not altogether true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not altogether true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement is partially accurate but not completely so. Example: "While the report highlights some valid points, it is not altogether true that the project was a complete failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That is not altogether true.

The Economist

And yet that is not altogether true.

The New York Times - Sports

Actually, that is not altogether true.

The New York Times

That's not altogether true, and the response has been fractured.

The New York Times - Travel

This was not altogether true, I told him, tapping The Herald Tribune, whose writer had liked the Galliano show.

The New York Times

It is just the kind of story that clever people tell about their lives: meaningful, useful, and, quite possibly, not altogether true.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Strongman wrote that the band and the album were difficult to market because of their kitschy style and how Murcia's death had exacerbated their association with hard drugs, which "wasn't altogether true in the early days".

Wikipedia

But he has not scored a home run, not with the structurally contrived "Asteroid," which refers to an article She ripped out of the newspaper, and not in the collection, which is not altogether thematically true.

The New York Times

So Anscombe's provocative claim with which this entry began — that the two major traditions in modern moral theory (Kantianism and utilitarianism) have ignored questions of virtue and character to their detriment — does not seem altogether true.

SEP

In another, much of what we thought we knew about exercise may not be altogether true.

Huffington Post

Campbell, on the other hand, was "just luvly - but she was not altogether what you might call true ter life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not altogether true" to politely point out inaccuracies or exaggerations without being overly confrontational. It acknowledges that there may be some validity to the statement while still expressing reservation.

Common error

Avoid using "not altogether untrue" as it creates a confusing double negative. Opt for clearer alternatives like "partially true" or "somewhat accurate"./s/somewhat+accurate

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not altogether true" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it is only partially accurate. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is acceptable and common in written English. This aligns with its function of expressing partial agreement or limited validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not altogether true" is a useful phrase to express that a statement contains some truth but is not entirely accurate. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression. It's a neutral and polite expression, but it's important to avoid using double negatives and instead consider clearer alternatives such as "partially true" or "not entirely accurate". The expression is common in diverse contexts, but most frequently found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially true

Indicates that only a portion of something is accurate.

not entirely accurate

Suggests some level of inaccuracy.

not completely correct

Highlights that there are errors or inaccuracies present.

somewhat misleading

Implies potential deception or misrepresentation.

a grain of truth

Suggests a small element of truth within a larger falsehood.

not wholly factual

Similar to 'not entirely accurate', emphasizing factual discrepancies.

partially incorrect

Highlights the presence of errors or inaccuracies.

not exactly right

A less formal way of expressing some level of inaccuracy.

a bit of an exaggeration

Indicates overstatement or embellishment.

not quite the case

Suggests that the reality differs from what is being presented.

FAQs

What does "not altogether true" mean?

The phrase "not altogether true" means that something is partially true but contains inaccuracies or is not completely accurate. It suggests a mixture of truth and falsehood.

How can I use "not altogether true" in a sentence?

You can use "not altogether true" to politely express disagreement or point out inaccuracies in a statement. For example: "While the report highlights some valid points, it is "not altogether true" that the project was a failure."

What are some alternatives to "not altogether true"?

Alternatives to "not altogether true" include phrases like "partially true", "not entirely accurate", or "somewhat misleading". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "not altogether true" a formal or informal expression?

"Not altogether true" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "partially accurate" or "not entirely factual".