is not great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not great" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a negative opinion or dissatisfaction about something. Example: "The service at the restaurant is not great, and I was disappointed with my meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Slow growth is not great for profits.

The Economist

But it is not great advice.

The New York Times - Travel

"And the outcome is not great".

Independent

James is not great at introspection.

The New York Times

This man is not Great Britain.

The Economist

FATHER: It is not great.

The New Yorker

The food is not great.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The cost is not great.

The Guardian - Opinion

Music with a CI is not great.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

His art, he laments, is "not great-souled".

The New Yorker

How not-great is not-great?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not great" when you want to express a mild form of disapproval or dissatisfaction without being overly critical. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is not great" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with stronger or more specific synonyms to keep your writing engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not great" functions as a subject complement, providing a description or evaluation of the subject. It's a common way to express a mild negative assessment, as evidenced by its frequent use in various contexts, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not great" is a very common and grammatically sound way to express mild disapproval or dissatisfaction. According to Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overusing this phrase and consider more specific synonyms to maintain clarity and engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, highlighting its effectiveness in conveying a negative opinion without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subpar

Replaces "great" with "subpar", indicating something is below the expected standard.

is inadequate

Indicates that something does not meet the required needs or expectations.

is unsatisfactory

Highlights that something fails to satisfy or meet expectations.

is deficient

Emphasizes a lack or shortage of something essential.

is imperfect

Acknowledges the presence of flaws or shortcomings.

is not ideal

Suggests that something is less than perfect or optimal.

is wanting

Implies that something is lacking or insufficient.

is underwhelming

Conveys a sense of disappointment because something is not as impressive as expected.

is disappointing

Directly expresses disappointment with something.

is mediocre

Describes something as being of only moderate or low quality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not great" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "is suboptimal", "is inadequate", or "is unsatisfactory". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What's a more casual alternative to "is not great"?

In informal settings, you might use phrases like "is not good", "is not the best", or simply "is okay" to express a similar sentiment in a relaxed manner.

Is there a stronger way to say "is not great" if I want to emphasize my disappointment?

To express greater disappointment, use phrases like "is terrible", "is awful", or "is appalling". These alternatives convey a more negative and critical perspective.

How does "is not great" compare to "leaves much to be desired"?

"Is not great" is a direct and straightforward expression of mild dissatisfaction. "Leaves much to be desired" is a more indirect and nuanced way of saying something is not up to par, implying there is significant room for improvement.