ideally not

USAGE SUMMARY

"ideally not" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express something that is not desirable or ideal. Example: Ideally not, I would have preferred to avoid confrontation with my boss, but I had to speak up about the unfair treatment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a way to shred (ideally, not knee ligaments).

The New York Times

Moreover, any scheme that minimizes these interactions would, ideally, not compromise the performance of either subsystem.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

Definitely worth a trip, though ideally not in the dead of winter.

The New York Times

It is now regarded in food industry circles as an "ideally not" (to be included) additive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ideally, not all the time but I am prepared to do that".

The Guardian

Ideally not all the water should be absorbed andthe lentils should be just a little soupy –.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Criteria should be distinct and clearly described, and ideally, not surpass seven in number.

Yale University

To love those who are not you — and, ideally, not only to love them but also to become them.

The New Yorker

What do we want our river to be? Ideally, not always dyed green on St . Patricks Day.

The New York Times

Building a distributed user interface (DUI) application should ideally not require any additional effort beyond that necessary to build a non-distributed interface.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Committed whistleblowers, such as Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, will always be important, he holds, but they should ideally not become news brokers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ideally not" to express a preference or suggest an action or outcome to be avoided, especially when offering advice or recommendations.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "ideally not" in highly formal or academic writing can sound less sophisticated. Consider using stronger, more precise language to convey the same meaning. Alternatives such as "it is preferable to avoid" or "it is not recommended" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ideally not" functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing a preference or desirability for something to be avoided. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and in broad usage. It modifies a statement by indicating that the situation described is less than perfect and should be avoided if possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

33%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ideally not" is a grammatically sound construction used to express a preference for avoiding a particular situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common phrase found in various contexts, including news, media, science, and academic writing. Its purpose is to soften recommendations or suggestions. While versatile, overuse in highly formal contexts should be avoided in favor of more precise language. Related phrases include "preferably not" and "optimally not". When used effectively, "ideally not" adds nuance to writing by indicating a preferred course of action without being overly forceful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferably not

Indicates a preference against something, similar to "ideally not" but with a stronger emphasis on personal choice.

optimally not

Suggests that something is not the best-case scenario, mirroring the sentiment of "ideally not".

it would be better if not

Expresses a conditional preference, highlighting that a specific outcome is more desirable than another.

it's best to avoid

Directly suggests avoiding something, conveying a similar sense of preference as "ideally not".

not recommended

Indicates that something is discouraged, aligning with the concept of "ideally not" wanting something to happen.

not the best option

Implies that other choices are better, reflecting the idea that something should "ideally not" be the case.

it's preferable to avoid

Similar to "it's best to avoid", this emphasizes the desirability of preventing something.

if possible, avoid

Introduces a condition, suggesting that avoiding something is only preferable under certain circumstances.

not the desired outcome

Focuses on the result, indicating that a different outcome would be preferred.

less than ideal

Highlights that a situation is not perfect, echoing the sentiment of "ideally not".

FAQs

How can I use "ideally not" in a sentence?

You can use "ideally not" to express a preference for something to be avoided, such as, "Ideally not, you should avoid scheduling meetings late in the day".

What are some alternatives to "ideally not"?

Alternatives include "preferably not", "optimally not", or "it would be better if not", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "ideally not"?

Yes, "ideally not" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a preference or suggest avoidance, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its usage is well-documented across various sources.

In what contexts is "ideally not" most appropriate?

"Ideally not" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express a preference or suggestion without being overly forceful. It's frequently used in news, media, scientific, and academic writing.