but that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a conjunction to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has been previously stated. For example: "I wanted to go, but that would be difficult since I'm already running late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that comes later.

The New York Times

But that wasn't me.

Independent

But that is elsewhere.

The New Yorker

She's anything but that.

The New Yorker

But that is academic.

The New York Times

But that may change.

The New York Times

"But that doesn't help.

The New York Times - Sports

But that hadn't happened.

The New York Times

But that is me.

Independent

But that already existed.

The Economist

"But that is absurd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but that" to smoothly introduce a contrasting idea or situation, ensuring a clear transition between the two points.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive short sentences with "but that", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "however", "yet", or "despite this" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but that" primarily functions as a conjunction phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usage in introducing contrasting statements. It connects two clauses, where the second clause presents a contrast or exception to the first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but that" is a correct and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a contrast or qualification to a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media contexts. To enhance writing, it's advisable to vary sentence structure to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "however", "yet", and "despite that" can provide similar nuances. While versatile, its primary function remains to signal a shift or contrast in thought, making it a valuable tool in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet

A simple and direct way to introduce a contrast.

that being said

Introduces a contrasting point or consideration.

with that said

Used to transition to a related but contrasting point.

despite that

Emphasizes the contrast by highlighting the unexpected nature of the second statement.

in spite of that

Similar to "despite that", but can sometimes imply a stronger sense of defiance.

even so

Indicates that the second statement holds true regardless of the first.

however that may be

Adds a tone of resignation or acceptance to the contrast.

nonetheless

A more formal way to introduce a contrasting statement.

all the same

Suggests that the second statement is true despite the implications of the first.

be that as it may

A more emphatic and formal way of saying "however that may be".

FAQs

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

The phrase "but that" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous one. For instance, "I wanted to go to the party, but that would be difficult since I have to work."

What are some alternatives to using "but that"?

You can use alternatives such as "however", "yet", "despite that", or "nevertheless" to introduce a contrasting idea.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "but that" to start a sentence when introducing a contrasting statement. It functions as a conjunction in this context.

What is the difference between "but that" and "but"?

While both "but" and "but that" introduce contrast, "but that" often sets up a slightly more complex or explanatory contrast compared to a simple "but". The nuance lies in the additional demonstrative pronoun "that", which refers back to the preceding idea.