but truly

USAGE SUMMARY

"but truly" is correct and may be used in written English.
It is used in an effort to emphasize the degree to which something is true, and typically follows an opposing statement of opinion. Example: I thought the movie was terrible, but truly it had some redeeming qualities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But truly?

The New York Times

But "truly a discussion"?

The New Yorker

But truly terrifying.

The New Yorker

Not upset but truly shocked.

The New Yorker

But truly, I'm not lying to you.

The New York Times

But truly, no apology was necessary.

The New York Times

But truly, it was a wonderful experience.

The New York Times

Tweaked, certainly; but truly and deeply changed?

The New York Times - Arts

But truly, I was thrilled with the film.

Independent

But truly independent spinoffs like these were rarely created.

The New Yorker

But, truly and sincerely, there is that love there".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but truly" to introduce a sincere or emphatic counterpoint to a previous statement. It adds weight to your assertion and signals honesty.

Common error

Avoid using "but truly" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or theatrical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but really" or "but actually".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but truly" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the sincerity of the second statement. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in various contexts to reinforce a point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but truly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a sincere contrast or emphasis. As Ludwig points out, it is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with a neutral register. While it's a valid construction, it's advisable to avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "but honestly" or "but genuinely" depending on the context. Remember to use it strategically to add weight to your assertions and signal honesty, as affirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but genuinely

Emphasizes authenticity more strongly than "truly".

but honestly

Highlights the speaker's sincerity and candidness.

but sincerely

Stresses the genuine nature of the statement.

but indeed

Adds a formal tone while affirming the truth.

but in reality

Shifts focus to the factual basis of the statement.

yet truthfully

Introduces a contrast while affirming the truth.

however honestly

Offers a contrasting perspective with sincerity.

nonetheless genuinely

Formally acknowledges a contrast with true sentiment.

yet in truth

Directly states that what follows is factual.

though truthfully

Acknowledges a concession while emphasizing the truth.

FAQs

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

"But truly" is typically used to express a sincere contrast or emphasize a point following a previous statement. For example: "I was skeptical, but truly, the results were impressive."

What are some alternatives to "but truly"?

Alternatives include "but honestly", "but genuinely", or "but sincerely", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "but truly" or "but really"?

Both are acceptable, but "but truly" adds a stronger sense of sincerity or formality compared to the more casual "but really".

What is the effect of using "but truly" in writing?

Using "but truly" can make your writing sound more emphatic and sincere. It signals to the reader that you are being particularly honest or earnest in your assertion.