but not finally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not finally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not conclusive or definitive, often in a context where further discussion or action is expected. Example: "The project has made significant progress, but not finally, as there are still several key issues to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The audience is entertained but not, finally, inspired.

The New Yorker

But not finally to frustrate the programme of a legitimately elected government.

The Guardian

As long as the forest rent is increasing forest stands are thinned but not finally cut.

Carbon Balance and Management

As long as the net annual rent is increasing forest stands are thinned but not finally cut.

Carbon Balance and Management

First, what is deemed to be in the child's best interests is evidence for but not finally determinative of a judgement as to the competence of the child.

SEP

Table 8 Fixed weights proposed (but not finally allocated) during evaluation procedure to each candidate model for DGRF-2010, IGRF-2015, and SV-2015-2020 based on RMS analyses (see Tables 3, 5, and 7).

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Jones read the Bowles play in 1992 and let it percolate in the occasional workshop, but did not finally tackle it until his company's residency at Montclair.

The New York Times - Arts

The steam turbine design follows state-of-the-art concept, but it is not finally optimized, since further DEMO BoP design changes still cannot be excluded.

Fusion Engineering and Design

In the 7th century, however, the Northumbrians established supremacy over the whole of Cumbria, but Strathclyde was not finally defeated until 756.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cicero might talk of tota Italia, but Italy was not finally united in spirit until the time of Augustus, and Romanization was still slower in superseding local differences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It manages to keep all these balls in the air for a while, but it's not finally as involving as it might have been.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not finally" to indicate that a process or decision is still ongoing and subject to change. It adds a layer of nuance, suggesting that while progress has been made, the end result is not yet determined.

Common error

Avoid using "finally" too close to "but not finally" in the same sentence, as it can create redundancy and weaken the impact. Rephrase to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not finally" functions as a qualifying conjunction phrase, adding a condition or limitation to a previous statement. It indicates that while something may be true or appear to be settled, it is not yet in its ultimate or conclusive state. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not finally" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that adds nuance to statements by indicating a lack of finality or completion. Ludwig confirms this. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional and academic writing. While "but not finally" is valid, consider alternatives like "but not definitively" or "but not ultimately" to refine your message. Be mindful of overusing "finally" nearby to avoid redundancy. It's a useful expression to convey that something is still in progress and subject to change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not definitively

Emphasizes that a decision or outcome is not yet settled or absolute.

but not conclusively

Highlights that evidence or reasoning is not strong enough to form a final conclusion.

but not permanently

Focuses on the temporary nature of a situation or condition.

but not ultimately

Suggests that there may be a later or more important outcome to consider.

but not irrevocably

Implies that something can still be changed or reversed.

but not unalterably

Similar to 'irrevocably', indicating potential for future adjustments.

but not in the end

Highlights that an action or decision may not be the last one needed.

but not at last

Focuses on the fact that the action is in progress, but not the final one.

but not in conclusion

Used to indicate that the action has not reached its final stage.

but not for good

Emphasizes the temporary state of a decision, which is not in its final definition.

FAQs

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

Use "but not finally" to indicate that a situation or decision is not yet in its ultimate or conclusive state. For example: "The agreement was signed, but not finally, as some details still need to be worked out."

What does "but not finally" mean?

The phrase "but not finally" means that something is not yet in its definitive or completed state. It suggests that further changes or actions may still occur.

What are some alternatives to "but not finally"?

You can use alternatives like "but not definitively", "but not conclusively", or "but not ultimately" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but not finally"?

Yes, the phrase "but not finally" is grammatically correct and used to convey that something is not yet in its final state or form.