is not absolute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not absolute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not definitive or unconditional, often in discussions about rules, truths, or principles. Example: "While many believe in the principle of freedom of speech, it is not absolute and can be limited in certain circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, perspective is not absolute.

The New York Times - Sports

However, trust is not absolute.

The Washington Post

Journalistic privilege is not absolute.

The New York Times

"Free speech is not absolute.

The New York Times

Democracy is not absolute power.

The New York Times

It is not absolute fact.

The New York Times

Relativity reveals that time is not absolute.

The New York Times - Books

But the consensus is not absolute.

The Economist

The I.M.F.'s power is not absolute.

The New York Times

This right is not absolute, however.

Harvard University

The right here is not absolute.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "is not absolute", be prepared to clarify the specific conditions or contexts where the statement might not hold true. Providing these qualifications enhances the clarity and credibility of your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is not absolute" without providing context or examples of its limitations. This can leave your argument vague and unconvincing. Always specify the circumstances under which the statement might not apply to give your argument more weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not absolute" functions as a negative assertion, indicating that a particular concept, principle, or rule is not universally applicable or without limitations. As Ludwig AI examples show, this phrase is often used to qualify statements and introduce nuance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not absolute" is a versatile tool for expressing limitations and exceptions to general principles. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, use "is not absolute" to add nuance to your statements, but always specify the context or conditions that create exceptions. By providing specific details, you'll significantly improve your writing's clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is limited

Indicates that something has restrictions or boundaries.

is not unconditional

Highlights that something is subject to certain conditions or limitations.

is not definitive

Implies a lack of finality or conclusiveness.

is qualified

Suggests that a statement or concept has limitations and is not universally applicable.

is relative

Expresses that something depends on other factors, lacking inherent or universal truth.

is subject to exceptions

Highlights that there are cases where something does not apply.

is contingent

States that something depends on other events or conditions.

is not all-encompassing

Suggests that something does not include or affect everything.

is not set in stone

Conveys that something is not fixed and can be changed.

is not immutable

Emphasizes the possibility of change or alteration.

FAQs

How can I use "is not absolute" in a sentence?

You can use "is not absolute" to indicate that a principle, rule, or truth has exceptions or limitations. For example, "Freedom of speech "is not absolute" and may be restricted in cases of incitement to violence."

What are some alternatives to "is not absolute"?

Alternatives to "is not absolute" include "is relative", "is not unconditional", or "is limited". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say something "is not absolute" or that it "is relative"?

Both phrases indicate a lack of universality, but "is not absolute" suggests there are exceptions to a rule or principle, while "is relative" implies that something's truth or validity depends on context. The choice depends on the specific meaning you intend.

What does it mean when someone says that a right "is not absolute"?

Saying a right "is not absolute" means it is not unlimited and may be subject to certain restrictions or limitations, typically to protect the rights or safety of others. For example, the right to privacy "is not absolute" and may be overridden by law enforcement with a warrant.