is not emphatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not emphatic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or expression that lacks emphasis or intensity. Example: "The way he delivered the news is not emphatic, making it hard to gauge his true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is very little that Landis is not emphatic about.

The New York Times - Sports

I am not making a statement by not watching; that is, the "not" is not emphatic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The medical evidence, however, was not emphatic.

The Guardian

When they did drive to the basket, it was not emphatic.

The New York Times - Sports

He wasn't emphatic, though; he narrowed his eyes to see if Keller would agree.

The New Yorker

While the scoreline wasn't emphatic, in terms of chances created it probably was.

BBC

Barack's win wasn't emphatic in any respect, but it was unchallenged – kind of like when Santana wins "Best Latin Instrumental Album" at the Grammys every single year.

Vice

As mission statements go, it is not only emphatic but potentially hubristic.

The Guardian - Sport

Dickens is not as emphatic about why we should believe a man would turn out as consistently mean as Scrooge.

The New York Times

Muslim women are not obliged to pray collectively outside the home, and for Orthodox Jewish women the obligation is not as emphatic or extensive as for men.

The New York Times

However, this balance is not sufficiently emphatic to overpower the combination of a slight 49%-47 49%-47n for leave among the Tories, and a crushing 97% to 2% preference for leave amarginkip supporters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not emphatic" when you want to convey that a statement or action lacks force, intensity, or strong conviction. It's suitable for describing situations where subtlety or understatement is present.

Common error

Avoid using "is not emphatic" excessively to the point where your writing becomes vague or lacks impact. Ensure that your intended message is still clear, even with the use of understatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not emphatic" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate a lack of strong assertion or intensity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not emphatic" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of intensity or forcefulness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media, conveying a sense of understatement or subtlety. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "lacks emphasis" or "is understated", while being mindful not to overuse understatement and obscure the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks emphasis

This alternative directly replaces "is not emphatic" with a more concise expression of the same meaning.

is not assertive

This suggests a lack of confidence or forcefulness in the statement or action.

is understated

This implies a deliberate downplaying of the importance or intensity.

is not forceful

Focuses on the lack of power or strength in the expression.

is weakly expressed

Highlights the lack of strength or clarity in the communication.

is mildly put

Indicates a gentle or softened way of expressing something that could be stronger.

does not stress

Emphasizes the absence of highlighting or prioritizing a particular point.

is not highlighted

Focuses on the lack of prominence or attention given to something.

is subtly conveyed

Suggests a delicate and indirect form of communication.

is gently stated

Implies a soft and non-aggressive manner of expression.

FAQs

What does "is not emphatic" mean?

The phrase "is not emphatic" means lacking emphasis or forcefulness. It implies that something is stated or conveyed in a subtle or understated manner.

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

You can use "is not emphatic" to describe a statement, action, or quality that lacks intensity or strong expression. For example: "The response "was not emphatic", suggesting hesitation."

What can I say instead of "is not emphatic"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks emphasis", "is understated", or "is not forceful" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is not emphatic" and "is unemphatic"?

"Is not emphatic" describes a lack of emphasis in a specific instance, while "is unemphatic" can describe a general characteristic. "Is not emphatic" is more common in contemporary usage. However, both forms are grammatically correct and convey a similar idea.