but very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but very" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a contrast or to add intensity to an adjective or adverb that follows it. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but very heavy rain made it impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But very disappointing.

The New Yorker

Relentless but very doable.

The New York Times - Travel

Cute but very sneaky.

The New Yorker

But very seldom.

The New Yorker

But very few.

Independent

But very few emerged.

Independent

But very good photos.

The New York Times - Tech

Different — but very French.

The New Yorker

But very light, mind?

Independent

"Very dangerous, but very inventive".

The New York Times

But very, very fast indeed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but very" to add emphasis when you want to highlight a contrast, making sure the tone is appropriate for the context. For example, "The task was challenging, but very rewarding."

Common error

Avoid overusing "but very" in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "however extremely" or "nevertheless quite" to maintain a refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but very" functions as a conjunction intensifier, connecting contrasting ideas while adding emphasis to the adjective or adverb that follows. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but very" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction intensifier. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions to introduce a contrast while adding emphasis to the following adjective or adverb. Although it is suitable for various contexts, including news and general conversation, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. Remember to use "but very" to add emphasis and nuance, while being mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

But surprisingly

Directly points out the unexpected aspect of the statement.

Yet quite

Emphasizes the contrast with a slightly more formal tone.

But exceptionally

Emphasizes the unusual extent of the quality being described.

However extremely

Highlights the degree of difference or intensity.

Though remarkably

Offers a more concise way to express the contrast with an element of surprise.

Nevertheless quite

Adds a touch of formality and emphasis to the contrast.

While significantly

Highlights a notable difference despite the contrast.

Still exceedingly

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the high degree.

And yet remarkably

Introduces a surprising element to the contrasting idea.

Although considerably

Indicates a substantial degree of difference or variation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but very" is used to introduce a contrast, while also emphasizing the adjective that follows. For instance, "The movie was long, "but very" interesting".

What are some alternatives to "but very"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "yet quite", "however extremely", or "nevertheless quite" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but very"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "But" is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast, and "very" is an adverb that intensifies the adjective that follows. The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

When is it appropriate to use "but very"?

It is appropriate to use "but very" when you want to emphasize a contrast while also intensifying a quality or characteristic. However, consider the formality of your writing, as it might be less suitable for highly formal contexts.