not always the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not always the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is true in some situations but not in all, often to introduce a contrast or exception. Example: "While many people believe that hard work guarantees success, that is not always the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

However, that is not always the case.

The Guardian

This is not always the case downtown.

The New York Times

That is not always the case.

The New York Times

That was not always the case.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it's not always the case.

The New York Times

But that's not always the case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case".

The New York Times

But this wasn't always the case.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This wasn't always the case.

The New York Times - Magazine

That wasn't always the case.

The New York Times - Arts

But that wasn't always the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not always the case" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or exception to a general statement. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not always the case" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language with alternatives like "not necessarily", "it depends", or "subject to exceptions" to maintain reader engagement and writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not always the case" functions as a qualifier or a hedge. It introduces nuance by indicating that a preceding statement is generally true but may not apply in every situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not always the case" serves as a valuable tool for adding precision to your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various fields, particularly in news, science, and general discourse. Its function is to qualify statements, acknowledging that exceptions may exist, which ultimately enhances the credibility of your writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously and consider alternatives to prevent overuse. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not necessarily so

Implies a weaker contradiction; suggests possibility rather than direct opposition.

not invariably true

Emphasizes the lack of consistency in truth, using a more formal tone.

not true in every instance

Highlights that the statement fails to hold in each particular situation.

does not always hold

Focuses on the failure of a rule or expectation to apply without exception.

not a universal truth

Stresses the absence of global validity, being confined by specific conditions.

not consistently found

Highlights irregularity by expressing that something can't be encountered every time.

subject to exceptions

Underscores the existence of situations excluded from a general assertion.

it depends

Highlights conditional validity implying the statement changes based on circumstance.

not always the situation

This alternative emphasizes the state of affairs or circumstances, and clarifies that this particular state is not permanent.

not always the answer

This alternative highlights that the issue may require a number of various solutions depending on several variables.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not always the case" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "not necessarily so", "not invariably true", or "subject to exceptions" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not always the case"?

Yes, "not always the case" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

When is it appropriate to use "not always the case" in writing?

Use "not always the case" when you want to indicate that a statement is generally true but has exceptions. It's useful for introducing nuance and avoiding overgeneralizations.

What's the difference between "not always the case" and "never the case"?

"Not always the case" means that something is sometimes true, while "never the case" means that something is never true. The former acknowledges exceptions, while the latter denies any possibility.