but unusually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but unusually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception to a general statement, often highlighting something that deviates from the norm. Example: "The weather has been quite warm for this time of year, but unusually, it has also been very dry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In recent days, he has been characteristically blunt but unusually contrite.

The New York Times

That raises an interesting question, as curators say, but unusually, this interesting question has an answer.

Independent

But, unusually in this form of the game, England are the strong favourites.

The Guardian - Sport

Often the course is held over water, but unusually at Ascot it is over the ground.

The Guardian - Tech

One recent show got fantastic press, but, unusually, didn't sell out".Why?" we asked.

The Guardian

Kumar Sangakkara was skittish by his standards but unusually Dilshan never was.

The Guardian - Sport

But, unusually, the brain doesn't take all the strain in projecting the subject-matter.

The Guardian

But unusually, all three new works for American Ballet Theater this season are by modern dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

But unusually for Washington, their positions don't line up neatly along partisan lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like all its rivals, it uses Google's Android, but unusually has Intel chips powering the phones.

The Guardian - Tech

But unusually deep snows have blocked many of the mountain passes that are the chief routes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but unusually" to introduce an exception or a surprising element that contrasts with a preceding statement. This helps create emphasis and intrigue for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "but unusually" when the contrast is already clear from the context. Redundancy can weaken the impact of your writing. Ensure that "unusually" adds meaningful emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but unusually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a contrast to a preceding statement, highlighting an element that deviates from what is typical or expected. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but unusually" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed conjunctive adverbial phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to introduce a contrasting element that deviates from the norm, emphasizing the atypical or unexpected nature of the situation. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. To enhance clarity, avoid overuse and ensure the contrast being introduced is not already obvious from the surrounding context. Consider using synonyms like "but surprisingly" or "however uncharacteristically" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but surprisingly

Replaces "unusually" with "surprisingly", emphasizing the unexpected nature of the situation.

but atypically

Uses "atypically" instead of "unusually", focusing on the deviation from the typical case.

however, uncharacteristically

Emphasizes the departure from the usual character or behavior of something.

yet unexpectedly

Combines a contrasting conjunction with an adverb highlighting the unforeseen nature of the event.

though uncommonly

Replaces "unusually" with "uncommonly", suggesting something is rare.

in contrast, unusually

Adds a stronger emphasis on the contrast being introduced.

conversely, unusually

Similar to 'in contrast', providing a direct opposition.

on the other hand, unusually

Offers a contrasting perspective, highlighting the deviation from the norm.

differently than usual

Focuses on the variance from the normal or expected way.

in an atypical manner

Highlights the unconventional way something is done.

FAQs

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

Use "but unusually" to introduce a contrasting element that deviates from the norm. For example, "The weather is typically hot in July, but unusually, it's been raining all week."

What are some alternatives to "but unusually"?

You can use alternatives such as "but surprisingly", "however uncharacteristically", or "yet unexpectedly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "but unusually"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is acceptable, beginning with "but unusually" might sound less formal. Consider rephrasing for a smoother, more formal tone. For instance, rephrase "But unusually, the store was closed" to "The store was closed, unusually though."

What's the difference between "but unusually" and "but surprisingly"?

"But unusually" emphasizes the deviation from the norm, while "but surprisingly" highlights the unexpected nature of the situation. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the atypical aspect or the unexpected aspect.