but rather is

USAGE SUMMARY

"but rather is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea that something is not as expected or predicted, but is something different instead. For example, "The weather report suggested we would have snow, but rather it is sunny."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This war is not a means to any end but rather is the end in itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imagine that Jane Austen did not write a couple of centuries ago, but rather is now a contemporary author.

The Economist

The Science article is not based on new research, but rather is a review of existing research and writing.

The New York Times

In Solar, the physics never feels forced or unearned but rather is embedded in the deep structures of Beard's consciousness.

The Guardian - Books

"This is not out of maliciousness," he said, "but rather is matter of needing time to get the system going".

The New York Times

This is not her maiden name but, rather, is derived from the name of her first husband.

The New Yorker

It is not the creator of nature, but rather is nature, or part thereof.

SEP

The just man does not possess justice, but rather is justice.

SEP

Thus, cities' population trajectories are not independent but rather is reinforced or runs contrary to the hinterland development.

Cities

This situation is by no means unique to Finland, but rather is set to emerge throughout Europe.

Energy Strategy Reviews

The Shared Regional PACS is not just a computer network but rather is and develops a network of medical specialists.

International Congress Series

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but rather is" to introduce a correction or clarification, ensuring a clear contrast between what is not and what actually is. This emphasizes the accurate state or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "but rather is" in sentences where a simpler contrast can be achieved with "but" or "instead". Overuse can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but rather is" functions as a contrastive conjunction, introducing a correction or clarification to a preceding statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples show that the phrase connects two related ideas by negating the first and affirming the second.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but rather is" serves as a crucial tool for clarification and correction in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it offers a refined way to introduce a more accurate or precise perspective. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in simpler sentences, ensuring its impact remains strong. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage "but rather is" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but instead it is

Replaces "rather" with "instead" to emphasize the alternative.

but it actually is

Substitutes "rather" with "actually" to highlight the reality of the situation.

but in fact it is

Uses "in fact" to underscore the truth of the alternative.

but the reality is

Highlights that what follows is the real situation.

but it turns out to be

Emphasizes a discovery or unexpected nature of the alternative.

but it really is

Adds "really" for emphasis on the actual state.

but it's more like

Introduces a comparison to better explain the alternative.

but more accurately

Indicates a more precise or correct way to view something.

but correctly speaking

Signifies a more formal or exact correction.

but to be precise it is

Adds a level of exactness to the correction or contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "but rather is" to introduce a correction or clarification. For example, "The problem isn't a lack of resources, but rather is a misallocation of existing funds."

What can I say instead of "but rather is"?

You can use alternatives like "but instead it is", "but actually is", or "but in fact it is" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "but rather is" or "but rather it is"?

"But rather is" is generally more concise and grammatically sound. Adding "it" can sometimes be redundant but can also improve clarity in certain sentence structures.

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

"But rather is" emphasizes correction or clarification, while "but instead is" simply introduces an alternative. The choice depends on whether you are correcting a misconception or just offering a different option.