but rather this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but rather this" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clarification or correction, emphasizing an alternative to what was previously mentioned. Example: "I don't want to focus on the past, but rather this new opportunity that lies ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

They continue to try to portray that Agha didn't mean that but rather this.

The Guardian

"I don't think it's about overt prejudice," Ms. Alsop said, but rather "this insidious comfort zone" that musicians and audiences become stuck in.

The New York Times - Arts

"There isn't any one movement right now, but rather this gigantic appetite for all things music," said Amy Doyle, MTV's senior vice president of music and talent.

The New York Times - Arts

I actually think that this has not been a sign a strength, but rather this is a reflection that countries near Russia have deep suspicions... and if anything this will push [those] countries farther away.

The Guardian

I try very, very hard not to come up and say to people, 'This is what I believe,' or 'This is good,' or 'This is bad.' But, rather, 'This is what I'm learning in my reporting,' or 'This is what my analysis shows based on my reporting.' And as long as I can do that I'm very, very comfortable.

The New Yorker

In his first formal interview since the incident, Captain Sullenberger admits to Katie Couric on 60 Minutes, the CBS news magazine that will be broadcast tomorrow evening, that his first thoughts were not, as she suggests to him, "how do we get out of this", but rather, "this can't be happening".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

No, we're not talking about Anderson Cooper being punched in the face, but rather this week's episode of Why Is This News in which our disagreement over social media's role in prompting or assisting revolution descends into a full-on fight.

TechCrunch

The movie is dematerialized; it never conveys the sense that "this happened" or "this is happening," but, rather, that "this sort of thing happened".

The New Yorker

It should be emphasised here that this does not preclude a standard reference potential but, rather, that this shifts the results uniformly.

Materials Theory

This doesn't mean she forgoes her traditional chemotherapy medications altogether, but rather that this treatment is supplemented with highly concentrated THC oil.

Vice

But rather than this being a surprise, he should really be almost celebrated for what he's actually done.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but rather this" to clearly introduce a correction or refinement of a previous statement. This ensures that your intended meaning is accurately conveyed, avoiding potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "but rather this" in simple sentences where a direct replacement of words would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and less fluid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but rather this" functions as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a contrasting or corrective element to a preceding statement. It redirects the focus from one idea to another, often implying a more accurate or preferable viewpoint. As indicated by Ludwig, it is commonly used to clarify or refine an idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but rather this" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce a correction, clarification, or alternative to a previous statement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. With a neutral to formal register, it's prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, use "but rather this" to clearly signal a shift in focus or a more accurate understanding of a topic. Alternatives like "but instead this" and "but actually this" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overuse to keep writing fluid and avoid unnecessary complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but instead this

Replaces 'rather' with 'instead', emphasizing a direct substitution.

but actually this

Uses 'actually' to highlight the reality or truth being presented.

but in reality this

Adds 'in reality' to emphasize the true state of affairs.

but the truth is this

Emphasizes that what follows is the factual or correct information.

but more accurately this

Highlights the need for a more precise or correct statement.

but the correct way is this

Indicates a change to the right methodology or procedure.

but on the contrary this

Uses 'on the contrary' to express a complete opposition to what was said before.

however this is the case

Uses 'however' to express a contrast or contradiction.

yet this is what happened

Uses 'yet' to introduce something contrasting or unexpected.

nonetheless this is true

Uses 'nonetheless' to indicate something is true despite what has been said.

FAQs

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

Use "but rather this" to introduce a clarification or correction, emphasizing an alternative to what was previously mentioned. For example: "I don't want to focus on the past, "but rather this" new opportunity that lies ahead."

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

"But rather this" and "but instead this" are very similar, but "but rather this" might suggest a gentler correction or refinement, while "but instead this" implies a more direct substitution.

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

You can use alternatives like "but actually this", "but in reality this", or "but the truth is this" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "But" introduces a contrast, "rather" indicates a preference or correction, and "this" refers to the alternative being presented. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.