but one thing

USAGE SUMMARY

'but one thing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way to introduce the single point or idea that stands out from a larger group of points or ideas. For example: I enjoy all kinds of sports, but one thing I love the most is basketball.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But one thing strikes.

The Guardian

But one thing hadn't changed.

The New York Times

But one thing I know.

The New York Times

But one thing is evident.

The New York Times

But one thing never changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

But one thing seems clear.

The Guardian - Business

But one thing bothers me.

The New York Times

But one thing is incontestable.

The New Yorker

But one thing unites them all.

The Guardian

Not the only thing, but one thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

But one thing they are not: hypocrites.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the statement following "but one thing" is concise and impactful, emphasizing its significance.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but one thing", as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

But one thing functions as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a contrast or a key point following a previous statement. Ludwig AI examples show it is frequently used to highlight a single element amidst multiple considerations, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI response indicating correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but one thing" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a key point or contrast with previous information. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to draw attention to a specific aspect and maintain reader engagement by ensuring clear transitions. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to avoid repetition and maintain a balanced writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, one aspect

Replaces "but" with "however" and focuses on a single "aspect" instead of a general "thing".

still, one factor

Emphasizes a continuing aspect using "still" and uses "factor" for specificity.

yet, a single point

Uses "yet" as a conjunction and emphasizes a "single point" for clarity.

that being said, one issue

Uses "that being said" to transition and focuses on "one issue".

nevertheless, one consideration

Similar to the original but uses "nevertheless" for contrast and "consideration" for a more formal tone.

despite that, a noteworthy item

Introduces a significant point with "despite that" and calls it a "noteworthy item".

on the other hand, one item

Introduces a contrasting point with "on the other hand" and specifies "item".

even so, a specific detail

Introduces a detail with "even so", focusing on a "specific detail".

conversely, a particular element

Uses "conversely" to show contrast and highlights a "particular element".

all the same, a unique feature

Highlights a unique aspect with "all the same" and the term "unique feature".

FAQs

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

Use "but one thing" to introduce a key point that contrasts with or stands out from previous information. For example, "The project had many challenges, but one thing remained constant: the team's dedication."

What phrases are similar to "but one thing"?

Alternatives include "however, one aspect", "yet, a single point", or "nevertheless, one consideration", which provide similar emphasis with slight variations in tone.

Is "but one thing" formal or informal?

"But one thing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and overall tone.

When should I avoid using "but one thing"?

Avoid using "but one thing" excessively in a short piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Try varying your sentence structure or using alternative transitional phrases.