it is not technically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not technically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that may not align with strict definitions or standards, often in a context where technical accuracy is being questioned. Example: "While it is not technically a violation of the rules, it does raise some ethical concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latest draft makes clear that the government will take a pragmatic approach, and no company will be required to remove encryption of its own services if it is not technically feasible.

The Guardian

In addition, the rules do not preclude a company from voluntarily conducting a new determination of its median employee, even if it is not technically required to do so.

Harvard University

It is not technically demanding (its grade is Difficult), and most pitches can be tackled unroped by competent climbers, but it is committing and very exposed.

Wikipedia

It is not technically difficult, but the route is long, with sustained steep portions.

Harvard University

Unfortunately, it is not technically possible to make these videos viewable by non-enrolled students.

Stanford University

However, it is not technically possible to turn down the award.

The Guardian - Music

"It takes away that argument that it is not technically feasible for them to do this".

The New York Times

"That is why it feels wrong even when it is not technically illegal," Ms. MacCleery said.

The New York Times

While it is not technically a requirement of an H.323 network, in practice the gatekeeper is extremely useful.

Cisco AVVID and IP Telephony Design & Implementation

One of the things we are very involved with is ITIL – although it is not, technically speaking, a methodology.

The Economist

It is not technically President Obama's second inauguration, Steve Kerrigan, the inaugural committee CEO, jokingly reminds us all.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not technically" to clarify situations where a statement might be misleading if taken at face value. This ensures transparency and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not technically" excessively, as it can dilute the impact of your writing. Instead, consider more direct and concise alternatives to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not technically" functions as a qualifier, softening or refining a statement. It introduces a nuance where something might appear to be one thing, but strictly speaking, it isn't. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not technically" serves as a crucial qualifier, adding precision to statements and averting misinterpretations. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse domains, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. As a qualifier, it highlights discrepancies between general perceptions and technical accuracy, making it a versatile tool for clear communication. Remember to employ it judiciously to maintain the integrity and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it isn't strictly speaking

Changes the verb contraction and adds "speaking" for emphasis on the literal meaning.

it's not precisely

Replaces "technically" with "precisely" indicating a slight inexactness.

it's not literally

Substitutes "technically" with "literally", focusing on the non-literal interpretation.

it does not strictly

Changes sentence structure while maintaining the emphasis on strict adherence to rules.

it's not by the book

Introduces an idiomatic expression referring to deviation from established rules or norms.

it doesn't qualify as

Shifts the focus to the lack of qualification under a specific set of standards.

it's not formally

Replaces "technically" with "formally" indicating the absence of official recognition.

it's a gray area

Uses an idiom to indicate something is ambiguous and does not have a clear classification.

it is loosely

Indicates a less precise or accurate application of a term or concept.

it's an approximation

Suggests that something is close to accurate but not perfectly so.

FAQs

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

Use "it is not technically" to clarify a statement that is generally true but may not be accurate under strict or formal definitions. For example: "While the product resembles a traditional tool, "it is not technically" classified as such due to its innovative features".

What are some alternatives to "it is not technically"?

You can use alternatives such as "it isn't strictly speaking", "it is not strictly", or "it is loosely" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is not technically"?

Use "it is not technically" when you need to qualify a statement that might be superficially true but deviates from a precise or official definition. This phrase helps to prevent misunderstanding by highlighting the difference between common perception and technical accuracy.

What's the difference between "it is not technically" and "it is not actually"?

"It is not technically" points out a discrepancy in formal or precise definitions, while "it is not actually" indicates something is untrue or contrary to expectations. The first emphasizes a semantic or definitional distinction, whereas the second corrects a factual error.