but paradoxically

USAGE SUMMARY

"but paradoxically" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to express something that seems contradictory or opposed to what was just said. For example, "He seemed confident in his presentation, but paradoxically, he was very nervous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, paradoxically, Foreclosuregate may actually help.

The Economist

But paradoxically these two faiths have things in common.

The Economist

But paradoxically, reduced circumstances have often spawned great musical riches.

The Guardian - Music

But paradoxically, it also results in the opposite.

The New York Times - Arts

But paradoxically we don't love to shop for food.

The New York Times - Magazine

But paradoxically, he says, he is also a perfectionist.

The Guardian - Music

It's intensely painful while it's happening, but, paradoxically, it doesn't feel so bad in retrospect.

The New Yorker

"Everybody knows it, but paradoxically few people have ever really seen it in person.

The New York Times

But, paradoxically, averting another Great Depression-like calamity removed political pressure for more fundamental reform.

The New York Times

After intermission, she took on Liszt's dashing B-Minor Sonata but, paradoxically, tamped down the theatrics.

The New Yorker

But paradoxically, the results were opposite that among the 1,400 Americans in the trial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but paradoxically" to introduce an element that seems contradictory or unexpected based on the preceding statement. It effectively highlights surprising or counterintuitive relationships between ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "but paradoxically" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive and detract from the impact of each individual paradoxical statement. Consider varying your phrasing with alternatives like "however surprisingly" or "though counterintuitively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but paradoxically" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses or sentences while highlighting a surprising or contradictory relationship between them. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase signals a shift in expectation or logic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but paradoxically" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce surprising or contradictory elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While highly useful, overuse can diminish its impact, so consider employing alternative phrases like "however surprisingly" or "though counterintuitively" to maintain freshness and clarity in your writing. The phrase’s purpose is to highlight unexpected twists, and it maintains a register that ranges from neutral to formal, making it appropriate for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet against all expectations

Replaces "but" with "yet" and emphasizes the unexpected outcome with "against all expectations".

though counterintuitively

Uses "though" instead of "but" and replaces "paradoxically" with "counterintuitively", emphasizing the contrast with common sense.

however surprisingly

Substitutes "but" with "however" and "paradoxically" with "surprisingly", highlighting the element of surprise.

nevertheless, curiously

Uses "nevertheless" instead of "but" and replaces "paradoxically" with "curiously", suggesting an element of intrigue.

yet unexpectedly

Replaces "but" with "yet" and "paradoxically" with "unexpectedly", softening the contrast.

even so, unexpectedly

Replaces "but" with "even so" and "paradoxically" with "unexpectedly", focusing on the surprising nature of the contrasting element.

in contrast strangely

Replaces "but" with "in contrast" and "paradoxically" with "strangely", focusing on the oddity of the situation.

on the contrary, oddly

Uses "on the contrary" to introduce a contrasting idea, combined with "oddly" to highlight the unusual nature of the situation.

conversely, and yet

Emphasizes the contrast by using both "conversely" and "and yet", creating a stronger sense of opposition.

despite this, strangely enough

Highlights the contrast by using "despite this" and adds emphasis with "strangely enough".

FAQs

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

You can use "but paradoxically" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts the preceding one. For example, "The company's profits were down, but paradoxically, employee morale was high."

What are some alternatives to using "but paradoxically"?

Alternatives include "however surprisingly", "though counterintuitively", or "yet unexpectedly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but paradoxically" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "but paradoxically" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely used in academic and professional contexts. However, ensure its use is precise and contributes to the clarity of your argument.

What is the difference between "but paradoxically" and simply using "but"?

While "but" introduces a contrast, "but paradoxically" emphasizes a contradiction or unexpected twist. Using "but paradoxically" signals that the following statement is not just different, but seemingly opposed to what came before.