but the term is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but the term is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or define a specific term or concept that has been mentioned previously. Example: "Many people use the word 'sustainability' loosely, but the term is often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But the term is problematic.

The New York Times

But the term is something of a misnomer.

The New Yorker

The dictionary defines it as "honest," but the term is difficult to translate.

The New Yorker

But the term is also being rehabilitated within the computer industry.

The Economist

A federal law requires "adequate" nursing staff at any hospital that participates in Medicare, but the term is not defined.

The New Yorker

But the term is heard most often after athletic contests referring to the losing side of a close result against an opponent perceived as superior.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But Wal-Mart says the term is a good thing.

Forbes

But the meaning of the term is more important.

Huffington Post

But the term was never properly defined.

The Guardian - Opinion

(At first, the $2 fee bought membership for life, but the term was later changed to a year).

The New York Times

But news of the terms is already rocketing through Cyprus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but the term is" to clarify a term's specific meaning or application, especially when it deviates from common understanding or has multiple interpretations.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but the term is". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but the term is" functions as a transitional expression, connecting a preceding statement with a clarification or redefinition of a specific term. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is often used to introduce a nuanced or more precise meaning, especially when the term is commonly used in a general or imprecise way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but the term is" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a clarification or specific meaning of a term. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, highlighting its role in providing precise definitions and correcting potential misunderstandings. While versatile, varying your sentence structure and avoiding overuse will enhance clarity and engagement. As the data demonstrates, "but the term is" functions as an explanatory bridge, ensuring that complex or commonly misused terms are properly understood in their intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, the definition is

Replaces "but the term is" with "however, the definition is", focusing on the definition itself.

yet, the phrase refers to

Emphasizes that the phrase points to something specific, rather than its general meaning.

nonetheless, the expression denotes

A more formal substitution, using "nonetheless" and "denotes" to indicate the term's meaning.

conversely, the designation implies

Uses "conversely" to contrast a previous statement and highlights what the designation suggests.

in contrast, the label signifies

Emphasizes the contrast with a previous idea and indicates what the label represents.

on the other hand, the concept means

Highlights another perspective, indicating the meaning of the concept.

still, the terminology suggests

Implies that despite a prior statement, the terminology hints at something.

even so, the nomenclature implies

Indicates that regardless of what was said earlier, the nomenclature hints at something else.

despite that, the wording indicates

Suggests that in spite of something, the specific choice of words points to something.

that being said, the usage suggests

Introduces an idea that qualifies or contrasts with what has been said, indicating what usage implies.

FAQs

How can I use "but the term is" in a sentence?

Use "but the term is" to introduce a clarification or a specific meaning of a word or phrase. For example, "Many people use the word 'organic' loosely, but the term is specifically defined by agricultural regulations."

What are some alternatives to "but the term is"?

You can use alternatives like "however the definition is", "yet the phrase refers to", or "nonetheless the expression denotes depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "but the term is"?

It's appropriate when you need to provide a more precise definition or usage of a term that might be misunderstood or used differently by others.

What is the difference between "but the term is" and "but the definition is"?

"But the term is" refers to the word or phrase itself, while "but the definition is" focuses specifically on the dictionary meaning. Use "but the term is" when discussing usage beyond a simple definition.