but not strictly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not strictly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally true or applicable, but there are exceptions or nuances to consider. Example: "The rules apply to everyone, but not strictly, as some may have special circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Prerequisite: ENGR40 or ENGR40M is useful but not strictly required.

Stanford University

This is a nice idea, but not strictly true.

The Guardian - Film

At worst, it is makruh (detested but not strictly prohibited).

The Economist

All of this is disturbing, but not strictly a surprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Absolutely delicious, certainly, but not strictly a clafoutis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A nice sentiment but not strictly accurate the player says.

The Guardian - Sport

He was a Jamaican but not strictly of Jamaica.

The New Yorker

Brains are particularly useful in this regard but not strictly necessary.

University of California, Berkeley

Good manners, as any etiquette expert would say, involve rules, but not strictly adhering to them.

The New York Times

History's verdict on Kosovo has been that it was legitimate but not strictly legal.

The New York Times

Handwritten notes are making a comeback, but not strictly as a means of communication.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not strictly" to introduce a nuanced perspective, acknowledging a general rule while allowing for specific exceptions or variations. This adds precision and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but not strictly" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "though not entirely" or "while not exclusively" to maintain a fresh and engaging writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not strictly" functions as a qualifier or hedge. It modifies a preceding statement, indicating that while something is generally true, it isn't an absolute or rigid condition. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it adds nuance to claims across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not strictly" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to qualify statements and introduce nuance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signals that while a general rule or principle applies, exceptions or variations may exist. Its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia, underscores its utility in conveying precise information. By using "but not strictly" judiciously, writers can enhance the accuracy and sophistication of their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not entirely

Emphasizes partial rather than complete exclusion.

yet not completely

Highlights the incompleteness of a condition.

although not absolutely

Underscores that a condition is not without exceptions.

while not exclusively

Suggests that something is not limited to a specific case.

however not precisely

Indicates a lack of exactness or accuracy.

if not exactly

Implies approximation rather than precision.

even though not definitively

Shows uncertainty or lack of conclusive evidence.

albeit not rigidly

Implies flexibility rather than strict adherence.

though not uniformly

Highlights variability and lack of consistency.

while not literally

Suggests a figurative rather than literal interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "but not strictly" to qualify a statement, indicating that it's generally true but with exceptions. For example, "The dress code is formal, but not strictly; some flexibility is allowed."

What are some alternatives to "but not strictly"?

Alternatives include "though not entirely", "while not exclusively", or "although not absolutely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but not strictly"?

Yes, "but not strictly" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to express a qualification or exception to a general statement.

What's the difference between "but not strictly" and "but not necessarily"?

"But not strictly" implies that a rule or guideline is generally followed but has exceptions. "But not necessarily" suggests that something is not always the case or required. For example, "Membership is recommended, "but not strictly" enforced," versus "Membership is recommended, "but not necessarily" required."