for all its flaws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for all its flaws" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that, despite its faults or imperfections, something still has value or merits consideration. For example: "This novel is intriguing for all its flaws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For all its flaws, it is the best economic system man has invented yet.

The Economist

For all its flaws, it's the only exception to paralysis and polarization in Washington.

The New Yorker

For all its flaws, it feels like an alarm going off.

The New Yorker

That for all its flaws it still manages to charm, amuse and move the reader is even more remarkable.

Wikipedia

Medicaid isn't perfect, but for all its flaws, it provides access to healthcare for a population that, in large part, otherwise has nothing.

Los Angeles Times

And for all its flaws and limitations, it's a great achievement.

The New York Times

And Colombia is better off with the peace process, for all its flaws, than without it.Who will take over?

The Economist

For all its flaws and mis-steps, it represents not just economic and military might, but an ideal to aspire to, in a way that China does not.

The Economist

In its 70-year history, the UN, for all its flaws, has demonstrated that it can rise to such challenges.

Huffington Post

Congress, for all its flaws, should not be allowed to exclude itself — and with it, the American people — from the process.

Los Angeles Times

For all its flaws, the work's ambitions hearten.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for all its flaws", ensure that the positive aspects or merits of the subject are clearly stated or implied, creating a sense of objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "for all its flaws" repeatedly within a short piece of writing. It can become repetitive and weaken the impact. Instead, use a variety of expressions to convey a similar meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for all its flaws" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to express a concession or contrast. It acknowledges imperfections but doesn't negate the overall positive assessment, as shown in Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for all its flaws" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate acceptance despite imperfections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Usage is particularly common in news and media. Alternatives such as "despite its imperfections" offer similar meaning, though "for all its flaws" provides a balanced nuance. When writing, remember to avoid overuse and ensure the positive aspects are evident to maintain objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite its imperfections

Focuses specifically on the presence of imperfections, with a slightly more formal tone.

notwithstanding its shortcomings

Highlights the shortcomings, suggesting a degree of resilience or persistence despite them, is more formal.

even with its faults

Directly acknowledges faults but maintains a balanced perspective.

in spite of its defects

Emphasizes overcoming defects, with a slightly stronger contrast.

with all its limitations

Highlights the restrictions or constraints, rather than inherent faults.

its weaknesses aside

Focuses on setting aside weaknesses to consider other aspects.

flaws notwithstanding

A more concise and slightly more formal variation, emphasizing the disregard for flaws.

despite its downside

Emphasizes negative aspect and implies balance by other benefits.

accepting its limitations

Focuses on acceptance and implies a pragmatic approach.

warts and all

An informal idiom that emphasizes embracing imperfections along with positive qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "for all its flaws" in a sentence?

You can use "for all its flaws" to acknowledge imperfections while still recognizing positive qualities. For example, "For all its flaws, the movie was still entertaining."

What are some alternatives to "for all its flaws"?

Alternatives include "despite its imperfections", "notwithstanding its shortcomings", or "even with its faults", which all convey a similar meaning.

Is "for all its flaws" a formal or informal expression?

"For all its flaws" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "notwithstanding its shortcomings" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

What does "for all its flaws" imply?

The phrase implies that despite certain imperfections or shortcomings, the subject still possesses value or merits consideration. It suggests a balanced perspective, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects.