not but that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not but that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a contrasting or unexpected statement. Here is an example: "John was known for his calm and collected demeanor, not but that he had a fiery temper that occasionally flared up unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sign up now to get the best of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

"She's not, but that doesn't matter.

The New Yorker

Perhaps not, but that view is becoming less popular.

The Economist

Perhaps not, but that does not make it improper.

The New York Times

I feel right now I'm not, but that doesn't mean I won't.

Princeton University

It's not that information is or is not, but that information reception is relative.

Cornell University

Probably not, but that depends on how the military campaign against ISIS unfolds.

The New Yorker

Probably not, but that does not mean it was much ado about not much.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In that case, if somebody asked, "Why not?" you would say, "Here's why not…" But that question doesn't get asked.

Harvard Business Review

They're trustworthy with children, except when they're not--but that goes for any breed of dog really.

HuffPost

Of course, theists may well be able to hold that the originals are sound, and the parodies not but that is an entirely unrelated issue.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not but that" to introduce a nuanced contrast or a surprising qualification to a preceding statement, adding depth and complexity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not but that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative expressions like "'not only that but'" or "'not so much that as'" for greater stylistic diversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not but that" functions as a conjunctional phrase, serving to introduce a qualification, contrast, or unexpected twist to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and the examples provided offer contextual understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not but that" is a grammatically correct conjunctional phrase used to introduce a qualification or nuanced contrast. While versatile, its use leans towards neutral and formal contexts like news articles and academic papers. Ludwig AI and the examples show its proper usage, offering insight into constructing complex and thoughtful sentences. For stylistic variation, alternatives like "notwithstanding that" or "not only that but" can also be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exactly but

Indicates that the previous statement is only partially accurate, with a further explanation.

not necessarily but

Suggests that something is possible but not guaranteed, followed by a contrasting point.

not because of that but

Specifies that the reason is something other than what was previously mentioned.

not in that sense but

Clarifies that a previous statement should not be interpreted in a particular way, offering an alternative understanding.

not so much that as

Indicates a correction or refinement of the initial statement.

not just that but

Similar to 'not only that but', but implies a more casual tone.

not with that intention but

Clarifies that an action was not performed with a specific purpose, offering an alternative motive.

not only that but

Adds emphasis to the initial statement before introducing an additional point.

notwithstanding that

Acknowledges a previous point but introduces a contrasting fact or argument.

not that I recall but

Expresses uncertainty or lack of memory, followed by a related thought or event.

FAQs

How can I use "not but that" in a sentence?

Use "not but that" to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point that adds nuance to a previous statement. For example: "He was known for his punctuality, not but that he occasionally ran late due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a more formal way to express the idea of "not but that"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "notwithstanding that" or "however", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference in meaning between "not but that" and "but"?

While both introduce a contrast, "not but that" often implies a subtler or more unexpected contrast than a simple "but". It suggests a qualification rather than a direct contradiction. Using alternatives like "'not so much that as'" can also convey that idea.

Can "not but that" be used in all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "not but that" may sound somewhat formal or literary. It's generally suitable for academic, professional, or creative writing, but might be less common in everyday conversation. Depending on the type of writing, using alternative words can be a good idea.