there is a stipulation" or "however, a specific condition applies" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "but one catch" and "however"?

"However" simply introduces a contrasting statement, whereas "but one catch" specifically introduces a limitation, condition, or drawback that affects the preceding statement. For example, "The plan sounds promising; however, funding is uncertain" versus "The plan sounds promising, "but one catch" is that it depends on securing external funding."