are not comprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not comprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something does not cover all aspects or details of a subject. Example: "The guidelines provided are not comprehensive, and further research may be necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These comparisons are not comprehensive.

The New York Times

The study has some shortcomings — course descriptions are not comprehensive and there are no comparative surveys from previous years.

The New York Times

"While our economic sanctions give us the moral high-ground, they are largely ineffective because they are not comprehensive".

The New York Times

The available data are not comprehensive, but they suggest that the race of the victim has a large effect on sentences.

The New York Times

These terms are not comprehensive enough to deal with the realm involved: it makes it all seem like a klatch of bourgeois plagiarisms.

The New Yorker

They say the proposed cuts are not comprehensive enough because they do not address pensions for teachers, university employees or judges.

The New York Times

Notes on chart sizing, from McKinsey Global Institute: These economic impact estimates are not comprehensive and include potential direct impact of sized applications only.

The New York Times

Indeed the terms of marriage are not comprehensive enough to cover this, though they traditionally assigned the bulk of childcare to wives.

The New York Times

However, these models are not comprehensive enough.

Petroleum Science

The types of privacy data which can be detected are not comprehensive.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Labour says the plans are not comprehensive enough and has urged the coalition to do more.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not comprehensive", be specific about what aspects are lacking or what areas require further exploration. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are not comprehensive" when the subject is reasonably complete for its intended purpose. Instead, consider more nuanced phrasing that acknowledges its limitations without implying severe inadequacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not comprehensive" functions as a qualifying statement, indicating that something is incomplete or lacking in scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It is commonly used to acknowledge limitations or to set expectations about the depth or breadth of information provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not comprehensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is incomplete or lacks full coverage. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional writing where precision is valued. Common alternative phrases include ""are incomplete"" and ""are not exhaustive"". When using this phrase, it's important to be clear about what is missing to manage reader expectations. However avoid overstating limitations when the subject is adequate for its purpose. Usage is frequent in sources such as The New York Times and scientific journals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are incomplete

Focuses on the state of being unfinished or lacking parts.

are not exhaustive

Emphasizes that not all possibilities or details are included.

are not all-inclusive

Highlights that certain elements or aspects are excluded.

do not cover everything

A more straightforward way of saying that something is missing.

are not thorough

Indicates a lack of detailed examination or attention.

are limited in scope

Highlights restrictions in the range or extent of coverage.

lack completeness

Stresses the absence of a state of being complete.

are not detailed enough

Focuses on the level of specificity provided.

are deficient

Indicates a shortage or inadequacy.

are superficial

Suggests a lack of depth or substance.

FAQs

How can I use "are not comprehensive" in a sentence?

You can use "are not comprehensive" to indicate that something does not cover all aspects of a topic or subject. For example, "The provided guidelines "are not comprehensive", so consult additional resources."

What's a good alternative to "are not comprehensive"?

Alternatives include "are incomplete", "are not exhaustive", or "do not cover everything". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to say something is "not comprehensive"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge limitations or gaps in coverage. This is useful in academic papers, reports, or any situation where acknowledging the scope is important.

What is the difference between "are not comprehensive" and "are not thorough"?

"Are not comprehensive" indicates that something is missing elements or aspects, while "are not thorough" implies a lack of detailed examination or attention. They are similar, but "thorough" focuses on the depth of analysis.