but otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

"but otherwise" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is true except for one aspect. For example, "We usually work 9-5, but otherwise we have a lot of flexibility in our job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But otherwise".

The New Yorker

But otherwise – no.

The Guardian - Opinion

But otherwise, v excited.

The New Yorker

But otherwise, it's quiet.

The New York Times

But otherwise nothing changed.

The New Yorker

"But otherwise, maybe not.

The New York Times

But otherwise, they are overmatched.

The New York Times

But otherwise he feels healthy.

The New York Times - Books

But otherwise, bravo Zac.

The Guardian

"But otherwise, no.

The New York Times - Books

But otherwise architecturally appalling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but otherwise" to clearly signal an exception or qualification to a general statement. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "but otherwise" in short, simple sentences where a simpler conjunction like "but" or "however" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but otherwise" functions as a conjunctive adverb or transition word. It serves to introduce a contrast or exception to a previously stated condition or situation, indicating that something is true or applicable except for the specified condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but otherwise" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce exceptions or qualifications to general statements. Grammatically sound and widely recognized, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it bridges ideas by setting up a contrast, helping convey nuanced meanings, primarily found in News & Media. When using "but otherwise", ensure that it enhances clarity rather than causing redundancy. Exploring alternatives like "however" or "apart from that" can refine your expression. Remember, the effectiveness of "but otherwise" lies in its proper application to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for that

Directly indicates an exception, making it a very close synonym.

aside from that

Interchangeable in many contexts, this phrase is slightly less formal.

apart from that

Similar in meaning, but places more emphasis on the element being set aside.

save for that

This option has a slightly more formal or literary tone.

excluding that

Directly focuses on the exclusion of a specific aspect.

however

This single-word conjunction offers a more concise alternative, but lacks the explicit indication of an exception.

but in other respects

More elaborate, specifying that the contrast applies to other aspects.

with that exception

More emphatic and formal, highlighting the specific exception.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting point, but less directly tied to a preceding exception.

nonetheless

Emphasizes that despite the previous statement, the following point still stands.

FAQs

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

Use "but otherwise" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. For example, "The food was delicious, but otherwise "but otherwise" the service was slow".

What are some alternatives to "but otherwise"?

Alternatives include "however", "apart from that", "except for that", or "aside from that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "but otherwise" and "however"?

"But otherwise" specifically introduces an exception, while "however" more generally introduces a contrasting point. "But otherwise" implies that something is true except for a particular aspect.

When is it appropriate to use "but otherwise"?

Use "but otherwise" when you want to acknowledge a condition or limitation before presenting a generally positive or contrasting view. It's useful for adding nuance and precision to your statements.