but rather after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but rather after" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used when contrasting two ideas, but it typically requires a clearer context to convey the intended meaning effectively. Example: "I didn't choose the first option, but rather after considering all possibilities, I opted for the second."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If Mr Corbat staggers, the question will not be about how to end the new chief executive's tenure, but rather, after so many surprises and suspect decisions, that of the board.

The Economist

Plan While You Still Can For many more of us these days, the end does not come swiftly via a heart attack or fatal accident, but rather after weeks, months or years battling a chronic illness like cancer, congestive heart failure, emphysema or Alzheimer's disease.

The New York Times - Health

(Anderson) Alicia Keys (Monday) Hell's Kitchen's staggeringly successful neo-soul and R&B daughter did not name her forthcoming record, "Girl on Fire" (RCA), after a plot point in "The Hunger Games," to the disappointment of some younger fans, but rather after a journalist's praise for her momentum.

The New York Times - Arts

Revver video ads don't appear as pre-rolls but rather after the conclusion of a video clip.

Forbes

In their reports, migraine attacks do not occur immediately after NTG administration with the vasodilatory effects of the drug, but rather after 2 to 6 h [21, 24].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Grafting experiments show that some migrating endodermal cells, including the presumptive ventral foregut, ingress from Hensen's node, not directly into the lower layer but rather after migrating some distance within the middle layer.

Developmental Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Many years after that, I would learn that they were not, as we had thought, the result of a miracle but rather an after-effect of June 4th — the U.S. had responded by helping people leave — a day on which so much had transpired and so little was transmitted, about which so many questions have been raised and remain, to this day, unanswered.

The New Yorker

Upscale stores are no longer carrying split-pants outfits, but rather shelf after shelf of diapers.

The New York Times

But rather quickly after this between about 1200 and 900 bce the building of large earthen pyramids and platforms and the carving of monumental stone sculptures signaled significant changes in this heretofore simple social and political order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When John Rice, a former alderman in the 36th Ward, started a new job recently in Gov. Pat Quinn's administration, he said he did not rely on clout to get the $84,420-a-year position but rather applied after seeing it posted online.

The New York Times

This suggests a migration scenario in which an immigrant does not necessarily sort immediately upon arrival into the U.S., but rather moves after a brief period.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but rather after", ensure the contrast is clear and the sequence of events is logical. This phrase works best when emphasizing a correction or clarification of a previous statement. For instance, avoid using it when a simple 'but' or 'and then' would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "but rather after" when simply indicating the order of events. This phrase is for contrast and correction, not mere sequencing. Overusing it can make writing sound stilted. Instead, use simpler alternatives like "and then", "subsequently", or "afterwards" for straightforward sequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but rather after" functions as a conjunctive phrase, linking two contrasting ideas while also indicating a temporal sequence. It serves to correct or refine a previous statement and then introduce a subsequent event. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's crucial that this construction enhances clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but rather after" serves as a conjunctive phrase, linking two contrasting ideas while indicating a temporal sequence. It is grammatically acceptable, though it can sound verbose if not used judiciously. Its purpose is to provide correction/clarification of a preceding statement, while introducing an event that follows. Ludwig highlights that the clarity of this phrase is paramount. Appearing primarily in scientific and news media contexts, the phrase achieves a Neutral formality level. When employing "but rather after", ensure the contrast and sequential flow are evident, and avoid its usage for straightforward sequencing. While "but rather after" might be deemed somewhat awkward, it is used in many authoritative sources, demonstrating its presence in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instead following

Replaces the conjunction "but rather" with "instead" for a simpler contrast, and "after" with "following" as a synonym indicating sequence.

conversely afterwards

Replaces "but rather" with "conversely", providing a direct contrast, and "after" with "afterwards" as a time-related adverb.

yet thereafter

Employs "yet" as a contrasting conjunction and "thereafter" to signify a point in time after a specific event.

but instead later on

Keeps "but" to start the contrast, uses "instead" for the alternative, and substitutes "after" with "later on" for a more colloquial feel.

however subsequently

Uses "however" to indicate contrast and "subsequently" to denote a following event.

though subsequently

Uses "though" as a coordinating conjunction expressing contrast, and "subsequently" to indicate that something happened at a later time.

on the contrary later

Uses "on the contrary" to introduce an opposing idea, with "later" indicating a subsequent action.

rather following on

Replaces "but" with "rather", emphasizing the preference for what comes next, and "after" with "following on" as a slightly more formal alternative.

instead at a later time

Substitutes "but rather" with "instead" to show an alternative, and "after" with "at a later time" for emphasis.

however at a later stage

Replaces the initial conjunction with "however", maintaining the contrast, and "after" with "at a later stage", indicating a delayed occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "but rather after" in a sentence?

Use "but rather after" to contrast a preceding statement and introduce a subsequent action or event. For instance, "The problem wasn't the initial investment, "but rather after" the market downturn affected our returns."

What are some alternatives to "but rather after"?

Alternatives include "instead following", "however subsequently", or "yet thereafter". Choose the one that best fits the context and maintains clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but rather after"?

While not incorrect, "but rather after" can sound somewhat verbose. It's acceptable when emphasizing a contrast followed by a sequence, but simpler constructions are often preferable. Ludwig AI highlights that the clarity of this phrase is essential for effective communication.

What's the difference between "but rather after" and "but instead after"?

The phrases are very similar. "But instead after" might emphasize the substitution more strongly than "but rather after", which could focus more on the correction and subsequent action. Context is key in determining which phrase is more appropriate.