but thirdly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but thirdly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when enumerating points or arguments, typically in a formal or structured context. Example: "Firstly, we need to address the budget; secondly, we should consider the timeline; but thirdly, we must evaluate the resources available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But thirdly, we need to stay focused on and committed to culture and talent development.

The New York Times

But thirdly, this episode might just give pause for thought about the bitter venom with which political blogging is conducted.

The Guardian

But, thirdly, people of commitment and courage can still seek to have their voices heard and not distance themselves from the realities and impacts of government policies.

The Guardian

But thirdly, and most importantly, it's a sign of how far the current government is willing to take its mission to denude the state and replace its role with charity and individuals chipping in where possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Firstly, give parents confidence in the exams their children are taking; secondly, raise standards for all our children in schools in the country, but thirdly and crucially, not exclude any children from the new exam system.

The Guardian

But, thirdly, he made a point with regard to the forthcoming orders for Type 26 ships.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Thirdly but not lastly, different biological processes have distinct preference with different aspects of EMT/MET.

Protein & Cell

Thirdly, but not less important, publishing the design of a RCT is instrumented in preventing publication bias in subsequent meta-analyses.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Secondly, for the low-rank approximation, when a perturbation E exists, there is an approximation error which cannot be avoided, that is, the approximation error cannot equal 0, but tends to 0. Thirdly, from our main results, we can clearly find the influence of the spectral norm ((|cdot|_{2})) on the low-rank matrix approximation.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Thirdly, SREBP1c, but not PEPCK, expression was stimulated by mTORC1 in the liver suggesting that mTORC1 may be the bifurcation point for insulin action on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism [14].

Plosone

Thirdly, diplomonads, but not their relatives, possess a double karyomastigont, in other words, they have two similar or identical nuclei and two flagellar apparatuses per cell [ 7, 8].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but thirdly" to introduce a contrasting or unexpected point in a sequence of arguments or considerations. It adds emphasis to the transition.

Common error

Avoid using "but thirdly" excessively in informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler transitions like "thirdly" or "however" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but thirdly" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It introduces the third point in a sequence of arguments or considerations, often implying a contrast or shift in focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but thirdly" functions as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a third point in a sequence, frequently implying a contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is more suited for formal contexts like news, science, and business, overuse in casual writing should be avoided. Alternatives such as "however, thirdly" or simply "thirdly" can offer a smoother flow in less formal settings. Remember that while grammatically sound, the effectiveness of "but thirdly" hinges on the context and intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However, thirdly

Emphasizes a contrast or shift in thought before introducing the third point.

Yet, thirdly

Similar to 'however, thirdly', it indicates a contrast or unexpected element.

On the other hand, thirdly

Presents the third point as an alternative perspective.

In the third place

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to introduce the third point.

Thirdly, nevertheless

Highlights that the third point remains valid despite any preceding considerations.

Thirdly, even so

Indicates that the third point holds true, even with previous conditions.

But, in the third instance

A more verbose way of indicating the third point, emphasizing a specific occurrence.

Nonetheless, thirdly

Similar to 'nevertheless, thirdly', it acknowledges a previous point but proceeds with the third.

And thirdly

Connects the third point without implying contrast.

Third in line

Less direct, referring to a sequential order.

FAQs

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

"But thirdly" is used to introduce the third point in a series, often implying a contrast or shift in focus from the previous points. For example, "Firstly, we considered cost; secondly, we looked at feasibility; but thirdly, we evaluated the environmental impact."

What are some alternatives to using "but thirdly"?

Alternatives include "however, thirdly", "yet, thirdly", or simply "thirdly", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

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

Yes, starting a sentence with "but thirdly" is grammatically correct. The "but" serves to provide a contrast to the prior information, while "thirdly" indicates its position in a sequence.

When should I use "but thirdly" instead of just "thirdly"?

Use "but thirdly" when you want to emphasize a contrast or unexpected turn in your line of reasoning as you present the third point. Using only "thirdly" is suitable when there's no particular contrast to highlight.