Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
but widely
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "but widely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not only true in a specific context but also applies broadly or generally. Example: "The theory is accepted in some circles, but widely criticized in others."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
But widely varying state laws compound the problem.
News & Media
Molly Pitcher was equally tragic, but widely admired.
News & Media
Pornography is illegal but widely available in China.
News & Media
Prostitution is illegal but widely tolerated in every major city.
News & Media
These moves were controversial, but widely recognised as beneficial.
News & Media
The country's mixed progress is not hidden, but widely discussed.
News & Media
(This view is historically debatable, but widely held in China).
News & Media
Vision-correcting eyeglasses not included but widely available.
News & Media
Fennel is a perennial herb indigenous to the Mediterranean, but widely propagated.
News & Media
Rumors of secret talks between Israelis and Palestinians were denied -- but widely believed -- on both sides.
News & Media
Sadly, history hasn't been kind to Owen's endearing, but widely inaccurate, creations.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure that the contrasting elements connected by "but widely" are clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "but widely" excessively in formal writing where more sophisticated transitional phrases might be appropriate. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "but widely" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas. It emphasizes that while one aspect might be true, the other is generally prevalent or accepted, creating a balanced yet contrasting statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.
Frequent in
News & Media
52%
Science
26%
Encyclopedias
8%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Wiki
5%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "but widely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to introduce a contrast to a generally accepted or widespread idea. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure the contrasting elements are clear to prevent ambiguity. While versatile, be mindful of overusing it in overly formal contexts, opting for more sophisticated alternatives when appropriate.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
though broadly
Replaces "but" with "though" and "widely" with "broadly", maintaining a similar sense of contrast and scope.
yet extensively
Substitutes "but" with "yet" and "widely" with "extensively", emphasizing a contrasting viewpoint and widespread occurrence.
however generally
Replaces "but" with "however" and "widely" with "generally", offering a more formal tone while retaining a similar meaning.
although commonly
Changes "but" to "although" and "widely" to "commonly", preserving the contrasting element and common prevalence.
while extensively
Uses "while" to introduce the contrast and "extensively" to indicate broad reach or application.
in contrast, broadly
Explicitly uses "in contrast" to highlight the opposition and "broadly" to denote widespread existence.
conversely, extensively
Employs "conversely" to show a reversal and "extensively" for widespread impact or use.
notwithstanding widespread
More formal, indicates that something exists or is true despite the widespread nature of something else.
despite being widespread
Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate that something occurs even though it's widespread.
even if broadly
Uses "even if" to concede a point and "broadly" to indicate wide applicability or scope.
FAQs
How can I use "but widely" in a sentence?
Use "but widely" to introduce a contrast where the second part of the statement is generally known or accepted. For example, "The policy was criticized, "but widely" supported by the public".
What are some alternatives to "but widely"?
You can use alternatives like "though broadly", "yet extensively", or "however generally" depending on the specific context.
Is it grammatically correct to use "but widely" in formal writing?
Yes, "but widely" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider the tone and flow of your writing; sometimes a more sophisticated transitional phrase may be more appropriate.
What's the difference between "but widely" and "although commonly"?
"But widely" emphasizes a direct contrast with a generally accepted idea, while "although commonly" introduces a concession before presenting a contrasting point. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested