Not automatically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not automatically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not happen by default or without intervention. Example: "The software will not automatically update; you need to enable the feature in the settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not automatically.

The Economist

Not automatically, but it could happen.

BBC

Content is not automatically advertising.

The Guardian

"Quality does not automatically arrive with privatisation.

The Economist

"Their views should not automatically be dismissed".

The New York Times

Except, of course, that's not automatically true.

The Guardian - Opinion

They shouldn't; not automatically, in any event.

The New York Times

Seeing does not automatically equal selling, though.

The New York Times

AT&T is not automatically crediting customers for such charges.

The New York Times - Tech

These denials do not automatically disprove the story, of course.

The New Yorker

Growing more food will not automatically earn them larger earnings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not automatically", consider adding a brief explanation of what does need to happen for the desired outcome to occur.

Common error

Avoid assuming that users or readers will understand an action happens automatically. If there's a manual step involved, explicitly state it instead of relying on the assumption that something will occur "automatically".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not automatically" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or result does not occur by default or without intervention. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not automatically" serves to clarify that something doesn't occur by default, preventing misunderstandings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While versatile, providing additional context about what is required, rather than simply stating what isn't, enhances clarity. Consider alternatives like "not by default" or "not necessarily" for nuanced meanings. Be sure to avoid the common error of assuming automatic actions; instead, explicitly state the necessary steps. Its presence in both news articles and scientific papers marks it as appropriate for neutral to professional settings. However, the register is less common in academic and formal writing. Remember to always provide sufficient context when using "not automatically" to improve understanding and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not by default

Emphasizes that a specific action or result won't happen unless explicitly set or configured.

Not inherently

Highlights that a quality or characteristic is not an intrinsic part of something.

Does not necessarily

Indicates that something is possible, but not a certainty.

Not as a matter of course

Formal way to say that something does not happen regularly or usually.

Not invariably

Suggests that something is subject to variation or exceptions.

Not unconditionally

Implies there are conditions or limitations to consider.

Not intrinsically

Points out that something isn't valuable or meaningful in itself.

Not without exception

Acknowledges that there are specific instances where a different outcome may occur.

It doesn't follow

Indicates a conclusion or consequence does not logically result from something.

That's not a given

Emphasizes that something cannot be taken for granted and may not happen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not automatically" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you can replace "not automatically" with phrases such as "not by default", "not as a matter of course", or "not inherently".

Is there a subtle difference between "not automatically" and "not necessarily"?

Yes, "not automatically" implies that something won't happen without intervention, whereas "not necessarily" suggests that something is possible but not guaranteed. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the need for action or the lack of certainty.

Can "not automatically" be used in both positive and negative contexts?

Yes, "not automatically" can be used to clarify that something doesn't happen on its own, regardless of whether the intended outcome is positive or negative. For example, "winning the lottery is "not automatically" guaranteed" (negative) or "installing the update does "not automatically" enable new features" (neutral).

What's a common mistake to avoid when using "not automatically"?

A common mistake is failing to explain the steps needed for the desired outcome if it doesn't happen "automatically". Always provide context or instructions to guide the reader or user on what actions they need to take.