it is far from perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is far from perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something has significant flaws or shortcomings, indicating that it does not meet an ideal standard. Example: "While the design is innovative, it is far from perfect and requires further refinement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It is far from perfect.

The New York Times

But it is far from perfect.

The Economist

It is far from perfect – particularly if you are Indigenous.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As an institution it is far from perfect," he wrote.

The Guardian

As a screening tool, it is far from perfect, doctors say.

The New York Times

Although the system is the best available, it is far from perfect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It was far from perfect but I didn't expect perfection.

BBC

No hate on the Cursed Child play in itself; it's far from perfect, but its task was impossible to begin with.

Huffington Post

It's far from perfect".

The New York Times

So it was far from perfect.

The Economist

It was far from perfect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, follow it with specific examples of the imperfections to add credibility and clarity. Vague statements can weaken the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it is far from perfect" as a standalone critique. Always provide context or specific examples of what makes it imperfect to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is far from perfect" functions as a qualifier, modifying a preceding noun or concept to indicate that while it may have positive attributes, it also possesses notable flaws or shortcomings. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is far from perfect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to acknowledge limitations while still conveying a generally positive assessment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a qualifier, tempering praise with realism. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase helps manage expectations and provides balanced perspectives. While versatile, it's essential to follow it with specific examples to avoid ambiguity and reinforce credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imperfect

A more concise and direct way of saying that something is not perfect.

it falls short of perfection

Highlights that it fails to achieve a perfect standard.

it has significant shortcomings

Directly points out the deficiencies and limitations of something.

it is not without its flaws

Emphasizes the presence of flaws without explicitly stating the degree of imperfection.

it is not exactly ideal

Uses understatement to indicate that the subject is less than perfect.

it leaves much to be desired

Highlights the inadequacy and suggests a significant gap between the current state and the desired state.

it's a flawed concept

Focuses on the concept having intrinsic faults, rather than the execution.

it has room for improvement

States that there is space or potential for making it better.

it could be improved

Suggests potential for enhancement, implying current imperfection.

it needs refinement

Indicates a need for further work and improvement.

FAQs

What does "it is far from perfect" mean?

The phrase "it is far from perfect" means that something has significant flaws or shortcomings and doesn't meet an ideal standard. It acknowledges imperfections while often implying an overall positive assessment or potential.

How can I use "it is far from perfect" in a sentence?

You can use "it is far from perfect" to acknowledge limitations or flaws while still conveying a generally positive sentiment. For example, "The new policy is a good start, but "it is far from perfect" and needs further revisions."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is far from perfect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is not without its flaws", "it leaves much to be desired", or "it has significant shortcomings", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is not perfect" or "it is far from perfect"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "it is far from perfect" often implies a greater degree of imperfection or a more significant deviation from the ideal. "It is not perfect" is a milder statement.