but thankfully

USAGE SUMMARY

"but thankfully" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that there is something positive that has happened to counterbalance another less positive piece of information. For example, "I had to work late, but thankfully, I was able to finish all my tasks on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vastly, but thankfully.

Cornell University

But thankfully it's minor".

The New York Times - Sports

But thankfully, I'm back here".

The New York Times - Sports

Enthralled, but thankfully not defeated.

Independent

Almost, but thankfully not quite.

The Guardian - Film

But thankfully it held together.

The New York Times - Sports

But, thankfully, Cavill says no.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But thankfully, he's much better now".

The New York Times

But thankfully, it hasn't been like that.

Cornell University

But thankfully things are not so bad".

Independent

An adventurous, but thankfully brief ride.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a sentence, follow "but thankfully" with a comma to ensure smooth reading and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but thankfully" repeatedly within a short span of text. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "fortunately", "happily", or restructuring your sentences to convey the same meaning without the repeated phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but thankfully" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing gratitude for the positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing how it introduces a relieving or fortunate element after a potentially negative situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but thankfully" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a positive element contrasting with a preceding negative situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys relief or gratitude. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia sources, this phrase offers a neutral tone suitable for broad communication. While versatile, overuse should be avoided, and alternatives like "fortunately" can add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "but thankfully" to enhance your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet fortunately

Similar to "but thankfully" but uses "yet" for a slightly stronger contrast.

however fortunately

Emphasizes the fortunate aspect while using "however" to introduce a contrast, providing a slightly more formal tone.

to my relief

Explicitly states the feeling of relief experienced by the speaker.

fortunately

Focuses solely on the positive outcome, removing the contrasting element.

luckily

Directly indicates that the positive outcome was due to luck.

happily

A concise way to express a positive outcome, omitting the conjunction for brevity.

on the bright side

Shifts the focus to a positive perspective, implying a contrasting negative situation.

mercifully

Implies a sense of divine intervention or unexpected kindness in the positive outcome.

by good fortune

Emphasizes the role of luck or chance in the positive outcome.

as luck would have it

Highlights the element of chance leading to a favorable result.

FAQs

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

Use "but thankfully" to introduce a positive outcome that contrasts with a preceding negative situation. For example, "The weather was terrible, "but thankfully", the event was held indoors".

What are some alternatives to "but thankfully"?

You can use alternatives such as "fortunately", "however fortunately", "yet fortunately", or "luckily" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "but thankfully"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but thankfully", especially when you want to emphasize the contrast between two situations. However, ensure clarity by adding a comma after "thankfully".

What is the difference between "but thankfully" and "fortunately"?

"But thankfully" implies a contrast with a previous negative situation, whereas "fortunately" simply highlights a positive outcome without necessarily implying a contrasting negative. "I lost my wallet, but thankfully, someone found it" versus "Fortunately, I had a spare key".