but not exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a close approximation or similarity while acknowledging a difference or lack of precision. Example: "The painting resembles a famous masterpiece, but not exactly; it has its own unique style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Close, but not exactly.

The New York Times - Sports

But not exactly.

The New York Times

But not exactly out of nowhere.

The New York Times

Not dead, but not exactly robust, either.

The New York Times

Living perhaps, but not exactly thriving.

The New York Times

Cute, but not exactly "Tiny Dancer".

The New Yorker

Handy but not exactly Earth-shattering.

MIT Technology Review

They look Chinese, but not exactly.

The New York Times

Eyebrows raised perhaps but not exactly seismic.

The Guardian - Sport

They did, but not exactly in droves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What a gas-but not exactly a musically deep experience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, use "but not exactly" to avoid overstating a resemblance or agreement.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, relying too heavily on "but not exactly" can make formal writing sound hesitant or imprecise. Consider using more direct language to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not exactly" functions as a qualifier or a hedge. It acknowledges a similarity or approximation while simultaneously indicating a distinction or a lack of precision. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in refining statements to avoid overgeneralization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not exactly" serves as a crucial tool for adding nuance and precision to communication. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media. While its versatility is evident, writers should be mindful of its potential overuse in formal contexts, opting for more direct language when clarity and impact are paramount. Exploring alternatives like "but not quite", "but not entirely", or "but not completely" can enhance writing style and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not quite

Indicates a slightly smaller degree of difference or deviation from what is expected.

but not entirely

Suggests that only a part, rather than the whole, is different or inaccurate.

but not completely

Similar to 'not entirely' but emphasizes the lack of full completion or accuracy.

but not precisely

Highlights a lack of accuracy or attention to detail.

but not really

Implies a stronger degree of difference, suggesting the initial statement is misleading.

but not truly

Emphasizes that something does not fully align with its intended nature.

but not accurately

Focuses on the correctness of something, stating that it's not entirely accurate.

but not virtually

Indicates that a situation may not apply or be the case in an online or computer environment.

but not identically

Points out that while things may be similar, they are not the same.

but not literally

Indicates that a statement should not be taken in its strict, dictionary definition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but not exactly" is used to express that something is similar to something else, but there are key differences. For example, "The plan was innovative, but not exactly feasible given the current budget constraints."

What's the difference between "but not exactly" and "but not quite"?

Both phrases indicate a deviation from an expected state, but "but not exactly" suggests a more significant difference than "but not quite". "But not quite" implies being close to the intended outcome, while "but not exactly" can indicate a more substantial divergence.

What are some alternatives to "but not exactly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "but not quite", "but not entirely", or "but not completely".

Is it correct to use "but not exactly" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "but not exactly" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, be mindful of overusing it, as it may weaken the impact of your statements. Consider using more precise language when possible.