is not without its faults

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is not without its faults' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression used to mean that something may not be perfect, or is not ideal but may still have some good qualities. For example, you could say "The school's approach to student mental health is not without its faults, but it does offer good support for students in distress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

How Much Is Enough? is a spirited polemic but it is not without its faults.

The Guardian - Books

The Truth About Celia Frost is not without its faults, but it's fast and fun, and difficult to pigeon-hole, which is no bad thing in this age of rigid genres.

The Guardian - Books

OnLive – the PC game streaming service – has had a difficult first few years, its pricing is high and the service is not without its faults (although it has significantly improved over the last 12 months).

The Guardian - Tech

But while there is much to praise about the Swiss system, it is not without its faults, says Alison Fuller, professor of education and work at the University of Southampton.

The Guardian

The existing curriculum is not without its faults: repeatedly re-engineered since it was set in place 20 years ago, it is now cluttered and prescriptive.

The Economist

"The Informant" is not without its faults.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The service overall isn't without its faults, but it's difficult to build team and enterprise software that can make everyone happy.

TechCrunch

It isn't without its faults: the rendering of far-away objects takes too long and there aren't a lot of side missions (unlike the GTA series), but they pale in comparison to the pluses.

TechCrunch

As I mentioned, Convo isn't without its faults, especially on the web where it still uses Flash, but for $9/seat monthly, you really can't go wrong.

TechCrunch

Though I'm a fan of the looks, the overall design isn't without its faults.

TechCrunch

While the idea is novel, the execution isn't without its faults.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not without its faults" to acknowledge potential weaknesses while still conveying an overall positive assessment. This approach adds nuance and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is not without its faults" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "has certain shortcomings" or "presents some challenges" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not without its faults" functions as a qualifier or concession. According to Ludwig, it acknowledges that something has imperfections or weaknesses, but does not dismiss its overall value or effectiveness. It softens criticism by admitting drawbacks exist.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not without its faults" is a useful expression for acknowledging imperfections while maintaining a balanced perspective. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it indicates that something is not perfect, it also implies that it possesses redeeming qualities or positive aspects. When writing, consider alternatives like "has certain shortcomings" or "presents some challenges" to avoid repetition. Using this phrase correctly adds nuance and credibility to your writing by demonstrating a fair assessment of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not entirely perfect

Directly states the absence of complete flawlessness.

is not without limitations

Points out boundaries or restrictions that affect scope or capability.

has certain shortcomings

Focuses specifically on the presence of limitations or defects.

possesses some imperfections

Highlights aesthetic or minor flaws rather than functional ones.

exhibits some weaknesses

Emphasizes vulnerability or lack of strength in specific areas.

has its share of flaws

Suggests a balance of positive and negative attributes.

has a few drawbacks

Indicates disadvantages or negative aspects that reduce overall value.

has areas for improvement

Focuses on the potential for enhancement and development.

presents some challenges

Highlights difficulties or obstacles associated with something.

is somewhat deficient

Suggests a lack of something essential or necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "is not without its faults" in a sentence?

You can use "is not without its faults" to acknowledge imperfections while maintaining a balanced perspective. For example, "The new software is not without its faults, but its innovative features make it a valuable tool".

What are some alternatives to "is not without its faults"?

Some alternatives include "has certain shortcomings", "is not entirely perfect", or "presents some challenges". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "is not without faults" or "is not without its faults"?

"Is not without its faults" is generally preferred because it is more idiomatic and grammatically complete. Saying "is not without faults" is less common and may sound slightly awkward.

When should I use "is not without its faults" instead of simply saying something is "flawed"?

Use "is not without its faults" when you want to acknowledge imperfections in a more nuanced way. It implies that while there are issues, there are also positive aspects. Saying something is simply "flawed" is more direct and negative, without acknowledging any redeeming qualities.