but that alone

USAGE SUMMARY

"but that alone" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something else is required even though the previous thing mentioned was sufficient. For example: "My brother offered to help me with this project, but that alone was not enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In that race Wilson, like Obama, signaled a clear turn leftward, but that alone did not win him re-election.

The New York Times

I don't know about you, but, that ALONE frustrates me!

Huffington Post

But that alone is not the problem.

The New Yorker

But that alone is not enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that alone doesn't explain it.

The Guardian - Music

But that alone is not very helpful.

The New York Times - Tech

But that alone does not make him a memorable character.

The New York Times - Books

But that alone doesn't explain the intensity of the animus.

The New York Times

But that alone is not a proper objection.

The Economist

But that alone does not explain its problems.

The Economist

But that alone does not get her far.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but that alone", ensure that the preceding statement is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This helps readers understand what "that" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "but that alone" when the preceding statement doesn't clearly set up a contrast. Without a clear contrast, the phrase can seem disconnected and confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but that alone" functions as a conjunction phrase. It connects two clauses, where the second clause introduces a contrasting idea, stating that the first clause's content is insufficient. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signals that something else is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but that alone" is a versatile phrase commonly used to express that while something is true or present, it is not sufficient on its own. As per Ludwig, it functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a contrasting idea. Its register is typically neutral, making it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the contrast is clear, and consider alternatives like "however, that's not enough" or "yet, that isn't sufficient" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, that's not enough

Replaces "but" with "however" and uses "that's not enough" to convey the need for something more.

yet, that isn't sufficient

Uses "yet" instead of "but" and replaces "alone" with "sufficient" to emphasize inadequacy.

still, that by itself isn't adequate

Employs "still" and "by itself" to highlight that the mentioned thing is not enough on its own.

nonetheless, that singularly falls short

Uses "nonetheless" to show contrast and emphasizes the insufficiency of the single element.

even so, that exclusively doesn't suffice

Replaces "but" with "even so" and uses "exclusively" to highlight the inadequacy of just that.

all the same, that independently won't do

Uses "all the same" to show contrast and "independently won't do" to convey inadequacy.

nevertheless, that uniquely is not sufficient

Employs "nevertheless" and "uniquely" to underscore the lack of sufficiency.

be that as it may, that solely isn't going to cut it

Uses "be that as it may" to introduce a contrasting point and "solely isn't going to cut it" to express inadequacy.

regardless, that in isolation is inadequate

Replaces "but" with "regardless" and uses "in isolation" to emphasize the insufficiency.

despite that, that singly is not enough

Uses "despite that" to show contrast and "singly is not enough" to convey that more is needed.

FAQs

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

Use "but that alone" to indicate that while one aspect is true or present, it's not sufficient on its own. For example: "The team has talent, "but that alone" won't guarantee victory."

What are some alternatives to "but that alone"?

Alternatives include phrases like "however, that's not enough", "yet, that isn't sufficient", or "still, that by itself isn't adequate". These alternatives all convey a similar meaning of insufficiency.

Is "but that alone" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but that alone" is grammatically correct. It's commonly used to express that a certain condition or factor, while present, is not enough on its own to achieve a desired outcome.

How does "but that alone" differ from "that's it"?

"But that alone" implies that something more is needed in addition to what has already been stated. "That's it" implies a sense of completion or finality, indicating nothing more is needed. The phrases have opposite meanings.