whoops but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whoops but" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used to acknowledge a mistake or error before introducing a contrasting point or correction. Example: "Whoops but I forgot to mention that the meeting has been rescheduled to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Whoops!" But when he got to Florida, the man told him angrily: "I know who you are!

Independent

"This is really flattering guys," he tells an audience still emitting high-level whoops, "but that really is it.

The Guardian - Music

I high-fived a lot of strangers that night and let out a few periodic animal whoops, but what I really wished was for my father to be cheering with me there, too.

The New Yorker

At the convention center where Mr. Obama spoke, the audience was made up largely of university students and left-wing peace activists who rewarded even some of his most challenging lines with ovations and whoops, but the reaction outside the hall was more muted.

The New York Times

He whoops but then as the flame dissipates and he catches on he says, "Real funny!

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The crowd whooped, but Paul Ryan looked noticeably restrained.

The Guardian - Film

Alone, except for the taxi-driver, in the rotunda of the Capitol, I thought I heard Huey make his one whoop, but the sound may have been a mere hallucination.

The New Yorker

There are plenty of casino skeptics who might say big whoop, but you can't spend time in Atlantic City and miss how much is happening, not just the development on the Boardwalk but also the condominiums and town houses sprouting all over the waterfront area.

The New York Times

Fame's bebop soliloquy on Everything Happens to Me, and an Alan Barnes tour de force on Artie Shaw's 1940 clarinet concerto made the buffs whoop, but Barker's bespoke band played with their usual assurance, even if Motown soul grooves still slightly fox them.

The Guardian - Music

You may think this is no big whoop, but it is.

TechCrunch

I know they're "no big whoop," but a TV wedding is quite the sweeps stunt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whoops but" sparingly and in informal contexts where a lighthearted tone is appropriate. Avoid using it in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "whoops but" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for phrases like "however", "nevertheless", or "on the other hand" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whoops but" functions as a conversational interjection followed by a conjunction. It's used to acknowledge a minor error or realization before introducing a contrasting statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, though informal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whoops but" is a grammatically correct, albeit informal, construction used to acknowledge a minor error before introducing a contrasting statement. Ludwig AI confirms the usability. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its informal register makes it unsuitable for academic or professional writing. Alternatives like "oops, however" or "my mistake, but" can provide a similar function in a slightly more formal manner. Remember to use "whoops but" sparingly and consider your audience to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Oops, however

Replaces "whoops" with a more common interjection, while retaining the contrasting "but".

My mistake, but

More explicitly acknowledges an error before introducing the contrasting point.

Sorry, but

A simple and direct way to express regret before providing a contrasting statement.

Regrettably, however

More formal and emphasizes the speaker's regret.

Unfortunately, but

Highlights the negative aspect of the initial situation before the contrast.

I was wrong, but

Directly admits a mistake, followed by a contrasting statement.

That was my bad, but

Uses an informal expression for admitting fault.

I erred, but

More formal and emphasizes the error made.

By mistake, but

Indicates the action was unintentional before the contrasting point.

Upon reflection, however

Indicates a change in thought after considering something.

FAQs

What does "whoops but" mean?

The phrase "whoops but" is used to acknowledge a minor error or oversight before introducing a contrasting statement or correction.

Is "whoops but" grammatically correct?

Yes, "whoops but" is grammatically acceptable in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

What can I say instead of "whoops but"?

You can use alternatives like "oops however", "my mistake but", or "sorry but" depending on the context.

Is "whoops but" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "whoops but" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more formal phrases like "however" or "nevertheless" instead.