it is so but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is so but" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where you want to acknowledge a statement while introducing a contrasting point, but it is better to use a more conventional structure. Example: "It is so but we need to consider the other side of the argument."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We should have said we suspect that it is so, but we can't say for sure.

BBC

He admits at one point that its third person counterpart makes sense, but characterizes the sense it makes by appeal to a prohibition on saying "I know it is so, but I may be wrong" (1946: 98).

SEP

That may be and let us hope that it is so, but the breeze seems to have barely ruffled a leaf on the White House lawn.

Huffington Post

PARTRIDGE: It is so, but the implication is some dishonest approach to this problem, and that is not well founded.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is feminine but it is cut, it is so delicate but it is a scalpel.

Independent

It is so complex, but I do believe that".

Los Angeles Times

But it is so.

Independent

But it is so slow.

The New Yorker

Hair is so simple — but it is so fundamental".

The New Yorker

You smile, Hedley, but it is so.

The New Yorker

"But it is so exciting and arresting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is so but", ensure that the contrasting clause provides a clear and significant counterpoint to the initial statement. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or hesitant.

Common error

Avoid using "it is so but" in formal writing. Consider replacing it with more sophisticated conjunctions like "however", "nevertheless", or "notwithstanding" for a smoother and more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is so but" functions as a concessive conjunction. It acknowledges a preceding statement while introducing a contrasting or limiting factor. The usage of this phrase, according to Ludwig AI, can sound awkward and benefit from clearer conjunctions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is so but" serves as a concessive conjunction, acknowledging a point while introducing a contrast. Though grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that its usage can often be improved with stronger conjunctions for enhanced clarity and formality, particularly in professional and academic contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, but writers should carefully consider whether a more direct or sophisticated phrasing would be more effective. Alternatives like "it is true however" or "that may be the case however" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is true but

Replaces "so" with "true" maintaining a similar meaning while providing a slightly more formal tone.

that is so but

Starts with "that" instead of "it" adding a bit more distance to the affirmation.

while that is so

Inverts the structure to begin with the contrasting element.

even though that is so

Adds emphasis on the contrast using "even though".

granted that is so

Introduces a more formal concession at the beginning of the phrase.

although that is so

Uses "although" for a slightly more formal and literary tone.

it may be so but

Introduces a degree of uncertainty with "may be".

it's like that but

Uses a more casual and colloquial tone.

though it is so

Switches the order, starting with the contrast.

despite it being so

Uses a more complex grammatical structure to emphasize the contrast.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is so but" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "it is true however", "that may be the case however", or "granted that is so nevertheless".

Is "it is so but" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "it is so but" is considered an awkward phrasing. It's often better to use more direct conjunctions or transitional phrases for clarity and flow.

What's a more casual way to say "it is so but"?

In informal contexts, you could use "it's like that but" or simply "that's true but". However, be mindful of the audience and the situation.

How does the placement of "but" affect the sentence structure when using "it is so"?

Placing "but" after "it is so" creates a direct contrast. Moving it earlier, such as "although it is so", emphasizes the concession before the contrasting point.