it is not really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not really" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express doubt or to downplay the significance of something in a conversation or argument. Example: "While some may think the project is a failure, it is not really as bad as it seems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is not really frightening.

The New York Times

It is not really horrible.

The New York Times

It is not really mine.

The Guardian - Books

It is not really innovative.

The Guardian

It is not really clear.

The New York Times - Arts

So it is not really important.

The Guardian

Yet it is not really strange.

The Guardian - Film

In that sense, it is not really new money.

The Economist

They say it is not really fighting terrorism but Islam.

The New Yorker

"It is not really regime change, directly," he said.

The New York Times

"It is not really important how many medals we win.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not really" to soften a disagreement or to express a nuanced perspective, acknowledging a degree of truth while still indicating a divergence.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not really" excessively in a single piece of writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in conviction. Opt for stronger, more direct statements where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not really" functions as a qualifier or hedge, softening a statement or expressing a degree of uncertainty or disagreement. It suggests that something is not entirely accurate or true, as shown by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not really" is a versatile phrase used to qualify statements and express nuanced opinions. As Ludwig highlights, it functions as a hedge, softening claims rather than asserting them outright. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, though overuse should be avoided. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, suggesting it's a valuable tool for expressing degrees of certainty and avoiding overly strong assertions. Consider its alternatives to achieve the most precise nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not exactly

Implies a slight difference or deviation from what is expected or stated.

it doesn't really

Functions similarly but uses a different auxiliary verb, emphasizing the action.

it isn't quite

Suggests something is close but not fully achieved or accurate.

it's not entirely

Indicates that something is partially true but not completely so.

it's not truly

Emphasizes the lack of genuineness or authenticity.

it's not precisely

Indicates a lack of exactness or accuracy.

it hardly is

Suggests that something is unlikely or barely true.

it scarcely is

Implies that something is rare or almost nonexistent.

it's kind of not

An informal way to express a lack of something.

it's not essentially

Highlights that something is not fundamental or crucial.

FAQs

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

Use "it is not really" to express that something is not entirely true or accurate, often to soften a statement or disagreement. For example, "While some see it as a failure, "it is not really" that bad".

What phrases are similar to "it is not really"?

Similar phrases include "it is not exactly", "it is not quite", or "it is not entirely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is not really" or "it isn't really"?

Both "it is not really" and "it isn't really" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the desired level of formality. "It isn't really" is slightly more informal.

When should I avoid using "it is not really"?

Avoid using "it is not really" when you need to make a strong, direct statement. In situations where clarity and conviction are paramount, a more assertive phrasing is preferable. The phrase works to soften a point instead of strengthen it.