is not really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not really" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree of uncertainty or to downplay a statement or opinion. Example: "The movie is not really what I expected; it was quite different from the trailer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which is not really traveling.

The New York Times

He is not really angry, he says.

The Economist

Vyragiananda is not really a Swami.

The New Yorker

IKEA is not really a Swedish company.

The New Yorker

That is not really the problem here.

The New York Times

My sadness is not really about views.

The New York Times

The issue is not really explored.

The Economist

Mr. Goldwyn is not really a singer.

The New York Times - Arts

This is not really hard to explain.

The New Yorker

"This is not really pro-circumcision.

The New York Times - Science

Again, this is not really her fault.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not really" to soften claims or express uncertainty, particularly when conveying opinions or subjective judgments. For example, "This solution is not really ideal, but it's the best we have right now."

Common error

Avoid using "is not really" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can make your tone seem less authoritative. Opt for more precise language to express your meaning. For instance, instead of saying "The data is not really conclusive", consider "The data provides limited evidence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not really" functions as an adverbial qualifier, modifying the verb or adjective that follows. It serves to soften or downplay the statement, indicating a degree of uncertainty or a lack of complete accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not really" is a versatile phrase used to soften statements and express uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. It functions as an adverbial qualifier, primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, and serves to avoid absolute claims. While grammatically correct and common, its use should be moderated in formal writing to maintain a more authoritative tone. Alternatives include "is not exactly" or "is not quite", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not exactly

Indicates a lack of precise correspondence, softening a statement.

is not quite

Suggests that something falls short of a certain condition or expectation.

is not entirely

Implies something is only partially true, with some exceptions.

is not truly

Emphasizes the inauthenticity or falseness of something.

is not completely

Similar to 'is not entirely', indicating a partial state.

does not fully

Describes something that only partially satisfies a requirement.

is not genuinely

Highlights the lack of authenticity or sincerity.

is not altogether

Indicates something is not completely the case, often used in formal contexts.

is somewhat

Indicates a smaller degree of something.

is partially

Similar to "is not entirely", denoting that something is only partly so.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is not really" can be used to express a degree of uncertainty or to downplay a statement or opinion. For example, "The movie is not really what I expected; it was quite different from the trailer."

What are some alternatives to "is not really"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not exactly", "is not quite", or "is not truly" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is not really" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "is not really" when you want to soften a statement or express a degree of uncertainty. However, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.

What's the difference between "is not really" and "is not necessarily"?

"Is not really" implies something is less so than it appears, while "is not necessarily" indicates something is not always the case. The former downplays a quality, the latter challenges a presumed certainty.