is not pretty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not pretty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is unattractive or unappealing in appearance or nature. Example: "The weather today is not pretty; it's cold and rainy outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes it is not pretty.

The New York Times

The park is not pretty.

Independent

The result is not pretty.

The Economist

What's left is not pretty.

The New York Times

Lorna is not pretty.

The New York Times - Books

The aftermath is not pretty.

The New York Times - Books

The place is not pretty.

The New York Times

Poverty is not pretty.

The New York Times

And it is not pretty.

The New York Times

This is not pretty hockey.

The New Yorker

The picture is not pretty.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not pretty" to describe situations or outcomes that are undesirable or have negative consequences, not just to comment on physical appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "is not pretty" solely for describing minor aesthetic flaws. The phrase is more impactful when used to convey deeper issues or significant problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not pretty" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating that it is unattractive, unpleasant, or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not pretty" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is unattractive, unpleasant, or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently employed in news and media to soften negative assessments and is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts. While alternatives like "is unattractive" or "is unappealing" exist, "is not pretty" offers a nuanced way to express disapproval or concern without being overly harsh.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unattractive

Replaces "pretty" with a more direct synonym for lack of visual appeal.

is unappealing

Focuses on the lack of general appeal, not just visual.

is not attractive

A more formal synonym for "is unattractive".

is not visually appealing

Specifically addresses the visual aspect, adding clarity.

is not a pretty sight

Emphasizes the visual aspect and the act of seeing something.

is unpleasant

Shifts the focus from aesthetics to general agreeableness.

is far from beautiful

Uses a contrasting phrase to express the same idea.

is not pleasing to the eye

A more formal version of "is not easy on the eyes".

is rather ugly

Employs a stronger, more negative term.

is not easy on the eyes

An idiomatic way of saying something is visually unappealing.

FAQs

What does "is not pretty" mean?

The phrase "is not pretty" means something is unattractive or unpleasant. It can refer to visual appearance or the state of a situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "is unattractive", "is unappealing", or "is not visually appealing" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not pretty"?

It is appropriate when you want to convey that something is unpleasant or undesirable, whether it's a situation, a visual scene, or an outcome. It's often used to downplay a negative reality.

Is "is not pretty" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "is not pretty" is generally considered neutral in register. While not overly formal, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, including news articles and casual conversation.