but whenever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but whenever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a condition or situation that occurs repeatedly or at various times. Example: "I enjoy going for walks, but whenever it rains, I prefer to stay indoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But whenever".

The Guardian - Books

But whenever they're together, they chafe.

The New York Times

But whenever I need him, he's there.

Independent

"But, whenever religion is involved, things become more complicated".

The New Yorker

But whenever she wanted to be a tomboy, she was.

The Economist

"But whenever I'm asked about him, I tell the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

But whenever the temperature rises, so does chaos.

The New York Times

But whenever euphoria rises, he remembers the bad times.

The New York Times - Sports

"But, whenever they have some freedom to operate, they divide.

The New Yorker

But whenever money changes hands, suspicions are bound to arise.

The Economist

But, whenever you eat it, what is the best recipe?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but whenever" to introduce a contrast or exception that occurs repeatedly under specific circumstances. This helps create a clear and nuanced understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "but whenever" when a simple "but when" or "but if" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve repeated occurrences or conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but whenever" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase to introduce a clause that presents a contrast or exception which occurs repeatedly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but whenever" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce exceptions or contrasts under recurring conditions. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed, particularly in news and media contexts. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for most writing, simpler alternatives like "but when" may suffice in certain scenarios. To ensure effective communication, remember to reserve "but whenever" for situations genuinely involving repeated occurrences, avoiding overuse in simpler sentences. Overall, "but whenever" is a powerful tool for adding nuance and detail to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but when

Shorter, more direct way to express a conditional relationship.

but each time

Focuses on individual instances rather than a general condition.

but at any time

Emphasizes possibility rather than habitual occurrence.

but on every occasion

Formal alternative, highlighting each specific instance.

but in every instance

Similar to 'on every occasion', slightly more emphatic.

but if ever

Emphasizes the uncertainty or infrequency of the condition.

but as soon as

Highlights the immediate succession of events.

but in the event that

Formal alternative for expressing a conditional relationship.

but the moment that

Emphasizes the immediacy of the action following the condition.

but should it happen that

Highly formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a condition.

FAQs

How does "but whenever" differ from "but when"?

"But when" refers to a specific instance, while "but whenever" implies a recurring action or condition. Using "but whenever" suggests the described situation happens repeatedly or at various times.

What are some alternatives to "but whenever"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "but each time", "but at any time", or simply "but when".

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

While technically correct, starting a sentence directly with "but whenever" can sometimes sound less formal. It's often better to incorporate it into the clause it modifies.

Can I use "but whenever" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "but whenever" leans towards a neutral register. In very formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "but on every occasion" or "but in every instance" for a more sophisticated tone.