but technically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but technically" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clarification or a more precise explanation that may differ from a general understanding or assumption. Example: "The project is due next week, but technically, we have until the end of the month to submit the final report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But technically, it's astonishing.

The Guardian - Film

But technically, not a jerk.

The New York Times

But technically it wasn't really gone".

The New York Times - Arts

But technically, we can skateboard now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pharyngeal ESD is less invasive, but technically difficult.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

He said Groups was simple in concept but technically difficult.

The New York Times - Tech

This shift is not only daring but technically dazzling.

The New York Times - Books

But technically, I was wrong, and you're right.

The New York Times

It's a long shot, but technically, it could happen.

The New York Times

But technically, their dancing has far more stretch and definition.

The Guardian

But technically, we may be in a state of deforestation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but technically" to introduce a nuanced or precise clarification that might differ from a general understanding. For example, "The product is marketed as waterproof, but technically, it's only water-resistant."

Common error

Avoid using "but technically" excessively in writing. Overuse can make your writing sound pedantic or overly critical. Reserve it for situations where the technical clarification is genuinely important for understanding the point you're making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but technically" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a contrastive conjunction. It introduces a qualification, correction, or clarification to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it sets up a contrast between a general understanding and a more precise, often technical, viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but technically" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a qualification, correction, or clarification to a preceding statement. It functions as a contrastive conjunction, providing a more accurate or specific perspective, often technical, to a general understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. While its register is generally neutral, overuse should be avoided to prevent sounding pedantic. Alternatives such as "strictly speaking" and "in a technical sense" can be used depending on the desired tone and context. This phrase is predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly speaking

This alternative provides a more formal and emphatic way of introducing a precise definition or condition.

in a technical sense

This phrase highlights that the following statement is based on a specific technical interpretation.

by definition

This alternative emphasizes that the statement is true according to the formal definition of a term.

according to the letter of the law

This phrase specifies that the statement is accurate based on a strict legal interpretation.

from a technical point of view

This alternative frames the statement as a specific technical assessment or consideration.

in principle

Highlights a theoretical possibility or condition, often contrasting with practical realities.

on paper

This indicates something is true or valid in theory or in writing, but perhaps not in practice.

as a matter of fact

This alternative presents the statement as a correction or clarification of a previous assumption.

to be precise

This emphasizes that the following statement offers a more accurate or detailed explanation.

if we're being accurate

This alternative suggests a need for precision in the statement, often correcting a prior inexactness.

FAQs

How can I use "but technically" in a sentence?

Use "but technically" to introduce a statement that is technically correct, even if it seems to contradict a general understanding. For example: "The company calls it a merger, but technically, it's an acquisition."

What does "but technically" mean?

"But technically" indicates that while something might appear to be one way, according to a specific set of rules or criteria, it is something else.

What are some alternatives to "but technically"?

You can use alternatives like "strictly speaking", "in a technical sense", or "by definition" to introduce a more precise or qualified statement.

Is it better to use "but technically" or "strictly speaking"?

Both "but technically" and "strictly speaking" can be used to introduce a precise clarification, but "strictly speaking" is generally more formal and emphatic. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.