but seriously

USAGE SUMMARY

"but seriously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that, while there may have been a joking or lighthearted tone to the preceding statement, the speaker is now getting serious about the conversation. For example, "I don't usually get so worked up about this kind of thing, but seriously, this is a big deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But seriously.

The New York Times

But seriously folks.

The New York Times

But seriously, Coldplay?

The New York Times

But seriously, I'm unstoppable.

The New Yorker

But seriously, folks.

The New York Times

But seriously now.

The Guardian - Sport

"No, but seriously, if...".

The New York Times

But seriously, I need the dishes.

The New Yorker

Not for everyone, but seriously cute.

The New York Times

But seriously: what a giddy, useful feature.

The New York Times - Tech

"No, but, seriously, that needs work".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but seriously" to signal a shift in tone from humorous or lighthearted to earnest and sincere. This helps manage expectations and ensures your key points are taken seriously.

Common error

Avoid using "but seriously" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for moments when you genuinely need to emphasize a shift in tone or highlight a critical point.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "but seriously" is as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect a preceding statement with a subsequent one, signaling a change in tone or topic, usually from humorous or lighthearted to earnest or grave. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a shift towards a more serious conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but seriously" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to signal a shift from a lighthearted or humorous tone to a more serious one. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize sincerity and ensure that subsequent points are taken with due gravity. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively redirects the audience's attention to critical aspects of a discussion. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives in academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all seriousness

Emphasizes the complete absence of levity, focusing entirely on the gravity of the matter.

on a serious note

Introduces a grave topic, often signaling a transition from a more casual discussion.

to be serious

A more direct declaration of intent to present a serious perspective.

getting serious

Indicates that the discussion is becoming more earnest and less trivial.

in reality

Highlights the contrast between an assumed or superficial understanding and the actual truth.

genuinely speaking

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the statement that follows.

honestly speaking

Stresses the speaker's candor and truthfulness.

truthfully speaking

Similar to "honestly speaking", but with a stronger focus on factual accuracy.

let's be real

Urges a move away from pretense or illusion towards a realistic assessment of the situation.

putting jokes aside

Explicitly sets aside humor to address a matter with the necessary attention.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but seriously" in a sentence?

Use "but seriously" to transition from a joke or light-hearted comment to a more serious point. It signals to your audience that you're about to present information that should be taken earnestly. For example, "I love telling jokes, but seriously, this situation requires immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "but seriously"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in all seriousness", "on a serious note", or "to be serious". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but seriously"?

Yes, it is grammatically acceptable to start a sentence with "but seriously". The conjunction "but" often begins sentences to introduce a contrast or shift in thought. Following it with "seriously" emphasizes this transition.

When is it inappropriate to use "but seriously"?

Avoid using "but seriously" in extremely formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated transition might be preferred. Also, refrain from using it if the preceding statement was already serious, as it would be redundant.