but purely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but purely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is solely or exclusively of a certain nature or quality. Example: "The decision was made based on financial reasons, but purely for the sake of profit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'd quite like to see Cibulkova win, but purely because underdog tales are nice.

The Guardian - Sport

This is, by the way, not a philosophical theory, but purely physical.

The Guardian

But, purely from a rapping point of view, it probably was his high point.

The Guardian - Music

But purely because they're in the same class as our children".

The Guardian

But purely domestic factors such as planning restrictions, by contrast, are less important than is sometimes suggested.

The Economist

"But this has been done, so I understand, not because she likes the stripes, but purely to infuriate her neighbours.

The Guardian

But purely as a little history lesson, a Mossad primer, it can't do much better than the Channel 4 film.

The Guardian

Good luck to TSB, but, purely from a competition perspective, its rebirth as an independent bank is pretty timid.

The Guardian - Business

But its most startling and convincing moments — like the collapse of a wall into the laps of audience members — were not cinematic but purely theatrical.

The New York Times

Think of it as the "Downton Abbey" of bondage, designed neither to menace nor to offend but purely to cosset the fatigued imagination.

The New Yorker

They were there, you had to conclude, not out of any conviction in the ideals of the Islamic revolution, but purely for legal reasons.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but purely" to emphasize that a particular aspect or reason is the only one being considered, especially when clarifying a potentially complex situation. This can bring clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but purely" in very informal conversations or casual writing, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "just" or "only" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but purely" functions as a conjunction phrase that serves to introduce a clarification or emphasis. It typically connects two contrasting ideas, highlighting that the subsequent statement is based solely on the specified factor. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but purely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that emphasizes exclusivity or specific focus. It functions to clarify that a statement or action is based solely on a particular aspect or reason. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s correct and can be used to emphasize exclusivity. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedic content. When writing, make sure to consider the context to choose the most appropriate alternative and avoid overuse in very informal scenarios. Remember to use it to bring clarity and precision to your writing when emphasizing a single aspect or reason.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but solely

Emphasizes exclusivity, similar to "but purely", but with a slightly stronger sense of restriction.

but exclusively

Highlights that something is limited to a single aspect or reason.

purely and simply

Double down on the initial meaning of purely; direct and emphatic.

but simply

Indicates a lack of complexity or additional factors, focusing on the straightforward nature of something.

merely

Stresses that something is only what is specified and nothing more.

only because

Highlights that something happens for one specific reason and no other.

just

Focuses on the singular cause or characteristic, excluding others.

entirely due to

Highlights that something is completely caused by a certain factor.

solely on the basis of

Emphasizes that something is determined by only one criterion.

strictly because

Highlights a stringent condition or reason.

FAQs

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

Use "but purely" to emphasize that a statement or action is based solely on a particular reason or aspect. For example, "He didn't help out of kindness, "but purely" for the recognition".

What phrases are similar to "but purely"?

Similar phrases include "but solely", "but exclusively", or "simply". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but purely"?

Yes, using "but purely" is grammatically correct. It serves to clarify that a particular factor is the only one being considered. However, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly formal.

When should I avoid using "but purely"?

Avoid using "but purely" in very casual or informal contexts where it might sound too stiff or unnatural. In such situations, using simpler alternatives like "just" or "only because" is more appropriate.