for some if not all

USAGE SUMMARY

'for some if not all' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a situation that applies either to some people or to all people. For example, "We should be taking steps to reduce our environmental impact, for some if not all of us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Every crisis contains the potential for change and renewal for some, if not all its victims.

The Guardian

Automatic classification for some, if not all, 6-year-old fresh ginseng for the manufacture of red ginseng would significantly reduce inspection costs [2, 3].

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

This improvement in academic preparation of the minority students that enrolled at a UC campus after Prop 209 suggests that changes in minority student selectivity with respect to academic preparation noted in the Introduction may have accounted for some, if not all, of the improved graduation rates of minorities after the implementation of Prop 209.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Most countries expect copayments for some, if not all, services and medications.

Huffington Post

Our results suggest for the first time that the calcium and apatite granulations reported here may provide an alternative explanation and basis for some, if not all, aspects of this phenomenology.

Plosone

It is probable that a core determinant for some, if not all, FA genes governs the susceptibility of FA pathway gene mutations and, thus, of FA clinical manifestations.

BMC Medical Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The 'massive deployment of fiber optics', then, appears to have been done, in large part, not to wire homes in New York State but to wire the cell sites; the 'losses' were created by multiple things, including the fact that Verizon Wireless didn't pay for some, most, if not all of this construction; it had nothing to do with Local Service expenses.

Huffington Post

Surely the two countries most to blame for the Syrian crisis should shoulder some, if not all, of the responsibility for sorting it out.

The Guardian

Questions exist about the very-long-term safety and the potential need for a drug holiday with some, if not all, of these compounds, despite their common use.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Over time, I have come to see her as a model — in some, if not all respects — for girls and women of all ages.

The New York Times - Books

But when inequality becomes too acute, and too glaring, it can threaten to undermine support for the private enterprise system that lifts some, if not all, boats.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for some if not all" to acknowledge that a situation or characteristic might not apply universally, adding a layer of nuance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "for some if not all" excessively in highly formal or academic writing; consider more precise language to specify the extent of application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for some if not all" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it applies to a portion of a group or situation, potentially extending to the whole. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it being used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

63%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for some if not all" serves as a qualifier indicating that a statement applies to at least a portion of a group or situation, potentially extending to the whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its function is to express a degree of uncertainty or inclusivity. Common contexts include News & Media and Science, with use in Wiki. While versatile, overuse in highly formal contexts should be avoided. Alternatives such as "for many if not most" or "in part if not entirely" may offer suitable substitutes depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig's analysis of various sources highlights the phrase's utility in conveying nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for certain if not all

Replaces "some" with "certain", emphasizing a degree of assurance about at least a portion of the group.

for a few if not all

Substitutes "some" with "a few", suggesting a smaller subset with the potential to encompass the whole.

for a portion if not the whole

Uses "portion" and "whole" to directly represent parts and the entirety, respectively.

in part if not entirely

Focuses on the degree to which something is affected, rather than the affected group.

for many if not most

Employs "many" and "most" to represent a large segment, potentially all, of a group.

to some extent if not completely

Highlights the range of impact, from partial to full effect.

for several if not all

Similar to "a few" but suggests a slightly larger group than "some".

partially if not wholly

Uses "partially" and "wholly" to denote degrees of completeness.

for individuals as well as the collective

This alternative indicates that an effect is not exclusive to individuals but may also involve the whole group.

for a selection if not the totality

Replaces "some" with "a selection", emphasizing the representative aspect of the part.

FAQs

How can I use "for some if not all" in a sentence?

Use "for some if not all" to indicate that something applies to a portion of a group or situation, with the possibility of applying to the entirety. For example, "The new policies will affect "for some if not all" employees."

What's an alternative to "for some if not all"?

Alternatives include "for many if not most", "in part if not entirely", or "for a few if not all", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "for some if not all"?

Yes, the phrase "for some if not all" is grammatically correct and conveys a specific meaning. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

How does "for some if not all" differ from "for all"?

"For all" indicates that something applies universally, whereas "for some if not all" suggests it applies to at least a portion, with the possibility of applying to the entire group. The latter acknowledges potential exceptions.