but this time

USAGE SUMMARY

"but this time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is different or has changed from a previous instance. For example: "I usually go to the beach on Saturdays, but this time I'm going on Sunday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this time?

The Economist

But this time I won't.

The Guardian

"But this time he did?

The New Yorker

But this time I hesitated.

The New York Times

But this time I'm ready.

Independent

But this time was different.

The New York Times

But this time is different.

The New York Times

But this time round?

The Guardian - Opinion

But this time, in any age group.

Independent

But this time she has a twist.

The Economist

But this time Europeans are well prepared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but this time" to clearly indicate a change from a previously established pattern or situation. It's particularly effective when you want to highlight a contrast or shift in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "but this time" in close succession. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "however", "yet", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but this time" functions as a transitional phrase introducing a contrast to a prior situation or event. It serves to highlight a deviation from what was previously expected or established, signaling a change in circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but this time" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively introduces a contrast with a prior situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While perfectly acceptable, varying your language by using synonyms like "however, now" or "this time, however" can prevent overuse and enhance writing. Remember that while "but this time" indicates a temporal shift, "however" is a general contrastive conjunction that does not require this. Use "but this time" when there is an explicit change from a known past event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this time around

Adds a colloquial touch by using "around" to imply a recurring situation.

this time, however

Inverts the structure for emphasis, placing "this time" at the beginning, followed by "however".

however, now

Replaces "but this time" with a simple conjunction and adverb focusing on the current situation.

in this case, though

Highlights a specific case with the conjunction "though" for contrast.

yet, on this occasion

Uses "yet" to introduce a contrast and specifies the occasion, adding a touch of formality.

on the other hand, now

Introduces an alternative perspective and uses "now" to highlight the current state.

in contrast, presently

Highlights the contrast and uses "presently" to indicate the current timeframe.

now, in this instance

Focuses on the present and specifies the "instance" to clarify the situation.

conversely, today

Emphasizes the opposite nature of the situation and uses "today" for specificity.

differently, now

Emphasizes the change in manner and uses "now" to indicate the present.

FAQs

How can I use "but this time" in a sentence?

Use "but this time" to introduce a contrast or a change from a previous occurrence. For example, "I usually take the bus, but this time I'm driving".

What are some alternatives to "but this time"?

You can use alternatives like "however, now", "yet, on this occasion", or "this time, however" to express a similar contrast.

Is it redundant to say "but this time around"?

"But this time around" can add a slightly more informal or colloquial feel. While not strictly redundant, consider whether the "around" adds meaningful context or if "but this time" alone suffices.

What's the difference between "but this time" and "however"?

"But this time" specifically references a change from a previous occurrence, whereas "however" is a more general contrastive conjunction. "But this time" implies a temporal shift, while "however" can introduce any kind of contrast.