unfortunately but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunately but" is not correct and is generally not usable in written English.
The word "unfortunately" already conveys a sense of regret or disappointment, making the conjunction "but" redundant in this context. Example: "Unfortunately, we will have to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I missed last Sunday unfortunately but it was close.

Independent

That's gone now, unfortunately, but there are other solutions.

The New York Times

Not for this election, unfortunately, but for the one after.

The Economist

"I wasn't around unfortunately but wish I was," she agrees.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

None of the apps do everything well, unfortunately, but they are all fairly useful.

The New York Times - Tech

Unfortunately but perhaps inevitably, "Spirit Control" steadily loses elevation after this charged opening sequence.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the report found zero resonance in the media.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

My room has in recent years unfortunately -- but I am sure not abnormally -- been the scene of many heartbreaking chapters.

Huffington Post

But, unfortunately.

The New Yorker

But, unfortunately, yes.

The Guardian - Opinion

But unfortunately, Ramaphosa is corrupt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "unfortunately but" in your writing. The word "unfortunately" already implies a negative circumstance, making "but" redundant. Choose alternatives like "unfortunately, however" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Common error

Don't combine "unfortunately" directly with "but". Using both creates a clumsy construction. Instead, choose one or the other, or rephrase to avoid redundancy. Consider replacing "unfortunately but" with "however" or "nevertheless" after the initial statement of regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunately but" is used to express a sense of regret or disappointment, followed by a contrasting element. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is not grammatically correct. Its primary grammatical function is attempting to act as a conjunction linking two contrasting ideas, but it does so improperly due to redundancy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfortunately but" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to the redundancy of "but" following "unfortunately". Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While it appears in various contexts, especially News & Media, its usage should be avoided in favor of clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "unfortunately, however" or rephrasing the sentence entirely. It's important to prioritize accuracy and conciseness in writing, even when expressing contrasting ideas. Pay attention to the alternatives and most common errors for correct and effective written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's regrettable although

Similar to "unfortunately but" but uses a different adjective to express the negative sentiment.

it is regrettable however

Expresses a sense of regret or disappointment but uses a formal tone.

regrettably however

Replaces "unfortunately but" with a more formal expression of regret followed by a contrasting conjunction.

sadly nevertheless

Emphasizes the sadness of the situation while introducing a contrasting element despite the sadness.

alas yet

Uses a more archaic expression of sorrow coupled with a contrasting conjunction.

I regret to say that nevertheless

Expresses personal regret in a formal tone, adding a contrasting element.

to my dismay however

Indicates the speaker's disappointment before introducing a contrasting aspect.

it's a pity however

Expresses regret more colloquially, followed by a contrasting statement.

on the downside however

Introduces a negative aspect, immediately followed by a contrasting point.

by bad luck however

Uses 'by bad luck' as an alternative to 'unfortunately' expressing the negative sentiment.

FAQs

Is "unfortunately but" grammatically correct?

No, "unfortunately but" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The word "unfortunately" already implies a negative situation, so adding "but" is redundant. Consider alternatives or rephrasing.

What can I say instead of "unfortunately but"?

You can use alternatives like "unfortunately, however", "sadly, nevertheless", or rephrase the sentence to avoid the redundancy.

Why is "unfortunately but" considered redundant?

"Unfortunately" indicates a negative circumstance that is contrary to what is desired. Adding "but" repeats this contrast, creating a redundant construction. Choose one or the other for clearer writing.

How can I rephrase a sentence using "unfortunately but"?

Instead of "Unfortunately but...", try "Unfortunately, [negative situation]. However, [contrasting positive aspect]". This provides a smoother transition and avoids the grammatical issue.