but without being sentimental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but without being sentimental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a sentiment or idea while avoiding overly emotional or sentimental language. Example: "The story was touching, but without being sentimental, it conveyed the harsh realities of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But without being sentimental, a bigger influence on the book was Lucinda herself".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While it's easy to get lost amid the branches of the voluminous family tree (thankfully, Venezia supplies a diagram), the storytelling, as translated by Marina Harss, is enchanting — imbued with sentiment without being sentimental.

The New York Times - Books

On Andy Flower, Lord Selvey says: Immensely loyal without being sentimental, but a pragmatist too, and in enforcing his duties when it comes to the betterment of the England team, as cold-heartedly ruthless as they come.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, it has boozers, brawls and a tart with a heart, but its tone is very much its own: gritty without being gloomy, soft-hearted without being sentimental.

Independent

"Love After Love" by Derek Walcott is about something that's become very pop-culturish, loving yourself after a break-up, but it is beautifully written and I love that it has an affirming quality without being sentimental.

The Guardian - Books

Its mournful tenderness, without being sentimental, seems deeper than ever.

The New York Times - Arts

Her gentle interpretation is inviting without being sentimental.

The New York Times

It is meant to evoke the holiday without being sentimental about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The two French managers appreciate the importance of this competition, without being sentimental about it.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Sperry's work has an autobiographical intimacy without being sentimental.

The New York Times

Danny saying his own goodbye to Alex felt both honest and true, without being sentimental.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but without being sentimental" to add nuance to potentially emotional statements, ensuring clarity and objectivity while acknowledging underlying feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "but without being sentimental" in highly formal or academic writing where a more direct and objective tone is expected. Opt for phrases that emphasize impartiality and evidence-based reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but without being sentimental" functions as a qualifier, modifying a preceding statement to indicate that, while a certain emotion or feeling might be present, it is not being expressed in an overly sentimental or maudlin manner. As Ludwig AI states, it’s grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but without being sentimental" is a grammatically correct phrase used to qualify a statement, indicating that an emotion is present but not expressed excessively. As Ludwig AI reports, it's a functional phrase that seeks to balance emotional expression with objectivity. While the occurrence of the phrase is currently rare, its use is straightforward: add nuance while avoiding overwrought emotionality. It appears primarily in News & Media sources, maintaining a neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "yet remaining objective" or "while avoiding sentimentality".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while avoiding sentimentality

Directly replaces "but without being sentimental" with a similar term.

though unsentimental

Highlights the lack of sentimental feeling in the statement.

without excessive emotion

Highlights the avoidance of overly strong feelings.

in a non-sentimental way

Emphasizes the manner in which something is expressed, lacking sentimentality.

yet remaining objective

Focuses on maintaining impartiality while still acknowledging a point.

without being sappy

Avoids a specific type of overly emotional expression.

without being mawkish

Focuses on avoiding a particularly distasteful form of sentimentality.

with restrained feeling

Suggests a controlled expression of emotion, avoiding excess.

remaining detached

Emphasizes emotional distance while still addressing the issue.

keeping emotions in check

Indicates a deliberate effort to control and moderate emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "but without being sentimental" in a sentence?

You can use "but without being sentimental" to qualify a statement that might otherwise be perceived as overly emotional. For example, "The story was touching, "but without being sentimental", it conveyed the harsh realities of life."

What are some alternatives to "but without being sentimental"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet remaining objective", "while avoiding sentimentality", or "without excessive emotion". These options offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but without being sentimental"?

Yes, the phrase "but without being sentimental" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a sentiment while avoiding overly emotional language.

What's the difference between "but without being sentimental" and "without being mawkish"?

"But without being sentimental" generally means avoiding excessive emotion or tenderness. "Without being mawkish" focuses specifically on avoiding a sickeningly sentimental or insincerely emotional expression. "Without being mawkish" implies a stronger negative connotation.