but we are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but we are" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to contrast a previous statement or to introduce a clarification. Example: "Many people doubt our abilities, but we are committed to success." Alternative expressions include "however, we are" and "yet we are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we are villagers.

The Economist

But we are careful.

The Guardian

"But we are armed".

The New York Times

But we are not.

The New York Times

"But we are trying.

Independent

"But we are sober.

The New York Times

But we are improving.

Independent

But we are Korean.

The New York Times

But we are determined".

Independent

"But we are disappointed.

Independent

"But we are pragmatic".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, ensure there is a clear preceding clause to provide the necessary contrast.

Common error

Do not pair "but we are" with other contrast words like "however" in the same clause (e.g. "But however we are..."). Choose one transition word to avoid cluttering the sentence and confusing the logical flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but we are" serves as a contrastive transition combining the coordinating conjunction "but" with the first-person plural subject "we" and the present tense of the verb "to be". As noted by Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to introduce a statement that contradicts, clarifies, or qualifies what was previously mentioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "but we are" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase used to signal a shift in perspective. According to Ludwig AI, it is an effective tool for clarifying a group's position or identity, especially when countering an earlier claim or acknowledging a difficulty. With a high frequency of usage in elite publications like The New York Times and The Economist, it is appropriate for both casual and formal settings. While it is direct and punchy, writers seeking higher levels of formality can opt for "<a href="/s/however+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">however we are" or "<a href="/s/nonetheless+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">nonetheless we are". Overall, it remains one of the most reliable ways to introduce a collective counterpoint in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however we are

Provides a more formal transition often used in academic or professional writing.

yet we are

Adds a slightly more literary or poetic emphasis to the contrast.

still we are

Suggests a sense of persistence or an unchanging state despite other factors.

nevertheless we are

Stronger and more formal, suggesting that the following statement is true despite previous points.

nonetheless we are

Very formal and often interchangeable with "nevertheless we are".

even so we are

Focuses on the truth of the statement in spite of what has just happened.

although we are

Used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a concessive clause.

on the other hand we are

Used to balance two different perspectives or attributes.

conversely we are

Indicates a contrast that is the opposite of the previous statement.

but we remain

Emphasizes the continuation of a state rather than just the state itself.

FAQs

Is it okay to start a sentence with "but we are"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "but" is perfectly acceptable in modern English to provide emphasis. For a more formal alternative, you might use "<a href="/s/however+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">however we are".

What is the difference between "but we are" and "yet we are"?

"<a href="/s/yet+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">yet we are" often carries a more surprising or persistence-based tone, while "but we are" is a direct, neutral contrast marker.

How do I use "but we are" in a professional email?

You can use it to clarify a position, for example: "We understand the delays, but we are working to resolve them immediately." To sound more formal, consider "<a href="/s/nevertheless+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">nevertheless we are".

Can "but we are" be used to define a group identity?

Yes, it is often used after a negative assumption to assert a positive identity, similar to "<a href="/s/nonetheless+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">nonetheless we are" or simply "<a href="/s/still+we+are" target="_blank" rel="alternative">still we are".