but one day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but one day' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to an unspecified day in the future when something will occur, implying that some change is forming. For example: She was lonely now, but one day she would find a friend who she could always rely on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But one day he could.

The Guardian - Sport

"But one day they will".

The Guardian - Tech

But, one day, who knows?

The Guardian

But one day we will".

The New York Times

But one day she made a mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

But one day something will happen.

The Guardian - Books

But one day I remembered it.

The New York Times

But one day, maybe it will be.

The New York Times

But one day of overindulgence won't hurt.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"But one-day cricket is different.

The Guardian - Sport

But one day, we split up.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one day" to introduce a change or turning point in a narrative, creating anticipation for what is to come.

Common error

While "but one day" is acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider replacing it with more formal alternatives like "eventually" or "in the future" in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one day" functions as a conjunction introducing a shift in time or circumstances. It often marks the beginning of a new event or realization, contrasting with what preceded it, as illustrated in many Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but one day" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, acting as a conjunction to introduce a transition or turning point in a narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "eventually" or "in the future". It's prevalence in news and media reflects its general applicability, making it a versatile tool for signaling change and building anticipation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one day in the future

This is a more explicit and slightly redundant version of the original phrase, adding emphasis to the future aspect.

someday

This is a more concise and direct alternative, implying an unspecified point in the future.

in the future

This phrase emphasizes the temporal aspect of the event, focusing on a time yet to come.

eventually

This suggests that the event will happen at some point, often after a period of time or effort.

sooner or later

This conveys a sense of inevitability, indicating that the event is bound to happen at some point.

in due time

This phrase implies that the event will occur when the time is right or after a certain period has passed.

the time will come when

This alternative provides a slightly more formal and emphatic way to express the idea of a future event.

a day will come when

Similar to the previous phrase, this emphasizes the certainty of a future event.

at some point

This is a broader and less specific way of indicating a future occurrence.

down the road

This idiom suggests a future time, often in the context of planning or anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "but one day" to introduce a change or turning point in a story or situation. For example, "She struggled with the task, but one day she finally succeeded".

What's a more formal alternative to "but one day"?

For more formal writing, you can use alternatives like "eventually", "in the future", or "at some point".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "but one day"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but one day", especially in narrative writing, as it acts as a conjunction to connect a previous situation with a new development.

What is the difference between "but one day" and "one day"?

"But one day" implies a contrast or change from a previous situation, while "one day" simply indicates a future time without necessarily implying a contrast.