but not comprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not comprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is limited in scope or coverage, suggesting that while it includes important elements, it does not cover everything. Example: "The report provides an overview of the project, but not comprehensive details on every aspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The database is more reliable but not comprehensive, the Department of Homeland Security has said.

The New York Times

This Blogger site presents a large but not comprehensive set of posts on new fly models of human diseases and use of fly models to study those diseases.

Harvard University

Recently introduced quarantines, which fumigate incoming passenger planes and the supplies of researchers headed for uninhabited islands, are encouraging to experts but not comprehensive.

The New York Times - Science

Sina.com, for instance, built a name for itself with its coverage of popular reactions to the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, in May 1999, opening chat rooms in which people could vent their feelings outside government channels.Politics by e-mailThese state constraints are powerful, but not comprehensive.

The Economist

A draft review is helpful but not comprehensive; we do not edit dissertations.

University of Chicago

One could however hold that morality is comprehensive but not dominant, or dominant but not comprehensive, or indeed neither dominant nor comprehensive.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This list contains the more important items but is not comprehensive.

Britannica

This paper also gives a general (but apparently not comprehensive) method for constructing systems with no zero entries.

Journal of Combinatorial Theory, Series A

English Heritage says it is the most complete survey of "at risk" heritage to date, but is not comprehensive with, apart from London, only grade I and grade II* included on the register.

The Guardian

Ricotta (2005) surveys some of the more recent work but is not comprehensive.

SEP

The guides below highlight many of our holdings but are not comprehensive listings of the entire collection.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not comprehensive" to accurately reflect limitations in scope, coverage, or detail when presenting information. This ensures transparency and manages reader expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "but not comprehensive" when the subject is clearly incomplete. Instead, consider using phrases like "preliminary" or "initial" to set expectations appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not comprehensive" functions as a qualifying conjunction. It connects two ideas, where the first idea is tempered by the second, indicating a limitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively conveys that something, while useful or substantial, lacks complete coverage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not comprehensive" is a grammatically correct conjunction used to indicate that while something is valuable or informative, it is limited in scope or detail. Ludwig AI validates its linguistic soundness. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, serving to manage expectations and provide transparency about the limitations of the subject at hand. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the limited scope, preventing potential overestimation of the subject's completeness. Alternatives such as "yet not exhaustive" or "though incomplete" can be used depending on the nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not all-inclusive

Highlights that not every element is contained or considered, conveying that something excludes some portions.

yet not exhaustive

Stresses that the coverage is not thorough or complete in every detail, pointing out the absence of an exhaustive approach.

though not thorough

Suggests that something lacks a meticulous and comprehensive approach, pointing out its superficial nature.

though incomplete

Indicates a state of being unfinished or lacking some parts, highlighting the absence of completion.

still partial

Indicates that something is only a fraction or portion of the whole, conveying incompleteness.

although selective

Suggests that only certain elements have been chosen, emphasizing a lack of overall coverage.

however limited

Emphasizes the presence of restrictions or boundaries, suggesting a confined scope.

while restricted

Highlights that something is confined or kept within specific limits.

nonetheless narrow

Indicates that the scope is limited or restricted, conveying a sense of confinement.

even if circumscribed

Implies that something is marked off or limited by a boundary, noting its restricted nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "but not comprehensive" to describe something that provides valuable information or services yet has limitations. For instance, "The guide is helpful, "but not comprehensive", so further research may be required."

What are some alternatives to "but not comprehensive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet not exhaustive", "though incomplete", or "however limited", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "but not comprehensive"?

Use "but not comprehensive" when acknowledging limitations in a dataset, analysis, or overview. It is suitable when the subject offers a solid foundation "but not all-inclusive" or is not fully complete.

What's the difference between "but not comprehensive" and "but incomplete"?

"But not comprehensive" suggests that while something is valuable, it may lack detail or cover all aspects. "But incomplete" emphasizes a state of being unfinished or lacking necessary parts. Depending on the context, you may select "still partial" to highlight the unfinished characteristic.