but not expressly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not expressly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is implied or understood without being stated directly. Example: "The agreement covers several aspects of the project, but not expressly the timeline for completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those lower courts had interpreted the Supreme Court's Windsor decision as implicitly (but not expressly) requiring a ruling for gay marriage.

The New Yorker

And they would discourage but not expressly forbid something called "paid prioritization," which would allow a media or technology company to pay the provider for faster transmission of data, potentially creating an uneven playing field.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Education Reform Now is a nonprofit organization with similar goals but is not expressly political, he said.

The New York Times

The claims recite material compositions "effective to catalyze" or "effective for catalyzing" such reactions, but do not expressly specify the required compositions.

Harvard University

The Court at one point intimates, but does not expressly declare, that it adopts the reasoning of the dissent of THE CHIEF JUSTICE in Perez.

Cornell University

Vice President Al Gore's campaign filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court but did not expressly ask for an order to block Ms. Harris's planned certification.

The New York Times

The Gore campaign promptly filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court, but did not expressly ask for an order to block Ms. Harris's planned certification.

The New York Times

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the guidance clarifies how drug companies may communicate information about patient outcomes that are important to purchasers, but are not expressly included in a product's approved labeling.

The Washington Post

The Government further urges us to consider that Congress expressly provided for prompt judicial review, on the administrative record, when the EPA assesses administrative penalties after a hearing, see §1319(g)(8), but did not expressly provide for review of compliance orders.

Cornell University

11 Moreover, the majority's approach to aiding and abetting at the very least casts serious doubt, both for private and SEC actions, on other forms of secondary liability that, like the aiding and abetting theory, have long been recognized by the SEC and the courts but are not expressly spelled out in the securities statutes.

Cornell University

This FAQ implies, but does not expressly state, that a PIV operated or advised by an entity that is excluded from the legal entity customer definition (such as an SEC-registered investment adviser) would benefit from an exclusion from both the ownership and control prongs of the CDD Rule.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not expressly" to subtly introduce implied meanings or understood conditions without direct assertion, adding nuance to formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but not expressly" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler phrasing is often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not expressly" functions as a qualifying conjunction, serving to introduce a contrast or limitation to a preceding statement. It implies that while something might be suggested or understood, it isn't explicitly stated, similar to examples found on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not expressly" functions as a conjunction phrase, signaling an implied meaning rather than a direct statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While found mainly in news and academic contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register, its frequency is rare. When using this phrase, aim for precision and nuance, particularly in formal writing. If a less formal context is in place, simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not explicitly

Replaces "expressly" with "explicitly", offering a direct synonym with minimal semantic shift.

without being expressly stated

A more verbose alternative emphasizing the absence of an explicit declaration.

although not specifically

Emphasizes the lack of a precise or particular mention.

but implicitly

Focuses on the implied nature of the statement, contrasting with an explicit declaration.

but by implication

Similar to "but implicitly", stressing the inferred nature.

while not directly stated

Highlights the indirect communication of the information.

even though not clearly

Highlights a lack of clarity, despite the presence of an implication.

however not precisely

Indicates a lack of exactness or accuracy in the statement.

not in so many words

An idiomatic expression indicating something is communicated indirectly.

yet not overtly

Suggests the information is not openly or publicly declared.

FAQs

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

Use "but not expressly" to indicate that something is implied or understood without being stated directly. For example: "The agreement covers several aspects of the project, "but not expressly" the timeline for completion."

What's the difference between "but not expressly" and "but not explicitly"?

"But not expressly" and "but not explicitly" are largely interchangeable. "Explicitly" often implies a more forceful or direct statement than "expressly", but the difference is subtle.

What can I say instead of "but not expressly"?

You can use alternatives like "though not explicitly", "although not specifically", or "but implicitly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not expressly but implied"?

While grammatically sound, "not expressly but implied" is less common and can sound awkward. Rephrasing to something like "it's implied, "but not expressly" stated" is often clearer.