but was otherwise devoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but was otherwise devoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something lacks certain qualities or elements, except for what has already been mentioned. Example: "The presentation was engaging, but was otherwise devoid of any substantial information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Bud Light, which promises "superior drinkability," had only the faintest hint of bitterness but was otherwise devoid of flavor.

The New York Times

The control sample showed only one prominent band, which was also present in the F-Oct4 sample but was otherwise devoid of major contaminants.

Cell Stem Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sam Hoskins had a shot blocked for the Cobblers and Jordan Turnbull also went close, but the first half was otherwise devoid of goalmouth action.

BBC

The slow-paced streets were otherwise devoid of life.

The New York Times - Travel

Although the statement refers to Israel as the "Zionist regime," it is otherwise devoid of the ideological tone that characterizes most ministry reports and that has been the Iranian norm for decades.

The Washington Post

The image captures an Amazon.com warehouse in sharp detail, with miscellaneous commercial items colorfully arranged in no particular order, yielding a crowded impression of a space that's otherwise devoid of humans.

Vice

Comt is located in a large interval that is otherwise devoid of sequence variants between the BXD strains.

Plosone

While sacral ENCDCs normally comprise ∼10 20% of the most-distal region of the ENS (28, 209), their population only slightly expands if the vagal NC is mechanically ablated in chick embryos (26) and the hindgut is otherwise devoid of ENCDCs.

American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology

We continue to assume that oxygen is at quasi-steady state and does not diffuse, so that s is defined in terms of v and p by (17) and equations (12 - 13 12 - 13: (25) In what follows we suppose that a small mass of tumour cells is introduced at one side (x = 0) of a homogeneous vascularised tissue which is otherwise devoid of tumour cells ((p(x, 0), v(x, 0)) = (0, 1) ∀ x ≠ 0).

Biology Direct

Sea bass is mushy and bland, though it comes with pleasant caraway-scented cabbage, and swordfish has handsome grill marks but is otherwise undistinguished, devoid of swordfish character.

The New York Times

but are otherwise healthy.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but was otherwise devoid" to clearly indicate a contrast between a specific element that exists and the general absence of other elements. This can add emphasis to the exception.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid" too frequently in formal writing, as it can make your prose sound overly negative or dramatic. Consider alternatives like "lacked" or "missing" for a more balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but was otherwise devoid" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting contrasting ideas. It asserts that despite possessing a certain attribute, something lacks other qualities or elements. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but was otherwise devoid" serves to express a contrast, emphasizing the absence of general characteristics while acknowledging a specific element. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is valid, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase appears in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using "but was otherwise devoid", ensure it clearly contrasts the specific element with the general absence and consider alternative phrases like "yet lacked any other content" for varied expression. Be mindful of overusing "devoid" to maintain a balanced tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet lacked any other content

Replaces "was otherwise devoid" with a more direct description of lacking content.

however, it was notably deficient in

Emphasizes the deficiency using "notably deficient", providing a stronger sense of lacking.

though it generally lacked

Uses "generally lacked" to convey the overall absence of something.

even so, it contained little else

Focuses on the scarcity of additional content or elements.

although, apart from that, it was empty of

Highlights the emptiness or absence using "empty of".

while being largely without

Indicates a general absence using "largely without".

but it conspicuously missed

Emphasizes the absence with "conspicuously missed".

nonetheless, it failed to include

Highlights the failure to include certain elements.

yet it did not have anything beyond

Focuses on the limitation of content or elements.

but beyond that, there was nothing

Directly states the absence of anything else beyond a specific element.

FAQs

How can I use "but was otherwise devoid" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to show contrast, indicating that something had one specific characteristic but generally lacked others. For example, "The landscape was barren, but "was otherwise devoid" of any signs of life."

What are some alternatives to "but was otherwise devoid"?

You could use phrases like "yet lacked any other content", "however it was notably deficient in", or "though it generally lacked" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but was otherwise devoid"?

Yes, the phrase "but was otherwise devoid" is grammatically correct. It functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting contrasting elements within a sentence.

What is the difference between "but was otherwise devoid" and "but lacked other elements"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "but was otherwise devoid" emphasizes a complete absence of other elements, whereas "but lacked other elements" simply indicates that some elements were missing but doesn't necessarily imply a total absence.