but unfortunately

USAGE SUMMARY

"but unfortunately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a phrase or clause that adds a tone of disappointment or sadness to a sentence. Example: I was looking forward to going to the concert, but unfortunately it was cancelled.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, unfortunately.

The New Yorker

But, unfortunately, that's football".

Independent

"But unfortunately I couldn't".

The New York Times - Sports

But unfortunately, Ramaphosa is corrupt.

The New York Times - Magazine

But unfortunately it didn't".

The New York Times - Health

But unfortunately it's right.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, unfortunately, yes.

The Guardian - Opinion

But unfortunately one can't.

The Guardian

But unfortunately it has failed.

The New Yorker

But unfortunately it got rejected".

Independent

But unfortunately, she blew it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but unfortunately" to soften bad news or to introduce a contrasting point with a sense of regret. It's effective for delivering information that might disappoint the reader, while still maintaining a professional or empathetic tone.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but unfortunately", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and overly negative. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to achieve a more balanced and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but unfortunately" primarily functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two contrasting ideas, while also introducing an element of disappointment or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for adding a tone of sadness or contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but unfortunately" is a versatile phrase used to introduce contrasting information with an added sense of disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is very common, it's advisable to avoid overuse to maintain a balanced tone in writing. Consider alternatives such as "however, regrettably" or "yet, sadly" to add variety and nuance to your expression. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communications, though awareness of its potential for overuse is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunately, however

Placing "unfortunately" first emphasizes the negative aspect before introducing the contrast with "however".

however, regrettably

This alternative uses "however" to introduce a contrast and "regrettably" to express sorrow or disappointment, similar to "but unfortunately" but with a slightly more formal tone.

yet, sadly

This option employs "yet" to present a contrast and "sadly" to convey unhappiness about the situation, mirroring the function of "but unfortunately" in a more concise manner.

sadly, though

"Sadly" conveys the negative feeling, while "though" signals the contrast, similar to "but unfortunately" but more succinct.

alas, though

"Alas" is an interjection expressing grief or regret, while "though" introduces a contrast. Together, they serve a similar purpose as "but unfortunately", albeit with a more literary or dramatic flair.

however, it's disappointing that

This phrase explicitly states the disappointment associated with the contrasting information, providing a more direct expression of the sentiment conveyed by "but unfortunately".

though, sadly enough

This construction uses "though" to mark a contrast and "sadly enough" to highlight the unfortunate nature of the situation, closely resembling the dual function of "but unfortunately".

regrettably, however

Reversing the order, this option begins with "regrettably" to emphasize the unfortunate aspect, followed by "however" to introduce the contrast, maintaining a similar effect to "but unfortunately".

on the downside

This is a more concise and informal way to introduce an unfortunate aspect or consequence, functioning similarly to "but unfortunately" in less formal contexts.

the downside is

Similar to the previous alternative, this directly presents the negative aspect, acting as a substitute for "but unfortunately" when introducing unfavorable information.

FAQs

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

Use "but unfortunately" to introduce a piece of disappointing news or a contrasting element that carries a negative implication. For example, "I had planned to attend the conference, "but unfortunately", I fell ill."

What are some alternatives to "but unfortunately"?

You can use alternatives such as "however, regrettably", "yet, sadly", or "alas, though" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

While it's generally acceptable to start a sentence with "but", doing so with "but unfortunately" may sound slightly awkward to some. Consider rephrasing for smoother flow, or using alternatives when possible.

What's the difference between "but unfortunately" and "however"?

"However" simply introduces a contrast, while "but unfortunately" adds a layer of regret or disappointment to the contrast. The latter is used when the contrasting information is also negative or unwelcome.