but so much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but so much" is correct and usable in written English.
You typically use it to refer to an increase in a quantity, usually in comparison to a prior amount. For example: "I used to love soccer, but so much has changed since then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A traffic cop, but so much more.

The New York Times

But so much more is at stake.

The New York Times - Arts

But so much more is needed.

Independent

But so much is missing.

The New York Times - Magazine

But so much for defeatism.

The Guardian - Music

But so much has changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

But so much could still go wrong.

The New Yorker

But so much has changed since then.

Harvard Business Review

"But so much of this is misunderstood.

The New York Times - Sports

"But so much more can be done.

The Guardian

But so much of it is economic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but so much", ensure that the contrasting element logically follows the initial statement, creating a coherent and impactful message.

Common error

Avoid using "but so much" without a clear point of comparison. Ensure that the phrase introduces a distinct increase or difference, rather than simply restating a similar idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but so much" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing a significant increase or difference. It introduces a shift in perspective, highlighting that something is more extensive or impactful than initially suggested. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Health

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but so much" serves as a conjunction to introduce a contrasting element, often emphasizing a greater quantity, degree, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is frequently found in news and media, arts, and opinion contexts, making it a versatile and valuable tool for expressing nuanced ideas. When using this phrase, ensure a clear point of comparison to maximize its impact. While alternatives like "however much" or "yet a great deal" exist, "but so much" remains a common and effective choice for highlighting significant differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but vastly more

Emphasizes a large, extensive increase or difference.

but considerably more

Underscores that the actual amount or degree is noticeably larger than initially suggested.

yet considerably greater

Highlights the considerably larger or more significant aspect of something, despite what was previously stated.

though significantly more

Similar to "but considerably more" but with a stronger emphasis on the magnitude of the difference.

however much

Emphasizes a contrast despite a large quantity or degree.

but a good deal more

Indicates a substantial increase or difference.

however much more

This expresses that no matter how much more there is, it's still a lot.

yet a great deal

Highlights the significant amount or degree despite a preceding statement.

though a substantial amount

Similar to "but a good deal more" but emphasizes the quantity or size.

even a lot more

Highlights that amount is more than anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "but so much" in a sentence?

The phrase "but so much" introduces a contrasting element, emphasizing a greater quantity or degree. For example, "The initial investment was significant, but "but so much" has been gained since then".

What phrases are similar to "but so much"?

Alternatives include phrases like "however much", "yet a great deal", or "but considerably more", which all convey a similar sense of increased quantity or degree.

Is it correct to say "but so much more"?

Yes, "but so much more" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize that something is not just a little more, but significantly more than what was previously stated.

What is the difference between "but so much" and "but a lot"?

"But so much" generally implies a greater difference in quantity or degree than "but a lot". "But so much" suggests a significant and often surprising increase.