is but

USAGE SUMMARY

"is but" is correct and usable in written English, typically used as a conjunction to link two contrasting phrases.
Example: "The day was bright, but the night is but a sky of darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is but a minute sampling.

The New York Times

This is but a distant nightmare.

Independent

This is but 90 days.

Forbes

This is but one example.

TechCrunch

Man is but wraith.

The New Yorker

That is but one option.

The Economist

Everywhere, that is, but Japan.

Independent

This is but base camp.

Independent

Abercrombie is but one example.

The New York Times

No one, that is, but Hellier herself.

The New Yorker

Secrecy is but another word for fear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is but" to downplay the significance of one thing in relation to a larger context. For example, "This delay is but a minor setback in our overall progress."

Common error

Avoid using "is but" in casual conversations or informal writing. This phrase is more suited for formal writing and may sound out of place in everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is but" is to act as a linking verb phrase that diminishes the importance or scale of the subject. It is used to indicate that something is merely a small part of something larger or more significant. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is but" serves to diminish the importance or size of a subject, presenting it as a small component within a larger context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It's most commonly found in formal writing across news, encyclopedic entries, and scientific documents. While phrases like "is merely" or "is simply" can serve as alternatives, they may lack the specific nuance of downplaying significance conveyed by "is but". Overusing the phrase in informal settings may sound unnatural, so it's best reserved for formal writing where its minimizing effect is most appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely

Indicates something is just limited to the description being provided.

is simply

Highlights the straightforward nature of something.

is solely

Emphasizes exclusivity, that something is only this and nothing else.

is just

Suggests something is only a small amount or example.

amounts to only

Focuses on the total quantity or effect being small or limited.

represents just

Suggests that something is a symbolic or indicative example.

is no more than

Implies a dismissive or belittling tone, suggesting something is insignificant.

is a small part of

Emphasizes that something is a component within a larger entity or context.

is but a fraction of

Indicates something is a tiny piece relative to the whole.

is one small aspect of

Highlights that something is just one element among many.

FAQs

How can I use "is but" in a sentence?

Use "is but" to express that something is merely or only a small part of something larger or more significant. For example, "The cost is but a small fraction of the overall budget."

What phrases are similar to "is but"?

You can use alternatives such as "is merely", "is simply", or "is just" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is but"?

The phrase "is but" is appropriate in formal writing or speech where you want to emphasize that something is insignificant or a small part of a whole. It is less common in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "is but" and "is only"?

While both "is but" and "is only" can express limitation, "is but" often carries a more literary or formal tone, suggesting something is almost dismissible, while "is only" is more straightforward and neutral.