but which was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but which was" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to introduce a contrast to something that was previously mentioned. For example: She had dreamed of being an actress, but which was an unrealistic goal given her limited talent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But which was real?

The New York Times

But which was worth your time?

The Economist

But which was the best?

The New York Times

But which was challenge, which response?

The Guardian

But which was its recommended course of action?

Independent

But which was the later, and thus the authoritative version?

The Guardian - Books

Frye's is now a name that you never hear mentioned but which was then everywhere.

The Guardian

I had shown Renzo a Louis XV silk scarf I had, but which was too small to use anywhere.

The New York Times

A sum of surety, put up by friends but which was not disclosed publicly, was also imposed.

Independent

"I worked on a novel for seven years, which I thought was amazing, but which was godawful.

The Guardian

But which was the dumb opinion, thinking Einstein was so great or thinking he was the worst?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but which was" to smoothly introduce a contrasting element that modifies a previous clause. It works best when the 'which' refers directly to a noun in that clause.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "but which was". This phrase is designed to connect and contrast within a sentence, not to introduce a new, independent thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but which was" functions as a conjunctive relative clause, introducing a contrasting or qualifying detail related to a preceding noun or clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it connects ideas while adding an element of contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but which was" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction that serves to introduce a contrasting element within a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to add details that qualify or contrast with a previous statement. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly refers back to a preceding noun or idea and is not used as a sentence starter. Consider alternatives like "yet it was" or "though it was" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet it was

Replaces "but which" with "yet", providing a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the contrast.

though it was

Substitutes "but which" with "though", offering a concession before the contrasting information.

however it was

Uses "however" instead of "but which", emphasizing a stronger contrast or unexpected element.

even though it was

Adds "even though" to highlight a circumstance that contrasts with the main point.

while it was

Replaces "but which" with "while", indicating a simultaneous or parallel condition.

and yet it was

Combines "and" and "yet" for a more emphatic contrast, highlighting the unexpected nature of the following information.

but it happened to be

Adds "happened to be" to emphasize the accidental or coincidental nature of the contrasting element.

but it turned out to be

Uses "turned out to be" to indicate a discovery or realization that contrasts with previous expectations.

conversely it was

Replaces "but which" with "conversely", presenting the following information as a direct opposite or reversal.

in contrast it was

Emphasizes the contrasting nature of the information with "in contrast", making the difference more explicit.

FAQs

How can I use "but which was" in a sentence?

Use "but which was" to add a contrasting detail that describes something previously mentioned in the sentence. For example, "She ordered a coffee, "but which was" surprisingly bitter."

What's a simple alternative to "but which was"?

A simpler alternative is "but it was", though it might slightly alter the flow and emphasis. Consider context when choosing.

Is it ever wrong to use "but which was"?

It can sound awkward if the 'which' doesn't clearly refer back to a specific noun or idea in the preceding clause. Ensure clarity to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "but which was" and "but that was"?

"But which was" is typically used to add a descriptive, contrasting detail about something already mentioned. "But that was" is used to introduce a contrasting statement or fact. For example, "He tried to help, "but which was" not appreciated" versus "He tried to help, "but that was" a mistake".