has its blemishes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has its blemishes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has flaws or imperfections, often in a critical or evaluative context. Example: "While the film received praise for its cinematography, it has its blemishes in terms of character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Despite the praise it has received, the pavilion has its blemishes: the supporting north side of the structure along Randolph Street has attracted criticism for not being pleasing to the eye, and some observers found the exposed supporting proscenium braces offensive.

Wikipedia

The Sidekick has its blemishes.

The New York Times - Tech

The program has its blemishes.

The New York Times

Staged by Denise Schultze, the company's assistant artistic director, and Louis Godfrey, the ballet master, the version has its blemishes.

The New York Times - Arts

But that promise has come to naught, amid recriminations about his refusal to make a formal apology for the treatment meted out to aboriginals by generations of white Australians.Labor has its blemishes too.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was born and raised here in Edmonton, capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, and although the city has its 'blemishes', I'm happy to call it home.

The Guardian

Grant's presidency had its failures and blemishes.

The New York Times

Apple still hasn't blemished its systems with so much as an integrated single-format Compact Flash or Secure Digital card reader, despite the propensity of its users to be digital photographers.

TechCrunch

But even that film has blemishes and obstacles in its path.

Huffington Post

But in a city whose assets have long been overshadowed by its blemishes, the neighborhood still faces a few hurdles.

The New York Times

As automatic as Rivera has been in the postseason, he has two blemishes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has its blemishes", be specific about what those blemishes are to provide clarity and avoid vagueness. For example, instead of saying "The plan has its blemishes", specify, "The plan has its blemishes in terms of budget allocation and timeline."

Common error

Avoid using "has its blemishes" as a way to soften criticism without providing substance. If something has significant flaws, be direct rather than relying on euphemisms that obscure the severity of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has its blemishes" functions as a qualifier, indicating that while something may be generally positive or well-regarded, it is not without its imperfections. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English. Examples show it being used to temper praise with constructive criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has its blemishes" is a useful tool for providing balanced assessments, acknowledging imperfections alongside positive attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, and wiki-style content. While alternatives like "has its flaws" and "is not perfect" exist, "has its blemishes" offers a slightly more nuanced perspective. Remember to specify the blemishes for clarity and avoid using it as a vague euphemism. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives for highly professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has its flaws

Replaces "blemishes" with the more common term "flaws", indicating imperfections.

is not without its faults

Uses a more formal and emphatic tone to convey the presence of imperfections.

possesses some imperfections

Employs a slightly more elevated vocabulary to express the existence of flaws.

is not perfect

Offers a straightforward and simple way to indicate that something has shortcomings.

has some drawbacks

Focuses on the negative aspects or disadvantages associated with something.

is not without problems

Highlights the existence of issues or difficulties.

suffers from some defects

Emphasizes the presence of structural or inherent weaknesses.

exhibits certain shortcomings

Uses a more formal and analytical tone to point out deficiencies.

has areas for improvement

Focuses on the potential for betterment, implying that there are existing flaws.

is not entirely satisfactory

Indicates that something falls short of meeting expectations or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "has its blemishes" in a sentence?

You can use "has its blemishes" to point out flaws or imperfections in something. For example, "The new software has its blemishes, particularly in user interface design."

What are some alternatives to "has its blemishes"?

Some alternatives include "has its flaws", "is not perfect", or "has some drawbacks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has its blemishes" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "has its blemishes" might be considered slightly informal for some professional contexts. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "is not without its faults" or "possesses some imperfections".

What's the difference between "has its blemishes" and "is fundamentally flawed"?

"Has its blemishes" suggests minor imperfections that don't necessarily undermine the whole, while "is fundamentally flawed" indicates a deeper, more critical problem with the core structure or concept.