largely unexceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "largely unexceptional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is mostly ordinary or not particularly noteworthy. Example: "The film received mixed reviews, with many critics stating that it was largely unexceptional compared to other releases this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Biting into Sister Jamie's mordant verbal assaults on a recalcitrant drug addict, all but smacking her lips like a gourmet savoring al dente pasta, Ms. Turner makes a feast of largely unexceptional dialogue.

The New York Times

In 1901, it took considerable courage to proclaim your atheism in an English-speaking country; a century later, non-belief had become (within the intelligentsia, at least) largely unexceptional.

The Guardian - Opinion

These terrorists were British like us, looked like us, had names similar to our own and, as the official report into 7/7 would later confirm, were "apparently well integrated into British society" with "largely unexceptional" backgrounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the FT's previous owner, Pearson, was seeking financial stability and an informed, if largely unexceptional, editorial line for its erstwhile media flagship, it needn't have looked further than the Nikkei.

The Guardian

A string of largely unexceptional motion pictures preceded the next entry in Wellman's film canon, the Academy Award-nominated The Ox-Bow Incident (1943; known as Strange Incident in Britain), a powerful indictment of mob rule based on Walter van Tilburg Clark's 1940 novel of the same name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a review for The New York Times, Charles Isherwood wrote that, in her role as Sister Jamison Connelly, Ms. Turner was "all but smacking her lips like a gourmet savoring al dente pasta" as she made "a feast of largely unexceptional dialogue".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Throughout the year, in fact, surface air temperatures which largely drive melting seemed unexceptional.

Science Magazine

Family history, mostly, is unexceptional stuff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After all, he had been a largely passive vice-president and before that an unexceptional state governor.

The Economist

IN AN unexceptional field in Cappadocia, two large opaque tarpaulins flap in the Anatolian breeze.

The Economist

Her experience is unexceptional.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "largely unexceptional" when you want to convey that something is mostly ordinary but may have a few slightly interesting aspects. It's suitable when you want to temper expectations without being overly negative.

Common error

While "largely unexceptional" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language might be preferred. Consider alternatives that provide more specific detail about the nature of the ordinariness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely unexceptional" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies an adjective. It describes the extent to which something lacks distinction or is ordinary. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase fits well within varied sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Science & Research

1%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "largely unexceptional" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that means something is mostly ordinary or not particularly noteworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and understandable across varied writing styles. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. While acceptable, consider more precise alternatives in very formal contexts. Remember that while the phrase signals ordinariness, the "largely" component indicates that there are possibly some slightly noteworthy elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly unremarkable

Emphasizes the lack of noteworthy qualities in a more direct way.

generally ordinary

Focuses on the commonness and typical nature of something.

largely commonplace

Highlights the lack of uniqueness, suggesting something is widely found.

mostly pedestrian

Implies a lack of excitement or innovation.

generally run-of-the-mill

Indicates something is typical and lacks special features.

for the most part average

Highlights the mediocrity and lack of distinction.

predominantly typical

Stresses conformity to a common type or standard.

largely conventional

Emphasizes adherence to established norms and lack of originality.

mostly standard

Indicates conformity to a set standard without exceeding it.

generally uninspired

Points out the lack of creativity or excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "largely unexceptional" in a sentence?

You can use "largely unexceptional" to describe something that is mostly ordinary but not entirely without merit. For example, "The film was "largely unexceptional", but the acting was superb."

What's the difference between "largely unexceptional" and "completely unexceptional"?

"Largely unexceptional" suggests that something is mostly ordinary, implying there might be a few noteworthy aspects. "Completely unexceptional", on the other hand, indicates that something is entirely without any special qualities.

What can I say instead of "largely unexceptional"?

You can use alternatives like "mostly unremarkable", "generally ordinary", or "largely commonplace" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "largely unexceptional" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable, but consider the specific context and audience. In highly formal writing, you might opt for more precise language that specifies why something is considered ordinary. Using words like "conventional", "standard", or "typical" may be more appropriate.