but to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a contrast to part of a sentence, for example: "She wanted to go out, but to her dismay it was raining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But to be good.

Independent

But to whom?

The New York Times

But to where?

The New York Times - Sports

But to hate him?

The New Yorker

But to sell newspapers?

The Economist

But to do life?

The New York Times

But to leave China?

The New Yorker

"But to me?

The New Yorker

But to what point?

The New York Times

But to business".

The New York Times

But to little avail.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but to" to introduce a question or a contrasting idea that follows logically from the preceding statement. It is often effective for creating a sense of anticipation or highlighting a surprising element.

Common error

Avoid using "but to" in overly complex sentences where simpler conjunctions like "but" or "however" would be clearer. Overuse can make your writing sound convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but to" functions primarily as a conjunctional phrase used to introduce a contrasting element, a question, or a related consideration following an initial statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but to" is a versatile conjunctional phrase used to introduce contrasting ideas, questions, or related considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent appearance in news and media sources underscores its relevance in contemporary English. While it's not always necessary, using "but to" effectively can add depth and nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however

A simple conjunction indicating contrast.

yet

Similar to "however", but can also imply a sense of surprise.

nevertheless

A more formal synonym for "however", suggesting a stronger contrast.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless", emphasizing the contrast despite what precedes it.

even so

Indicates that something is true despite what has been said.

despite that

Highlights that something occurs regardless of a previous statement.

in spite of that

Similar to "despite that", showing contrast.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses a previous one.

on the other hand

Presents an alternative perspective or consideration.

that being said

A transitional phrase acknowledging a previous point before introducing a contrasting one.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but to" is used to introduce a contrasting element or question. For example, "She wanted to succeed, "but to" what extent was she willing to compromise?"

What are some alternatives to "but to"?

Alternatives include "however", "yet", or "nevertheless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "but to" in a sentence expressing contrast?

No, it is not always necessary. Simpler conjunctions like "but" are often sufficient. "But to" adds a specific emphasis and is best used when introducing a surprising or thought-provoking element.

What's the difference between using "but" and "but to"?

"But" is a general conjunction for expressing contrast. "But to" introduces a subsequent question or consideration that arises from the initial statement. It adds a layer of inquiry or contemplation that "but" alone does not.