but perhaps that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but perhaps that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a suggestion or an alternative thought that may not be certain or definitive. Example: "I understand your point, but perhaps that isn't the only way to approach the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But perhaps that number is deceiving.

The New Yorker

But perhaps that is no bad thing.

The Economist

But perhaps that is a solace.

The New Yorker

But perhaps that doesn't matter.

The Guardian

But perhaps that is nitpicking.

The New York Times - Sports

But perhaps that isn't the entire story.

The New York Times

"But perhaps that is beginning to change".

The New York Times - Arts

But perhaps that is precisely its charm.

The New York Times - Style

But perhaps that simplifies the argument.

The Guardian - Sport

But perhaps that is beside the point.

The Guardian - Books

But perhaps that is yet to come.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but perhaps that" to introduce a gentle correction or alternative perspective after stating a previous point.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but perhaps that" in formal contexts; diversify your sentence structure to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"But perhaps that" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a contrasting viewpoint or a reservation to a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used to present an alternative perspective, softening the impact of the initial claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but perhaps that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting or alternative point of view. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for many contexts, including professional settings, it may benefit from more formal alternatives in academic writing. By understanding its function and considering its level of formality, you can effectively incorporate "but perhaps that" into your writing to add nuance and present balanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but maybe that

Replaces "perhaps" with "maybe", indicating a slightly less formal tone and a more casual expression of uncertainty.

but possibly that

Substitutes "perhaps" with "possibly", suggesting a slightly higher degree of likelihood while maintaining the contrasting viewpoint.

however, that might be

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal structure, emphasizing the contrast with "however" and expressing possibility.

yet, it could be that

Uses "yet" to introduce the contrasting element and "it could be that" to express a possibility, providing a more elaborate construction.

still, that is possibly

Emphasizes the contrast with "still" and uses "possibly" to indicate uncertainty, creating a slightly different flow.

nonetheless, that may be

Replaces "but perhaps" with the more formal "nonetheless" and "that may be", maintaining the element of uncertainty.

even so, that might

Uses "even so" to express contrast and "that might" to express possibility in a concise manner.

then again, that could

Introduces the alternative with "then again" and uses "that could" to indicate a potential different outcome.

however, that's potentially

Replaces "perhaps" with "potentially", suggesting a stronger possibility while maintaining the contrast with "however".

all the same, that is possibly

Uses "all the same" to indicate contrast, followed by "that is possibly" to express uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "but perhaps that" in a sentence?

Use "but perhaps that" to introduce a contrasting thought or possibility after making an initial statement. For example, "The data suggests a decline in sales, "but perhaps that" is due to seasonal factors."

What are some alternatives to "but perhaps that"?

You can use alternatives like "but maybe that", "however, that might be", or "yet, it could be that" depending on the context.

Is "but perhaps that" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but perhaps that" can sometimes sound less formal. In very formal writing, consider alternatives like "nonetheless, that may be" or "however, that might be".

What's the difference between "but perhaps that" and "but surely that"?

"But perhaps that" suggests uncertainty or a contrasting possibility, whereas "but surely that" /s/but+surely+that expresses surprise or disbelief regarding something that seems evident.