but not solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not solid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not firm or stable, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The plan is promising, but not solid enough to guarantee success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Medical

General descriptions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Cook, whisking or stirring frequently, until the eggs are just done but not solid.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added that the group also had another concern, for which, he said, the evidence was suggestive but not solid.

The New York Times - Health

We highlight skin reactions seen with antiliquid but not solid tumor agents, draw attention to serious cutaneous AEs that might require therapy modification or cessation, and offer management strategies to permit treatment tolerability.

Stanford University

Transfer to a 9-inch-by-9-inch metal pan and freeze, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes, for 3 hours, or until it is firm but not solid.

The New York Times

"It allowed milk to pass through but not solid food".

Huffington Post

Freeze a jug of coconut water till it's slushy (but NOT solid).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He cites a 2005 study that details a patient with a brain lesion who developed pathological laughter when swallowing liquids, but not solids.

Vice

He refers to a 2005 study that details a patient with a brain lesion who developed pathological laughter when swallowing liquids, but not solids.

Vice

(D ) P bodies and stress granules but not solid-like polyQ aggregates are sensitive to hexanediol.

eLife

The M is goldish in color but apparently not solid gold.

The New York Times - Arts

Stach states that Bloch had a son, but there is not solid proof but contradictory evidence that Kafka was the father.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not solid" to describe a state of matter or condition that is neither fully liquid nor fully solid, providing a nuanced description of texture or consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "but not solid" in purely abstract contexts where 'unstable' or 'unreliable' would be more appropriate. Focus on scenarios involving physical matter or directly analogous situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not solid" functions as a qualifier, typically used after a description to indicate a state that is partially, but not fully, solid. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not solid" is a grammatically correct qualifier used to describe a state that is neither fully liquid nor fully solid. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and general descriptions. While not overly formal, it provides a nuanced way to convey the degree of solidity. Related phrases include "not entirely solid" and "partially solidified". When using "but not solid", ensure it is applied to physical matter or directly analogous situations, avoiding overuse in purely abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely solid

Emphasizes the lack of complete solidity.

partially solidified

Focuses on the process of becoming solid, but not fully.

not completely firm

Highlights the absence of complete firmness.

semi-solid

A more concise term indicating a state between liquid and solid.

not fully hardened

Focuses on the hardening process, which is incomplete.

of a yielding consistency

Describes a consistency that gives way under pressure, indicating lack of solidity.

more liquid than solid

Highlights the prevalence of liquid properties over solid ones.

in a state of flux

Suggests a transitional state, lacking a defined solid form.

not set

Describes a substance that has not yet achieved a solid state.

unstable

Describes a substance that is not stable. Lack of firmness.

FAQs

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

You can use "but not solid" to describe a state or consistency, like "The mixture should be firm, but not solid, before adding the next ingredient."

What are some alternatives to "but not solid"?

Alternatives include "not entirely solid", "partially solidified", or "semi-solid", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "but not solid" in formal writing?

Yes, "but not solid" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing when describing a state that is not completely firm or stable. However, ensure it fits the context and isn't overly colloquial.

What's the difference between "but not solid" and "unstable"?

"But not solid" refers to a physical state or consistency, while "unstable" generally refers to a lack of stability or reliability in a broader, often abstract, sense.