but overtly so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but overtly so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is done in a clear or obvious manner, often in contrast to a previous statement. Example: "He was not just confident, but overtly so, making his presence known in every meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Worse, they were not discreetly neglectful but overtly so.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sexy but not overtly so, successful but not decadent, Day is easy to relate to, kindhearted but no patsy.

The New York Times - Books

The cast will wear costumes that look retro, but not overtly so ("we've been a bit influenced by Nordic TV drama," admits Pearson), enabling them to appear suddenly from the crowd, then blend back in.

The Guardian

They're arbitrary and often futile – but, in his case, overtly so.

The Guardian

In a racially charged era, her art wasn't political, or at least not overtly so.

The New York Times

This propensity made his work at least allegorically political, and — with its abiding concern with civil rights, anti-Fascism and freedom of information — often overtly so.

The New York Times - Books

All criticism is political and Jeffries's overtly, so it was with a little surprise I discovered that he is actually hooked on Andrew Davies's "latest sexed-up dozier of the classics".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If Let England Shake was obliquely a protest album – one that delved into the past to illuminate the present – its contemporary companion piece, and Harvey's latest, The Hope Six Demolition Project, is overtly so.

The Guardian - Music

The British naval blockade, however, threatened to starve Germany into collapse before a military victory could be achieved, and soon Hindenburg and Ludendorff got their way: it was decided that, from Feb. 1, 1917, submarine warfare should be unrestricted and overtly so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I do have a big problem with the idea of music as a form of communication, unless it's political – and that's where it's tricky because a lot of music is political, even if it's not overtly so.

The Guardian - Music

An unvoiced definite article must be posited for proper names that do not carry one overtly, so that all proper names, under analysis, resemble those of Modern Greek (a less remarked-upon fact about Modern Greek is that the definite article also shows up between demonstrative and nominal in complex demonstratives).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but overtly so" to draw a contrast with something that is implied or suggested, rather than directly stated. It emphasizes the direct and open nature of the subsequent action or quality.

Common error

Avoid using "but overtly so" when describing situations where subtlety or nuance is required. The phrase is best suited for highlighting clear and unambiguous actions or qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but overtly so" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a contrasting element that is characterized by its openness and explicitness. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The conjunction "but" sets up a contrast, while "overtly so" emphasizes the directness of the action or quality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but overtly so" is used to emphasize the directness and openness of an action or quality, contrasting it with a previous implicit or subtle state. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct. While "but overtly so" is not extremely common, it is a useful phrase for creating emphasis and clarity. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific sources. When writing, use this phrase to highlight a clear and unambiguous shift, but avoid it in contexts requiring subtlety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but explicitly so

Emphasizes clarity and directness even more strongly.

but manifestly so

Suggests that the quality or action is clearly apparent or evident.

but plainly so

Indicates simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

but obviously so

Highlights the self-evidence of the matter.

but demonstrably so

Implies that the assertion can be proven or shown.

but patently so

Similar to 'manifestly', indicating an undeniable quality.

but evidently so

Focuses on the visibility and ease of perception.

but markedly so

Emphasizes the noticeable or significant degree.

but noticeably so

Highlights that the quality is easily observed.

but transparently so

Suggests a lack of concealment or hidden motives.

FAQs

How can I use "but overtly so" in a sentence?

Use "but overtly so" to emphasize that something is done in a clear or obvious way, contrasting with a previous implied or subtle action. For example, "The initial strategy was subtle, but the subsequent actions were "but overtly so"".

What's a similar phrase to "but overtly so"?

Similar phrases include "but explicitly so", "but plainly so", or "but obviously so". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "but overtly so"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the direct and open nature of something, especially in contrast to a previous implicit or subtle approach. It signals a clear and unambiguous shift in manner.

Is there a difference between "but overtly so" and "but clearly so"?

"But overtly so" emphasizes the openness and visibility of the action, while "but clearly so" simply emphasizes the clarity. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the manner or simply the clarity of the action.