but rather that

USAGE SUMMARY

'but rather that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that one thing is more suitable, important, or likely than another. For example: I don't think it's a good idea to take a vacation right now; but rather that we focus on getting our finances in order.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human Ecology

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This does not mean that all minorities are swiddeners, but rather that most swiddeners are minorities.

Human Ecology

But rather that they be destroyed and incinerated".

Independent

But rather that money — even modest sums — can be a pretty powerful thing.

Independent

But rather that she hasn't paid most of them from her own account.

The Guardian

That is not to imply that Higuaín necessarily felt threatened in Argentina, but rather that Columbus was a welcome change.

The New York Times

He no longer insists that the line of control be scrapped, but rather that it be made a soft border.

The Economist

It's not that the voices are not recognizable at all, but rather that it takes a minute to "place" them.

The New York Times

The divine aspect, however, is not that of a living god but rather that of a slain, powerless divinity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is not to say that HIA is subsumed, but rather that its expertise is incorporated into HRIA.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

It is not necessarily the case that people ignore shadows altogether, but rather that the visual system processes shadows rapidly and uses them only as a generic cue.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

It was not Ryan's phrase, but rather that of an official who spoke to Ryan.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the clause following "but rather that" is grammatically parallel to the initial clause being negated. This maintains clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but rather that" when simply adding information without negating anything. This phrase is for correcting or clarifying a previous point, not just adding to it. A simple "and" or "furthermore" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but rather that" functions as a contrastive conjunction, introducing a more accurate or suitable statement after negating a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Human Ecology

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but rather that" is a contrastive conjunction used to introduce a more accurate or suitable statement after negating a previous one. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, noting its function in enhancing clarity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it serves to correct or refine information. When using the expression, avoid incorrect additive contexts, using instead a connector such as "and". With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "but rather that" provides a refined tool for making statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather it is

A more concise version, omitting "but" for brevity.

instead it is

Offers a direct replacement of the initial statement.

however instead

Replaces "but rather that" with a more concise contrast.

on the contrary it is

Strongly negates the previous statement and introduces a correction.

more accurately it's

Suggests a refined or more precise statement.

conversely it's that

Emphasizes the contrast by explicitly stating the opposite.

in contrast it's that

Highlights the difference between two options or statements.

actually it's

Indicates a correction based on new information.

the reality is

Introduces what is claimed to be the true state of affairs.

the truth is

Similar to "the reality is", emphasizing factual accuracy.

FAQs

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

"But rather that" is used to introduce a more accurate or appropriate statement after negating a previous one. For example, "The issue is not the cost, "but rather that" we lack the resources to manage the project effectively."

What's a simpler way to say "but rather that"?

Alternatives to "but rather that" include "instead", "rather", or "conversely", depending on the context. For instance, "It's not about speed; "instead", it's about accuracy."

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

Yes, it's incorrect to use "but rather that" if you're not negating or correcting a previous statement. It should only be used to introduce a more accurate or suitable point in contrast to what was mentioned before. Avoid using it when you're simply adding information without any negation.

Can I omit "that" after "but rather"?

While omitting "that" after "but rather" is sometimes done, including it generally improves clarity and formality, especially in academic or professional writing. So, using "but rather that" is usually the safer option.