Not directly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not directly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not straightforward or does not occur in a direct manner. Example: "The results of the experiment were not directly related to the hypothesis we proposed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not directly.

The New York Times

Not directly; not indirectly.

The Economist

Not directly, anyhow.

The New York Times - Books

Not directly," said Mr. Giakoumis.

The New York Times

Not directly, anyway.

The Guardian

Not directly, of course.

The New York Times - Books

Not directly map related, but might be.

University of California, Berkeley

Not directly to the NLP Group.

Stanford University

Not directly, at least not now.

The Washington Post

"Not directly," he says.

BBC

"Not directly from the sun.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not directly" to soften a negative statement or to indicate a relationship that is present but not obvious. This can help avoid overly blunt or assertive language.

Common error

Avoid using "not directly" in overly convoluted sentences where a simpler, more direct phrasing would improve clarity. Sometimes, a straightforward "no" or a more specific explanation is better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not directly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or state is not occurring in a straightforward or immediate manner. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used to qualify a statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Not directly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate an indirect relationship or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific writing, serving to add nuance and precision to statements. When using "not directly", consider whether a more straightforward phrasing would enhance clarity and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Remember, context matters when selecting the best alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not straight

Indicates a lack of straightforwardness; a more informal phrasing.

not exactly

Implies a slight inaccuracy or approximation; focuses on precision.

not straightforward

Highlights the complexity or indirectness of a situation.

not explicitly

Suggests that something is implied rather than stated outright.

not precisely

Implies a lack of accuracy or exactness; focuses on correctness.

not diametrically

Signifies an absence of direct opposition; a more formal term.

not specifically

Highlights a lack of detail or precision; focuses on particularity.

not readily

Suggests a lack of ease or willingness; emphasizes accessibility.

not immediately

Implies a delay or lack of instantaneity; focuses on timing.

not forthrightly

Indicates a lack of candor or directness in communication.

FAQs

How can I use "not directly" in a sentence?

Use "not directly" to indicate an indirect relationship or influence. For example: "The policy change did "not directly" affect the employees, but it did impact their departments."

What are some alternatives to saying "not directly"?

You can use alternatives such as "indirectly", "not exactly", or "not immediately" depending on the context in which you are using "not directly".

Is it correct to say "not directly related"?

Yes, "not directly related" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that there is some connection, but it is not a straightforward or obvious one.

What's the difference between "not directly" and "directly"?

"Directly" implies a clear and immediate connection or influence, while ""not directly"" suggests an indirect or less obvious connection. The addition of "not" reverses the meaning, indicating the absence of a straightforward relationship.