but usually not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but usually not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is common or typical, but there are exceptions. Example: "Many people enjoy outdoor activities, but usually not in extreme weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But usually not.

The Guardian

Sometimes I obliged, but usually not.

The New York Times - Food

Such importing happens occasionally but usually not in large numbers.

The New York Times - Books

Teams also vacate postseason losses, but usually not regular-season ones.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone thinks they have an Indian burial ground, but usually not.

The New York Times

Among insiders, politicians' antics in bed are often well-known but usually not publicised.

The Economist

He designs houses for a living, but usually not with a pastry bag.

The New York Times

Sometimes the original artists were paid and credited, but usually not.

The Guardian - Music

Employers generally pay for some or most of it, but usually not all.

The New York Times

"The truth is, writing is hard and boring and occasionally great but usually not".

The Guardian - Books

Children do their fair share of howling, but usually not for pleasure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but usually not" to introduce exceptions or deviations from a general statement. This helps to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "but usually not" without giving clear context or examples. Ensure the reader understands the general rule and the specific exceptions you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but usually not" functions as a conjunction phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas, indicating an exception or deviation from a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but usually not" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce exceptions or qualifications to general statements. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. While grammatically sound and frequently employed, it's essential to provide adequate context to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "however, not always" or "but not generally" can be used for variety. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not generally

Substitutes "usually" with "generally" to maintain a similar level of commonality.

however, not always

Replaces "usually" with "always" to suggest a stronger contrast.

though uncommonly

Uses "uncommonly" instead of "usually not" for a slightly more formal tone.

but it is an exception

Clearly states that the situation is an exception to the rule.

yet infrequently

Replaces "usually not" with "infrequently" to emphasize the rarity.

but it's atypical

Uses "atypical" to describe the situation as not conforming to the usual type.

although not ordinarily

Employs "ordinarily" to convey the exception to the norm.

but not habitually

Uses "habitually" to convey the sense of something not being a regular occurrence.

but not in most cases

Rephrases to specify that the exception applies to a majority of instances.

except in some instances

Indicates specific situations where the general rule doesn't apply.

FAQs

How can I use "but usually not" in a sentence?

The phrase "but usually not" is used to introduce an exception to a general statement. For example, "Most students attend classes regularly, but usually not on weekends."

What are some alternatives to "but usually not"?

You can use alternatives such as "however, not always", "but not generally", or "yet infrequently" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but usually not"?

Yes, the phrase "but usually not" is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to indicate an exception to a general rule or expectation.

What is the difference between "but usually not" and "but not always"?

"But usually not" implies that something is generally untrue, while "but not always" suggests it is sometimes true. The phrase "but not always" indicates there are exceptions, but they may be more frequent than implied by "but usually not".