is not set in stone

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not set in stone" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means that something is not fixed or permanent and can be changed. Example: "The meeting schedule is not set in stone, so it can be adjusted if needed." In this example, the phrase "set in stone" is used to convey that the meeting schedule is not final and can be changed if necessary. It could also mean that the schedule is not firmly established and can be altered.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And "Kyoto" is not set in stone.

The Economist

But this is not set in stone.

The Guardian

Even that rule is not set in stone.

The New York Times

Remember that your road test date is not set in stone.

The New York Times

The expiration of the benefit is not set in stone, however.

The New York Times

Lehrfreund is convinced that popular support for executions is not set in stone.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The occupation's immediate future in New York isn't set in stone.

The Guardian

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration proposed capping SPF at 50+, but it still isn't set in stone.

The New York Times

This isn't set in stone, though.

TechCrunch

According to what we've heard, the timeline isn't set in stone yet.

TechCrunch

He acknowledges that his manifesto isn't set in stone, but he's excited to see it change.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not set in stone" to indicate that plans, rules, or decisions can be changed or adapted as needed. It's effective for conveying flexibility and openness to adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "is not set in stone" when you need to express a firm commitment or unchangeable decision. This phrase implies flexibility, so use it only when changes are genuinely possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not set in stone" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular plan, rule, or agreement is not fixed or unalterable. Ludwig AI validates this, showing the phrase used across varied contexts to imply flexibility and adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not set in stone" effectively communicates that something is flexible and subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, use it to express openness to adjustments while avoiding it when conveying firm commitments. Alternatives such as "is subject to change" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances. With a neutral register, this phrase is suitable for professional communication and general discussions alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subject to change

Emphasizes the possibility of future alterations or modifications.

is not immutable

Highlights the characteristic of not being unchangeable.

is open to revision

Focuses on the possibility of reviewing and revising something.

is flexible

Stresses the adaptability and pliability of something.

is not definitive

Implies that something is not final or conclusive.

can be adjusted

Indicates the ability to modify or tweak something.

is negotiable

Suggests that terms or conditions are open for discussion and change.

is not final

Conveys that something is not the last version or decision.

is tentative

Highlights the provisional and uncertain nature of something.

remains to be seen

Focuses on future outcomes, implying the current state is not decisive.

FAQs

How can I use "is not set in stone" in a sentence?

You can use "is not set in stone" to indicate that something is flexible and subject to change. For example, "The deadline for the project "is not set in stone", so we can adjust it if necessary."

What is a good alternative to "is not set in stone"?

Alternatives to "is not set in stone" include "is subject to change", "is flexible", or "is open to revision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is not set in stone" or "isn't set in stone"?

"Is not set in stone" and "isn't set in stone" are both correct. The contracted form "isn't" is more informal, while "is not" is slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What does it mean if something "is not set in stone"?

If something "is not set in stone", it means that it is not fixed or unchangeable. It implies that there is room for adjustments, modifications, or revisions in the future.