is a drawback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is a drawback' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a disadvantage or negative attribute of something. For example: "The poor quality of customer service is a drawback of this company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is a drawback.

The Economist

There is a drawback, though.

The New York Times - Science

It is a drawback.

The Guardian - Film

But there is a drawback.

The New York Times

If there is a drawback, it is the inevitable claustrophobia.

The Guardian - Travel

As with anything, though, there is a drawback.

The Guardian

There is a drawback to hand-picking mounts.

The Guardian - Sport

And that is a drawback for "Happily Divorced".

The New York Times - Arts

If there is a drawback, she said, it is the cost, about $200,000 a year.

The New York Times - Science

If there is a drawback to this cavalcade, it is that these discussions don't often happen.

The New York Times

Sautéed veal loin is rare and tender, yet without flavor; simplicity here is a drawback.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a drawback", ensure the context clearly identifies what the drawback applies to. For example, 'The high cost is a drawback of the new technology' is clearer than 'It is a drawback' without further explanation.

Common error

While "is a drawback" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "isn't ideal" or "has a downside" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a drawback" functions as a predicate nominative, where 'drawback' renames or identifies the subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts, confirming its role in identifying a disadvantage or limitation. It is according to Ludwig AI, a correct and usable sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a drawback" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to identify a disadvantage or negative aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While versatile, it leans towards formal and neutral registers, frequently appearing in news, media and scientific contexts. Remember to clearly specify what the drawback pertains to and consider using more informal alternatives like "isn't ideal" in casual settings. Alternatives to "is a drawback" include "presents a disadvantage" or "poses a limitation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents a disadvantage

Changes the structure while retaining the core meaning of indicating a negative aspect.

constitutes a disadvantage

Replaces 'is' with 'constitutes' and 'drawback' with 'disadvantage', maintaining a formal tone.

poses a limitation

Shifts from a general negative aspect to a specific limitation.

involves a downside

Uses 'downside' instead of 'drawback', implying a negative consequence.

carries a negative aspect

Highlights the negative aspect more explicitly than the original phrase.

has an imperfection

Focuses on the lack of perfection as the negative attribute.

suffers from a weakness

Suggests a vulnerability or inherent flaw.

is not without its problems

Indirectly points out the existence of issues or disadvantages.

comes with a cost

Implies that a negative consequence is associated with something.

is less than ideal

Understates the negative aspect by suggesting it's not optimal.

FAQs

How can I use "is a drawback" in a sentence?

Use "is a drawback" to point out a disadvantage or negative aspect of something. For example, "The long commute "is a drawback" of living in the suburbs".

What are some alternatives to saying "is a drawback"?

You can use alternatives like "presents a disadvantage", "poses a limitation", or "involves a downside" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is a drawback" or "is a disadvantage"?

Both "is a drawback" and "is a disadvantage" are correct. "is a disadvantage" might sound slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable.

Can "is a drawback" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is a drawback" is generally more suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is not ideal" or "has a downside".