but usually because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but usually because" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reason or explanation that is commonly associated with a preceding statement. Example: "People often choose to work from home, but usually because they find it more convenient and flexible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I don't eat meat – I do eat seafood sometimes, but usually because there isn't a good vegetarian option.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And Randall Enos, who drew that wonderful little sketch up above it, regularly works all night, sometimes because work deadlines require it but usually because that's when the creative energy starts to flow.

The New York Times

(Many people in the book cut stuff out of their interviews, but usually because the material was controversial or confidential, not false).

TechCrunch

"Plenty of people say, 'Oh, she only does this one thing,' but usually because they've only seen 'New Girl,' and yeah, that's what I do on 'New Girl,'" Deschanel said, referring to her quirky, "adorkable" onscreen persona.

Huffington Post

Oh sure, he cracks on the self-righteous and the hypocrites, but usually because he feels a moral responsibility to shine a light on the self-satisfied, those who seem way too pleased that they're "not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers or even like [the] tax-collector" (Luke 18 11).

Huffington Post

It usually is not because of the fact that they wanted the two together, but usually because of the arguments that ensue between the parents.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But not usually, because I was underage.

The New Yorker

This applies whether they are praising or blaming me but more usually, because of my temperament, when I am praised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many an education minister has tried to shake it up, but failed, usually because of the grip of the teachers' unions.

The Economist

Sometimes, we have tried — and failed — to find a guilt-free alternative, but usually it happens because we decide to compromise.

The New York Times - Arts

Such proposals have been raised in Congress before, but usually discarded, both because they would be hugely expensive and would offer more of a benefit to wealthier taxpayers in higher-income tax brackets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but usually because" to introduce a common or expected reason that contrasts with a previous statement. It is particularly effective when providing explanations or justifications.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "but usually because" in your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases like "however typically due to" or "though generally as a result of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but usually because" functions as a conjunction introducing a common explanation or reason that contrasts with a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It connects two clauses, indicating that the second clause provides a typical cause or justification for the first.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but usually because" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that connects contrasting statements with a typical explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse sources like news, wikis, and scientific publications, denoting a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember to vary your sentence structure and consider alternatives to avoid overuse. It serves primarily to offer an understandable reason behind a potentially surprising situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but typically because

Replaces "usually" with "typically", suggesting a standard or expected reason.

but generally because

Substitutes "usually" with "generally", indicating a widespread or common reason.

but often because

Replaces "usually" with "often", implying a frequent but not necessarily universal reason.

however typically due to

Uses "however" to contrast, and "typically due to" to introduce a common cause.

however primarily due to

Uses "however" to introduce contrast, and "primarily due to" to emphasize the main cause.

though generally as a result of

Starts with "though" for contrast and uses "generally as a result of" to show a common outcome.

yet mainly on account of

Begins with "yet" for contrast and uses "mainly on account of" to indicate a primary reason.

but predominantly since

Replaces "usually because" with "predominantly since", indicating a prevailing reason.

though largely owing to

Starts with "though" for contrast and uses "largely owing to" to suggest a significant cause.

nonetheless principally as a consequence of

Uses "nonetheless" for contrast, and "principally as a consequence of" to show a major effect.

FAQs

How can I use "but usually because" in a sentence?

You can use "but usually because" to introduce a common reason or explanation that contrasts with a preceding statement. For example: "Many people say it hurts to play volleyball but it is usually because they are hitting the ball with their hands."

What phrases are similar to "but usually because"?

Similar phrases include "but typically because", "but generally because", or "however typically due to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While it's generally acceptable to start a sentence with "but", starting with "but usually because" may sound awkward. It's better to use it within a clause to connect contrasting ideas and their common explanations.

What's the difference between "but usually because" and "but only because"?

"But usually because" indicates a common or typical reason, while "but only because" suggests that there is exclusively one reason and no other. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a common cause or an exclusive one.