but not total

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not total" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is partial or incomplete, rather than whole or complete. Example: "The funding for the project is secured, but not total, so we may need to seek additional sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ratio of acid to feedstock significantly affected glucose recovery, but not total sugar recovery.

Bioresource Technology

Intake of pasture forage but not total dry matter intake was reduced by hay supplementation.

Journal of Dairy Science

All in all, the deal sounds like a major but not total victory for consumers.

The New York Times - Science

They are radical but not total 'meshuganas.' They have a quite sophisticated decision-making process".

The New York Times

In autoclaved tissue force per unit sample width correlated with lamellar elastin content (P≪0.001) but not total elastin content.

Journal of Biomechanics

Management system influenced bioavailable P (P < 0.001), but not total P, with the lowest concentrations in the ORG systems and the highest in PRA.

Geoderma

This would give the NBA a cut of the World Cup's revenues, but not total control over its organisation.

The Economist

Additional treatments may be given on days 4 and 5 to animals that have shown clinical improvement but not total recovery.

Cornell University

These results suggest that taxes and subsidies can influence energy purchased for products taxed or subsidized, but not total energy purchased.

Appetite

Muslims in the Arab countries, Iran, Pakistan, central and southeast Asia and Africa may accept a compromise, but not total, permanent Israeli sovereignty.

The New York Times

It was the new G-7 grouping that helped push forward a compromise text that won widespread — but not total — support late on Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not total" to clearly indicate a partial or incomplete state, ensuring your audience understands the nuanced degree to which something exists or applies. For example, "The renovation is extensive, "but not total", so some areas will remain untouched."

Common error

Avoid using "but not total" when a complete absence is intended. The phrase implies partial existence or effect, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. If something is entirely absent, use "not at all" or "completely absent" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not total" functions as a qualifying conjunction. It serves to limit or modify a preceding statement, indicating that while something may exist or be true, it is not complete or absolute. This function is supported by Ludwig, which identifies numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not total" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to indicate that something is partial or incomplete, rather than whole or absolute. As confirmed by Ludwig, its presence is notably strong in scientific and news contexts, reflecting a tendency for precise and nuanced language. When writing, use it to clarify that something is limited and prevent the assumption of completeness. However, do consider alternatives like "but not complete" or "partially but not completely" when context calls for it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially but not completely

Emphasizes both the presence of a partial aspect and the absence of completeness.

to some extent but not entirely

Highlights the limited degree to which something is true or applicable.

in part but not as a whole

Focuses on the distinction between a segment and the entirety.

not fully but rather limited

Stresses the restricted nature of something, contrasting it with fullness.

not absolute but conditional

Highlights the dependence on certain conditions rather than being unconditional.

not comprehensive but selective

Emphasizes the focused and non-inclusive nature of something.

largely but not exclusively

Indicates a primary focus without complete exclusion of other elements.

mostly but not altogether

Shows that the greatest part is this, but not all of it.

primarily but not solely

Indicates a main component without being the only one.

significantly but not completely

Highlights the importance of something, but emphasizes the absence of total effect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but not total" indicates a partial or incomplete state. For example, "The recovery was significant, "but not total", requiring ongoing therapy."

What are some alternatives to "but not total"?

Alternatives include "but not complete", "partially but not completely", or "to some extent but not entirely", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "but not total"?

While "total" implies completeness, using "but not total" can add emphasis or clarity when contrasting a partial aspect with a potential assumption of completeness. It underscores that something falls short of being complete.

When is it inappropriate to use "but not total"?

Avoid using "but not total" if you intend to convey a complete absence or negation. The phrase is best suited for situations where something exists or applies to a limited degree, not when it's entirely absent. In that case, you should consider using "not at all" or "completely absent".