is not without its pleasures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not without its pleasures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that while something may have drawbacks or challenges, it also has enjoyable or positive aspects. Example: "Although the job can be stressful at times, it is not without its pleasures, such as the satisfaction of helping clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is not without its pleasures – if you like seeing people get hit in the face with shovels, that is – but it might be the most irresponsibly dumb spy thriller I've seen in some time.

The Guardian - Film

This is not without its pleasures.

The New York Times - Books

"Devil May Care" is not without its pleasures.

The New York Times - Books

This parable is not without its pleasures: Mukherjee's writing can be evocative, even poetic.

The New York Times - Books

So "The Avengers," which has been foreshadowed by post-credits teasers in (deep breath), "Captain America," "Thor," "The Incredible Hulk" (the one with Edward Norton) and both "Iron Man" pictures, is not without its pleasures.

The New York Times

More recently, take Bond, James Bond, now back in "Devil May Care," which "is not without its pleasures," Alex Berenson writes in a review not overly long on praise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Gadd's comedy of degradation isn't without its pleasures, but they're mainly of the two-dimensional variety.

The Guardian

But life was not without its pleasures -- his father had a love of horse racing that he shared with his son.

The New York Times

The fourth season, overseen by Moses Port and David Guarascio, of the under-appreciated culture-clash comedy "Aliens in America" was not without its pleasures.

Los Angeles Times

Still, "Roads" is not without its modest pleasures: it's like a long, meandering road trip with an affable raconteur who likes to comment on the landscape glimpsed through the windshield while reminiscing about earlier visits to the region and books he once read.

The New York Times - Books

Yet once our expectations are adjusted to the dimensions of the subject, the work is not without its small pleasures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not without its pleasures" to offer a balanced perspective. Acknowledge potential drawbacks while still highlighting positive aspects, creating a nuanced and credible assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "is not without its pleasures" excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound formulaic and diminish the impact of the phrase. Opt for more direct and varied expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not without its pleasures" functions as an affirmative understatement, a figure of speech where an affirmative is expressed by its contrary. Ludwig AI examples show it's often used to acknowledge flaws while also highlighting the positive aspects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Books

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not without its pleasures" functions as a nuanced form of understatement, acknowledging potential drawbacks while highlighting positive qualities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and generally used to offer balanced perspectives in various contexts, most commonly in News & Media and Books. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. While the phrase is useful for expressing tempered positivity, overuse should be avoided to maintain impact and originality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has some redeeming qualities

Focuses on the presence of positive aspects that compensate for flaws.

possesses certain merits

Highlights the existence of valuable attributes or advantages.

offers some enjoyment

Emphasizes the potential for deriving pleasure or satisfaction.

has its moments of delight

Suggests that positive experiences occur intermittently.

is not entirely unpleasant

Downplays negativity by focusing on the absence of complete displeasure.

retains a degree of appeal

Implies that something maintains some level of attractiveness or interest.

contains elements of satisfaction

Indicates the presence of satisfying components or features.

presents intermittent joys

Highlights that pleasant and joyous situations are not constant, but rather scattered throughout an experience.

boasts some redeeming features

Emphasizes the qualities that compensate for any shortcomings.

affords a measure of gratification

Indicates that a certain amount of satisfaction or pleasure can be obtained.

FAQs

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

This phrase is typically used to indicate that something, while perhaps flawed or challenging, still offers some enjoyment or positive aspects. For example, "Although the project was demanding, it "is not without its pleasures", such as the opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues."

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

You can use alternatives like "has some "redeeming qualities"", "offers some "enjoyment"", or "possesses certain "merits"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not without its pleasures" or "is full of pleasures"?

"Is not without its pleasures" implies a balance between positive and negative aspects, while "is full of pleasures" suggests primarily positive experiences. The choice depends on the accuracy of the description in relation to the subject.

What is the tone of "is not without its pleasures"?

The phrase has a nuanced, somewhat understated tone. It acknowledges potential negatives while still recognizing the presence of positive elements, creating a balanced and thoughtful impression.