but not utterly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not utterly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true to a certain extent, but not completely or entirely. Example: "I appreciate your efforts, but not utterly, as there are still areas that need improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The road back for the Coalition is long and windy, but not utterly impassable.

The Guardian

An imperfect but not utterly debased solution: extend the deadline for everyone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eight months into the Chinese government crackdown, the group is vastly diminished but not utterly defeated.

The New York Times

The Terminator is nearly, but not utterly, thwarted in his task by the villainous efforts of a superior model, known as a T-X.

The New Yorker

The Terminator is nearly, but not utterly, thwarted in his task by the villainous efforts of a superior model, known as a T-1000.

The New Yorker

They make a good, but not utterly convincing, argument.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For instance, "Canned goods are among the safest of foods to be found in Dumpsters but are not utterly foolproof". That is because botulism can be a problem, "and often the first symptom is death," Mr. Eighner wrote.

The New York Times - Books

The Dems believe in more redistribution than I do, but they're not utterly corrupt like the Republicans"."My worst fear is that the election produces no clear winner.

The Economist

The village, infected by a savage act, was changed, not utterly, but some.

The New York Times

This autobiography, like its author, has many faces: important and infuriating, trite and profound, cynical but also optimistic, world-weary and yet often quite naive, racked with anxieties about some things and evangelical in his certitudes about others, intellectually lazy and confused about many issues but more often than not utterly clear-sighted when it comes to the big ones.

The Guardian

They're too numerous to go into here, but one reason people respond to him is because he quite often sees the truth, but his motives are not utterly cynical.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not utterly" to introduce a nuanced qualification, indicating that something is mostly true, but with important exceptions or limitations. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but not utterly" in very casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "not entirely" or "not fully" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not utterly" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding clause by introducing a qualification or limitation. Ludwig examples showcase its use in tempering statements, suggesting a degree of truth while acknowledging exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not utterly" is a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a qualification or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that while a statement holds true to a significant extent, it is not entirely or absolutely true. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase adds nuance and precision to writing, avoiding overstatements. Consider alternatives like "but not entirely" or "but not completely" for simpler communication. When aiming for precision and acknowledging exceptions, "but not utterly" proves a valuable asset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet not entirely

Replaces "utterly" with "entirely", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

though not completely

Substitutes "but" with "though" and "utterly" with "completely", slightly altering the sentence structure while preserving the core meaning.

however not fully

Uses "however" to introduce the contrasting element and replaces "utterly" with "fully", providing a slightly more formal tone.

still not wholly

Employs "still" for emphasis and replaces "utterly" with "wholly", resulting in a slightly archaic or literary feel.

albeit not totally

Utilizes "albeit" to introduce the qualification and substitutes "utterly" with "totally", creating a more concise and somewhat formal expression.

but partially

Replaces "not utterly" with "partially", offering a more direct and less emphatic expression of partial negation.

though to a limited extent

Replaces "but not utterly" with a longer phrase that explicitly states the limitation, adding detail but reducing conciseness.

yet with reservations

Shifts from a direct negation to an expression of reservations, changing the focus slightly but still conveying a sense of incomplete acceptance.

however, some doubts remained

Transforms the phrase into a statement about remaining doubts, altering the structure and emphasis significantly.

not without some exceptions

Expresses a similar idea of partial validity by focusing on the presence of exceptions, rather than direct negation.

FAQs

What does "but not utterly" mean?

The phrase "but not utterly" indicates that something is true or valid to a significant extent, but there are limitations or exceptions that prevent it from being completely or absolutely true. It's a way of expressing a nuanced or qualified statement.

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

You can use "but not utterly" to introduce a qualification or contrast to a previous statement. For example, "The plan was well-intentioned, "but not utterly" successful, as several unforeseen challenges arose."

What are some alternatives to "but not utterly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "but not completely", "but not entirely", "but not fully", or "but not wholly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality desired.

Is "but not utterly" a formal or informal expression?

"But not utterly" tends to be more formal than many simpler alternatives. While grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.