but rather are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but rather are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not what it appears to be or to express that an idea is different from what was expected. For example: "The birds were not migrating south for the winter, but rather are staying in the area year-round."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is proposed that these studies are not in conflict, but rather are complementary.

Reproductive BioMedicine Online

However these courts are not run by adjudicators but rather are run by a board.

Princeton University

None are official, but rather are done by dozens of independent polling firms.

The Economist

His designs are not imitations of classic couture, but rather are something wholly new.

The New York Times

The transcendent self and brahman as bliss are not correlates but rather are identical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are not going to that extreme, but rather are taking advantage of the traditional method.

The New York Times

Most nominees are not formally stopped, as Halligan was, but rather are delayed and delayed.

The New Yorker

Seconds usually aren't tricks in themselves but rather are building blocks for more elaborate deceptions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Data-rich companies are not an economic threat, but rather are an important source of innovation.

Harvard Business Review

Maduro insists the opposition does not actually want a referendum, but rather are seeking a coup.

The Guardian

Third, the detainees are not under US protection, but rather are incarcerated without charge or sentence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but rather are" to introduce a correction or clarification to a preceding statement, ensuring a clear contrast between what is not and what is.

Common error

Avoid using "but rather are" in every sentence that requires a contrast. Variety in your sentence structure enhances readability. Alternatives such as "instead", "however", or restructuring the sentence altogether can be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but rather are" functions as a conjunctive phrase. It serves to introduce a clarification or correction, contrasting what something is not with what it actually is. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but rather are" is a valuable tool for providing clarity and correction in your writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When using “but rather are”, ensure that you are offering a genuine clarification and avoid overuse to maintain the readability of your text. Remember, while correct, variety in sentence structure always strengthens writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instead are

This shifts the focus slightly to a more direct replacement of one thing with another.

but actually are

This adds a tone of surprise or revelation, emphasizing the true nature of something.

but instead exist as

This is used when referring to something's form or state, where the emphasis is on existence.

however they are

This offers a more formal and straightforward contrast.

rather they represent

This is ideal to clarify the meaning or symbolize what something truly embodies.

but they function as

Highlights the actual role or purpose of something, differing from a perceived role.

yet these elements are

Used to introduce a surprising contrast, underscoring the true characteristics.

they in fact embody

Emphasizes the intrinsic nature of something.

yet these really are

Stresses the genuineness or actuality of something.

they primarily consist of

Indicates composition or elements of what constitutes something, rather than what it isn't.

FAQs

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

Use "but rather are" to clarify or correct a previous statement. For example, "The issues are not superficial, "but rather are" deeply rooted in systemic problems."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "but rather are"?

Similar phrases include "instead are", "but actually are", or simply restructuring the sentence to use "however" or "instead".

Is it ever incorrect to use "but rather are"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "but rather are" can make your writing sound repetitive. Ensure that the contrast is necessary and that the phrase adds value to the sentence. Consider if a simpler construction might be more effective.

What is the difference between "but rather are" and "but rather is"?

"But rather are" is used with plural subjects, while "but rather is" is used with singular subjects. For example: "The solutions are not simple, "but rather are" complex" versus "The problem is not new, "but rather is" ongoing".