but right away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but right away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done immediately or without delay. Example: "I understand your concerns, but right away, we need to focus on finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But right away, ScoreMore took chances on a lot of great talent in its early stages.

The New York Times

It wasn't reluctance, but right away they couldn't see good results.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now, that's good!" the Frenchman said, but right away he added, "But it's probably better on the couch".

The New Yorker

But right away I wrote to the editor of The Russia Journal and asked him if he wanted a story.

The New Yorker

The next morning she awoke early — she was hoping for an early morning walk — but right away she knew she was sick.

The New York Times

But right away our attention was drawn away from the mechanics of the search, by the camera and the way it moved.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I had trouble figuring out how to explain it, but right away she said: "That's it.

Huffington Post

Maybe, but not right away.

The New York Times

But almost right away on that stage, we clicked.

Independent

The initiatives look promising, experts say -- but not right away.

The New York Times

Some, he noted, will be commercial eventually but not right away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but right away" to create a sense of urgency or immediacy in your writing. It's particularly effective when highlighting a change in perspective or a swift action following a condition.

Common error

Avoid using "but right away" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too casual. Opt for alternatives like "but immediately" or "however, without delay" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but right away" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or realization. It indicates a quick transition or immediate action following a contrasting statement, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but right away" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a quick transition or immediate action following a statement. Ludwig AI validates its use across diverse contexts. While generally considered neutral leaning to informal, it's best suited for news, media, and general communication. For more formal settings, alternatives like "but immediately" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "but right away" to inject a sense of urgency and immediacy into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but immediately

Replaces "right away" with a single word emphasizing the lack of delay.

but at once

Uses a more formal expression than "right away" while retaining the sense of immediacy.

but instantly

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the action or change.

but without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

but directly

Focuses on the straight forward nature of the action

but promptly

Indicates quickness and willingness to act.

but forthwith

Offers a more archaic and emphatic way of expressing immediate action.

but in short order

Implies that something is done quickly and efficiently.

but quickly

Focuses on the speed with which something happens.

but rapidly

Highlights the speed of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "but right away" in a sentence?

You can use "but right away" to indicate a quick transition or immediate action following a statement. For example: "I was skeptical, but right away, I realized the potential of the project."

What are some alternatives to "but right away"?

Alternatives include "but immediately", "but at once", or "but without delay". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "but right away" considered formal or informal?

"But right away" tends to be more informal. While grammatically sound, it's often better to use more formal alternatives like "however, immediately" in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "but right away" and "but immediately"?

While both indicate a lack of delay, "but immediately" is generally perceived as more formal and precise than "but right away", which can sound slightly more conversational.