but so what

USAGE SUMMARY

"but so what" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that a certain fact or situation does not matter when considering another. For example: "She failed the exam, but so what - she still passed the course with a good grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Yes, but so what?

The New York Times - Sports

But so what?

The New York Times

Probably not — but so what?

The New York Times

Maybe, but so what?

The New York Times - Arts

But, so what, right?

The Guardian

Wow – but so what?

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But O.K. — so what?

The New Yorker

But again, so what?

The New York Times

But then, so what?

Los Angeles Times

But then again, so what?

The New Yorker

But we say so what?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but so what" to transition from acknowledging a potential negative or drawback to emphasizing a more important positive aspect or outcome. This can help frame discussions in a more optimistic or pragmatic light.

Common error

Avoid using "but so what" excessively in formal writing or professional settings, as it can come across as dismissive or flippant. Opt for more nuanced language to convey acceptance or redirection in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but so what" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to transition away from an acknowledged point, often implying indifference, acceptance, or a challenge to its significance. Ludwig AI confirms it's a common English phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but so what" is a common and correct phrase used to dismiss or downplay a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. The phrase functions as a conjunctive phrase to transition away from an acknowledged point and redirect focus. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. Alternatives include "what does it matter" and "who cares", providing options for varying degrees of formality and directness. When using the phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so what if

Challenges the implications of a hypothetical situation.

what does it matter

Shifts the focus to the irrelevance of the previous statement.

it doesn't matter

Indicates a lack of consequence or importance.

what's the big deal

Questions the importance or problem associated with something.

who cares

Expresses a lack of interest or concern.

what of it

A more direct and sometimes confrontational way of asking what the significance is.

it's not important

Directly states the insignificance of something.

that's not a problem

Downplays a potential issue or concern.

that's beside the point

Indicates something is not relevant to the current discussion.

it's irrelevant

States that something is not applicable or pertinent.

FAQs

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

Use "but so what" to indicate that a previous statement or potential problem is not as significant as it might seem. For instance, "The project is slightly over budget, but "but so what"? It's delivering exceptional results".

What's a more formal alternative to "but so what"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "nevertheless", "however", or "that being said" to convey a similar meaning with greater nuance. For example, instead of "He failed the test, but "but so what"?", try "He failed the test; nevertheless, he demonstrated a strong understanding of the course material".

When is it appropriate to use "but so what"?

It is appropriate to use "but so what" in informal settings or when you want to express a casual dismissal of a potential issue or concern. However, use it cautiously in professional or academic contexts where a more considered response might be expected.

What's the difference between "but so what" and "so what"?

"So what" alone implies indifference or a challenge to the significance of something, while "but "so what"" acknowledges a preceding statement before dismissing its importance. The "but" provides a brief acknowledgement before redirecting the focus.