folks but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "folks but" is not correct and does not form a complete or usable expression in written English.
It may be intended to introduce a contrast or exception, but it lacks clarity and context to be effectively used. Example: "I appreciate everyone's effort, folks but we need to improve our communication."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Regular folks, but rich regular folks.

The New York Times - Style

Long day folks but a happy one.

The Guardian - Music

It's Ashes cricket, folks, but not as we know it.

The Guardian - Sport

Sorry, folks, but we've heard them all before.

The New York Times

I said, I'm sorry, folks, but we have to take care people that don't have money.

Independent

He runs to us and shakes hands with the O.P.C. folks but avoids my eyes.

The New Yorker

That may be news to some folks, but it's the truth".

The New York Times

Sorry folks, but we may not be getting that draw live after all.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Williamson used to sing rock and folk, but it wasn't his passion.

The New Yorker

His musical roots might have been in folk, but they are strong.

The New York Times

She's not trying to be this "fairy princess of folk", but it's really entrancing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "folks but" with more formal conjunctions or transition phrases such as "however", "nevertheless", or "even so" to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "folks but" in formal writing. Although common in spoken language, it can make your writing seem unprofessional. Opt for more appropriate conjunctions depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "folks but" functions as an informal conjunction, attempting to connect two contrasting ideas or clauses. Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect but shows it's frequently used in certain contexts. It serves to introduce a contrasting statement, often in a casual or conversational manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "folks but" is frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media, it is flagged as grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. It functions as an informal conjunction to signal a contrast, but its use is best avoided in formal writing. For improved clarity and professionalism, consider using alternatives such as "people, however" or "everyone, still". The phrase's informal nature and grammatical issues contribute to a lower expert rating, emphasizing the importance of choosing more appropriate conjunctions in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

team, but

Replaces "folks" with the team and keeps using "but" to express the contrast.

all, but

Replaces "folks" with all and keeps using "but" to express the contrast.

everyone, still

Replaces "folks" with the more inclusive "everyone" and "but" with the simpler "still" for contrast.

people, however

Replaces "folks" with the more formal "people" and "but" with the smoother transition word "however".

individuals, yet

Substitutes "folks" with "individuals" for a more formal tone, and "but" with "yet" to imply contrast.

everyone, nevertheless

Replaces "folks" with "everyone" for broader applicability and "but" with "nevertheless" for emphasis.

people, on the other hand

Uses "people" for a general audience and "on the other hand" for a stronger contrast than "but".

colleagues, even so

Uses "colleagues" for a professional context, replacing "folks", and "but" with "even so" to suggest concession.

friends, nonetheless

Employs "friends" for a casual tone, substituting "folks", and "but" with "nonetheless" to imply a degree of unexpectedness.

ladies and gentlemen, however

Adds a formal address and uses "however" to introduce a contrasting point.

FAQs

How can I use "folks but" correctly in a sentence?

While "folks but" appears in informal contexts, it is generally grammatically incorrect. To maintain clarity and professionalism, consider using alternatives such as "people, however" or "everyone, still."

What can I say instead of "folks but" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, replace "folks but" with phrases like "people, however" or "individuals, yet". These alternatives provide a smoother transition and are suitable for professional settings.

Is it acceptable to use "folks but" in written communication?

While "folks but" is commonly used in spoken language, it's generally not recommended for written communication, especially in formal contexts. It's better to use alternatives like "everyone, nevertheless" or "team, but" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

What is the difference between "folks but" and "people, however"?

"Folks but" is an informal and grammatically questionable construction, while "people, however" is a grammatically correct and more formal alternative. "People, however" provides a clearer and more professional way to introduce a contrasting idea.