are partial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are partial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not complete or is biased in some way. Example: "The results of the survey are partial and do not represent the entire population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asymmetric wars are partial, intermittent and lack clear endings.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are partial to a bit of clog dancing.

The Guardian - Music

Several of our setters are partial to spoonerisms.

The Guardian

The cold-war analogies here are partial, but persuasive.

The Economist

Contradictory truths emerging from the nation's most comprehensive child-care study are partial snapshots, too.

The New York Times

Of course, all facts are partial, all facts have a context.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who are partial to them won't be disappointed on Tuesday, he said.

The New York Times

Cubans, for instance, are partial to cumin, and Dominicans to oregano.

The New York Times - Food

We're not the only mammals who are partial to blackberries, far from it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some pills contain no active ingredients, some are partial strength and some the wrong formulation entirely.

The Guardian

For the most part, their plans are partial failures, just like the characters themselves.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are partial to" to indicate a preference. E.g: "Scientists are partial to using control groups in experiments."

Common error

Avoid using "are partial" when you mean "are impartial". "Partial" means biased or incomplete, while "impartial" means unbiased or fair. Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are partial" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, indicating a state or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing incompleteness or bias.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are partial" is a versatile expression used to convey incompleteness, bias, or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds common use in news, scientific, and general contexts. When employing this phrase, it's essential to consider the context carefully to ensure clarity, especially distinguishing between "partial" and "impartial". While "are partial" can denote something unfinished or leaning toward a specific viewpoint, understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication. Remember that alternatives like "are incomplete" or "are biased" might be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are incomplete

Focuses on the aspect of something not being finished or whole.

are biased

Highlights the aspect of favoring one side or perspective over others.

are fond of

Emphasizes a liking or preference for something.

have a preference for

Formally expresses a tendency to choose one thing over another.

lean towards

Suggests a slight inclination or favoritism.

are inclined to

Indicates a predisposition or tendency to do something.

favor

Directly expresses a preference for something.

are predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing tendency or susceptibility.

are sympathetic to

Indicates an understanding or support for a particular viewpoint.

are limited

Implies restrictions or constraints, similar to incompleteness.

FAQs

How can I use "are partial" in a sentence?

You can use "are partial" to indicate that something is incomplete, such as "The survey results "are partial" because not everyone responded". Alternatively, it can indicate a bias, such as "The judge might "are partial" to the defendant".

What does it mean when something is described as "are partial"?

When something is described as "are partial", it means it is either incomplete or biased. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.

What are some alternatives to saying "are partial to"?

Alternatives to "are partial to" include "are fond of", "have a preference for", or "lean towards". These all suggest a liking or preference for something.

How does using "are partial" affect the tone of my writing?

Using "are partial" can introduce a degree of caution or criticism, especially when describing data or analyses. When describing personal preferences, it adds a nuanced way to express liking without being overly enthusiastic.