... but did you ever go there?

[Akane]

In a narrative context, I wrote: “That resort disappeared after the bubble burst, but did you ever go there?”
Someone says “but” is odd because the second clause is not a clear contrast with the first; they prefer “That resort disappeared after the bubble burst. Did you ever go there?”
Is “but” natural here in contemporary English, especially in writing?

 

[teechar]

In a narrative context, I wrote: “That resort disappeared after the bubble burst, but did you ever go there?”

What do you mean by "a narrative context"? Tell us more.

Someone says

Who is that someone?

“but” is odd because the second clause is not a clear contrast with the first; they prefer “That resort disappeared after the bubble burst. Did you ever go there?”

That "but" may or may not be needed or useful. It all depends on the broader context.

Is “but” natural here in contemporary English, especially in writing?

For example:
A: Did you visit Northern Lights resort when you worked in the area ten years ago?
B: Is it still there?
A: That resort disappeared after the bubble burst, but did you ever go there?
Here, "but" is useful, because it's focusing the conversation back on the original question asked by A.

 

[Akane]

Thank you.
I meant “narrative context” in the sense of storytelling or describing events from the past — for example, in a memoir, essay, or spoken reminiscence.
That someone is a Japanese acquaintance and a non-native speaker.