not altogether correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not altogether correct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is partially true or accurate, but not completely so. Example: "While his explanation was insightful, it was not altogether correct, as it omitted several key details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When the Carpetbagger said yesterday that neither love nor money could buy you Oscar tickets, he was not altogether correct, although he wasn't far off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The theory that female spiders kill their husbands isn't altogether correct, either.

The New Yorker

Fingerless gloves, dad's oldest flannel shirt and some dirt smudges on my face and I was a respectable (if not altogether politically correct) bum.

Huffington Post

For example, it is not altogether clear that the assumption we make that cells can only acquire a single sort of destabilization is correct.

Biology Direct

Not altogether.

The Economist

But not altogether.

The New Yorker

Not altogether warranted.

The New York Times - Sports

Remarkable, but not altogether surprising.

The New Yorker

They were not altogether fair.

The Economist

That is not altogether surprising.

The New York Times

This is not altogether irrational.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not altogether correct" when you want to acknowledge some validity in a statement while still pointing out its flaws or incompleteness. This approach is often more tactful than a direct contradiction.

Common error

Avoid stacking qualifiers. Instead of saying something is "not altogether entirely correct", aim for more concise phrasing such as "partially correct" or "largely incorrect" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not altogether correct" functions as an adverbial modifier softening the impact of a direct negation. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating partial inaccuracy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not altogether correct" serves as a valuable linguistic tool for expressing partial disagreement or highlighting inaccuracies in a tactful manner. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound and versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to avoid redundancy and aim for concise phrasing to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "partially accurate" or "somewhat inaccurate" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely accurate

Replaces "correct" with "accurate", focusing on the truthfulness of the statement.

not fully accurate

Similar to "not entirely accurate", but with "fully".

not wholly accurate

Synonymous with "not entirely accurate" and "not fully accurate".

partially incorrect

Emphasizes the presence of errors within the statement.

somewhat inaccurate

Uses "inaccurate" to soften the assessment of correctness.

not completely right

Uses a more informal term "right" instead of "correct".

not quite right

A more colloquial way of saying something is partially incorrect.

partially true

Highlights the element of truth that exists in the statement.

partly in error

Focuses on the erroneous aspect of the information.

imperfectly correct

Uses "imperfectly" to denote a flawed correctness.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not altogether correct"?

The phrase "not altogether correct" is suitable when you want to indicate that a statement contains some truth but is not entirely accurate or complete. It's a tactful way to point out flaws without completely dismissing the statement.

What are some alternatives to saying "not altogether correct"?

Alternatives include "partially accurate", "somewhat inaccurate", or "not entirely accurate". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not altogether correct" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "not altogether correct" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "partially inaccurate" may be preferred in certain settings.

How does "not altogether correct" differ from "incorrect"?

"Not altogether correct" implies that there are elements of truth or accuracy within a statement, whereas "incorrect" suggests that the statement is wrong. "Not altogether correct" is a more nuanced and less direct way of expressing disagreement than a simple "incorrect".