but specifically because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but specifically because" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify a reason or justification for something, emphasizing a particular aspect of that reason. Example: "I chose this location for our meeting, but specifically because it offers a quiet environment conducive to discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We don't need more women because legal outcomes necessarily would be different, but specifically because they wouldn't.

The New York Times

But specifically because it is composed of tiny little facts over a wide landscape of business travel concerns, Ms. Williams's almanac is actually something I'd use.

The New York Times

Women's Liberation became inevitable because of the radical politics of the Sixties but specifically because of the huge surge towards self-empowerment that happened in 1968.' Dominic Sandbrook agrees: 'The Women's Liberation movement turned out to be the most influential of all the late-Sixties movements.

The Guardian

Some specific rider rules include prohibitions against damaging the car, screwing up driver phones, spilling stuff on purpose, smoking in the car or puking (but specifically because you went on a bender; Uber and drivers probably understand if you unfortunately throw up because of an actual medical problem).

TechCrunch

You may recall that Mark Udall said he was against the bailout not because he didn't trust George Bush, but specifically because he was against voting for a bill that had no oversight measures.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Chekhov was an ethnographer of sorts — not just as a fiction-writer of colossal human range but, more specifically, because he made an arduous trip, in 1890, to the Russian prison island of Sakhalin, to write a report on the appalling conditions there.

The New Yorker

"I think that resonates throughout all of his work, but specifically in the Coltrane because of the live recording," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

I actually attempted to build a multi-touch table with some friends about a year back, but gave up specifically because we weren't able to find a suitable camera within our price range.

TechCrunch

These sites were not randomly selected but were chosen specifically because they were already part of an established research network.

BMC Geriatrics

By Emily Nussbaum November 9, 2017 For many of C.K.'s fans, he's been not just a creative figure but a role model, specifically because he tells the kinds of stories that are taboo and shameful.

The New Yorker

Labour has now for the first time won its third election in a row — not in spite of Blair's leadership but because of it, specifically because of his farsighted strategy of dropping red-flag-and-cloth-cap "socialism" in favor of a streamlined, market-friendly version of modern European social democracy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but specifically because" to highlight the most important or distinguishing reason among several contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "but specifically because" when a simpler "because" or "since" would suffice. It's best suited for situations where you need to emphasize a particular reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but specifically because" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses while emphasizing a particular reason or cause. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction serves to highlight a specific aspect of the explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but specifically because" is a grammatically correct conjunctive phrase used to emphasize a particular reason or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news and media contexts but appears less frequently in formal or academic writing. While effective for clarifying intent, avoid overuse in simpler explanations. Consider alternatives like "especially because" or "particularly because" for similar emphasis, or "because" for simpler causal statements. Mastering the use of "but specifically because" allows for precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but especially because

Emphasizes the importance of the reason.

but particularly because

Highlights a specific aspect of the reason.

but mainly because

Indicates the primary reason among others.

but primarily because

Similar to 'mainly because', focusing on the main cause.

but largely because

Suggests the reason is a major contributing factor.

but mostly because

Implies that the reason is the biggest one.

but chiefly because

Highlights the main or most important reason.

but principally because

Similar to 'chiefly because', indicating a leading reason.

but fundamentally because

Indicates the reason is a basic or essential cause.

but at its core because

Identifies the underlying reason.

FAQs

How can I use "but specifically because" in a sentence?

Use "but specifically because" to clarify a particular reason, often in contrast to a more general or expected one. For example, "I chose this method, but specifically because it minimizes risk."

What phrases are similar to "but specifically because"?

Similar phrases include "but especially because", "but particularly because", or "but mainly because". These all serve to highlight a particular reason or cause.

Is it better to use "but specifically because" or just "because"?

Use "but specifically because" when you want to emphasize a certain reason over others, or when contrasting it with an implied or expected reason. "Because" is sufficient for simple causal explanations.

Can "but specifically because" always be replaced with "because"?

No, while "because" provides a reason, "but specifically because" adds emphasis and often implies a contrast. Replacing it may lose the nuance of highlighting a particular reason. Consider if emphasizing a particular aspect of the reason is important.