not absolute

USAGE SUMMARY

"not absolute" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it to indicate that something is not certain or certain not to happen, often in contrast to something that is certain or absolute. For example, "Although the law may be interpreted differently, the facts of the case are not absolute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not absolute".

The New York Times

Extensive, but not absolute.

The New York Times

No, perspective is not absolute.

The New York Times - Sports

However, trust is not absolute.

The Washington Post

That freedom was not absolute.

The New York Times

Journalistic privilege is not absolute.

The New York Times

"Free speech is not absolute.

The New York Times

Democracy is not absolute power.

The New York Times

It is not absolute fact.

The New York Times

But the consensus is not absolute.

The Economist

Relativity reveals that time is not absolute.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "not absolute", ensure the context clearly defines the scope or conditions under which the statement holds true, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not absolute" as a generic disclaimer without specifying what the limitations are. Instead of saying 'This solution is not absolute', specify 'This solution is not absolute in cases where X condition exists'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not absolute" primarily functions as a qualifier or modifier. It indicates that a statement, concept, or right is subject to limitations, conditions, or exceptions. This usage is supported by examples from Ludwig, where it's used to describe trust, freedom, and power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not absolute" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate limitations or exceptions to general statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. Its purpose is to add nuance, prevent overgeneralization, and signal that a given principle has boundaries. When using "not absolute", ensure that the context clearly defines the scope or conditions under which the statement holds true to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include phrases like "not necessarily" or "subject to conditions", offering various ways to express nuanced limitations. The frequent usage of "not absolute" in authoritative sources underscores its importance in precise and balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not necessarily

Indicates that something is not required or guaranteed.

not entirely

Highlights that something is not completely the case.

to a certain extent

Indicates that something is true, but not completely or in every way.

not definite

Suggests that something is uncertain or not clearly established.

relatively speaking

Emphasizes that something is true only in relation to other factors.

qualified

Indicates that a statement or assertion is limited or modified in some way.

not always

Suggests that something is true sometimes, but not in every instance.

within limits

Implies that something is true or valid only up to a certain point.

subject to conditions

Specifies that something is dependent on certain requirements being met.

contingent upon

Highlights that something depends on certain factors or events.

FAQs

How can I use "not absolute" in a sentence?

You can use "not absolute" to indicate that something is subject to limitations or exceptions. For example, "Freedom of speech is "not absolute", as there are laws against inciting violence."

What are some alternatives to "not absolute"?

Some alternatives include "not entirely", "not necessarily", and "subject to conditions", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not absolute"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that something is not complete or without exception.

What's the difference between "not absolute" and "relative"?

"Not absolute" indicates a lack of completeness or universality, while "relative" implies that something is dependent on a specific context or comparison. Something that is relative is "not absolute", but something that is "not absolute" isn't necessarily relative; it may just be incomplete.