but that just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but that just" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or to emphasize a point in a discussion or argument. Example: "I understand your concerns, but that just isn't how I see the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But that just means I don't like it".

The New York Times - Arts

"But that just means I have to work smarter.

The New York Times

Perhaps not, but that just proves my point.

TechCrunch

But that just won't do.

The New York Times

But that just seemed depressing.

The New York Times

But that just adds to the mystery.

Independent

But that just circumvents the central problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But that just isn't true anymore".

The New York Times

But that just doesn't work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that just means there's everything to gain.

Yale University

But that just was not true.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "but that just" in close succession, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, try to vary your transitional phrases to keep the reader engaged.

Common error

Don't use "but that just" when a stronger contrast is needed. Sometimes, a more direct contradiction or stronger transitional phrase is more appropriate for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but that just" primarily functions as a transitional phrase or conjunction. It serves to introduce a contrasting element, often a consequence, explanation, or counterpoint, that follows logically from the preceding statement, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"But that just" is a frequently used conjunction phrase that signals a contrast or a consequential relationship between ideas. As Ludwig's analysis reveals, its grammatical standing is correct, and it is commonly found in news and media sources. Although it can be seen across a wide range of contexts, including formal writing, its use may be perceived as informal in highly professional or scientific settings. When writing, consider using synonyms like "however that simply" or "yet that only" to maintain variety and match the formality of the text. Ludwig AI confirms its role in smoothly transitioning between related yet contrasting concepts, making it a versatile tool for clear and coherent communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however that simply

This alternative replaces "just" with "simply", offering a slightly more formal tone. The change primarily affects the emphasis, reducing the casual feel.

yet that only

Substituting "but" with "yet" adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the contrast. Replacing "just" with "only" sharpens the focus on the limiting aspect.

though that merely

Replacing "but" with "though" and "just" with "merely" softens the tone while still providing a contrast. This emphasizes the insignificance of what follows.

nonetheless that solely

This option brings a more formal and emphatic tone by using "nonetheless" instead of "but" and "solely" in place of "just". It heightens the contrast.

even so that exclusively

Switching to "even so" and "exclusively" introduces a stronger sense of concession before the contrasting element, underlining the unique aspect of the statement.

even then that singularly

Using "even then" in place of "but" creates a conditional contrast, while "singularly" makes the subsequent point unique. This shifts the emphasis to a specific condition.

all the same that uniquely

Employing "all the same" offers a more conversational tone, while "uniquely" emphasizes that what follows is a distinctive condition. It maintains the contrast with a casual feel.

be that as it may that particularly

This phrase presents a more formal and acknowledging contrast, by using "be that as it may" instead of "but". It introduces an emphasis on the particular nature of the following point.

with that being said that plainly

Replacing "but" with "with that being said" adds a conversational touch, transitioning into a clear and straightforward statement by using "plainly" instead of "just".

nevertheless that plainly

Using "nevertheless" provides a more formal contrast, indicating that despite what was previously stated, something else is true. Replace "just" with "plainly" for emphasis on the directness of the following statement.

FAQs

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

Use "but that just" to introduce a contrasting idea, consequence, or explanation that naturally arises from a previous statement. For example, "I understand your concerns, "but that just" isn't how I see the situation".

What are some alternatives to "but that just"?

You can use alternatives like "however that simply", "yet that only", or "though that merely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "but that just" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "but that just" can sometimes sound informal. In very formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated transitional phrases such as "nonetheless", "even so", or "be that as it may" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "but that just" and "but that only"?

"But that just" is more conversational and implies a natural consequence or explanation. "But that only" is slightly more emphatic, focusing on the limiting aspect of the contrasting point. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.