a qualified yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a qualified yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express agreement with some reservations or conditions. Example: "While I appreciate your proposal, I can only give you a qualified yes until we discuss the budget further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The answer, a qualified yes.

The New York Times

The answer was a qualified yes.

The New York Times - Tech

The answer is a qualified yes.

The Guardian

Many experts respond with a qualified yes.

The New York Times

The answer appears to be a qualified yes.

The New York Times - Sports

Surprisingly, the answer seems to be a qualified yes.

The Guardian

When Mr. Levin asked if that was "a qualified yes," General Petraeus agreed.

The New York Times

The answer, based on the four centerpiece programs available for review, is a qualified yes.

The New York Times - Arts

On the face of it, the answer is a qualified yes.

The Guardian

"Do I take that to be a qualified yes, a qualified no or just a nonanswer?" he asked.

The New York Times

Is there any reason to be more optimistic about Mr Idei's "digital strategy"?The answer is a qualified yes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a qualified yes", immediately follow it with an explanation of the qualifications. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a qualified yes" without clarifying the conditions or reservations. Leaving the qualifications unstated can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of your actual stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a qualified yes" functions as a declarative expression, typically used in response to a question or proposal. It indicates agreement, but not without reservations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses agreement with certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a qualified yes" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey agreement with certain conditions or reservations. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often used when a speaker wants to express assent but is not entirely convinced or has specific concerns. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, followed by science, indicating its widespread use in reporting and analytical contexts. To ensure clear communication, always specify the qualifications when using "a qualified yes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conditional affirmation

Emphasizes the presence of specific conditions that must be met for the agreement to hold.

a hesitant agreement

Highlights the uncertainty or reluctance in giving the affirmative response.

an agreement with reservations

Directly states that the agreement is not absolute and includes certain reservations.

a guarded acceptance

Suggests a cautious or wary approval, possibly due to anticipated risks or drawbacks.

a tentative endorsement

Implies that the support is provisional and may change depending on future developments.

a partial concurrence

Indicates agreement on some aspects but not necessarily on all.

a limited approval

Specifies that the approval is restricted in scope or duration.

a yes, but with caveats

Clearly indicates an affirmative response followed by specific conditions or limitations.

an affirmative response with conditions

A more formal way of expressing agreement with specific preconditions.

a cautious assent

Conveys agreement tempered by a degree of wariness or prudence.

FAQs

How can I use "a qualified yes" in a sentence?

You can use "a qualified yes" when you want to express agreement but with certain reservations. For example, "Do you agree with the proposal?" "A qualified yes, but we need to address the budget concerns first."

What's an alternative to saying "a qualified yes"?

You can use alternatives like "a conditional yes", "a hesitant agreement", or "an agreement with reservations" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a qualified yes" or "yes, but"?

Both phrases express agreement with reservations, but "a qualified yes" is often perceived as more formal and concise. "Yes, but" can sound less professional in certain contexts.

What does it mean when someone gives "a qualified yes"?

It means they generally agree with something but have specific conditions or reservations that need to be considered. It's not a full endorsement, and the outcome depends on addressing the qualifications.