not as good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the quality or effectiveness of one thing to another, indicating that it is inferior in some way. Example: "The sequel was entertaining, but it was not as good as the original film."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not as good as Goldman's.

The Economist

Only not as good.

The New York Times - Tech

Elsewhere, the news is not as good.

The New Yorker

"But not as good for hotel developers".

The New York Times

"Not as good as the real thing".

The New York Times

But not as good as all that.

The Economist

They're just not as good.

The Times

"The Americans — not as good.

The New York Times

Not as good as they were last year.

Independent

But not as good as you do.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not as good-looking, though".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not as good", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is not as good as to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "This coffee is good, but not as good as the one from that Italian coffee shop."

Common error

Avoid using "not as good" without a clear reference point. Saying "This product is not as good" leaves the audience wondering what it is being compared to, weakening your statement. Always specify what the subject is being compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as good" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to express that something is of a lower quality, standard, or effectiveness than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as good" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a comparison indicating inferiority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While widely applicable, ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared. Alternatives like "inferior", "subpar", and "less impressive" can add nuance depending on the context. Be mindful of vagueness and always provide a clear reference for the comparison to avoid confusion and enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inferior to

Directly compares two things, stating one is lower in quality.

of a lower standard

Emphasizes the difference in quality level.

subpar

A single word alternative, indicating something is below the expected standard.

not up to par

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a lack of expected quality.

not quite as effective

Focuses on the reduced effectiveness compared to something else.

less impressive than

Focuses on the perceived impact or effect being weaker.

second-rate

Describes something as being of poor quality or less importance.

falls short of

Indicates a failure to reach a certain standard or expectation.

deficient in

Highlights a specific lacking quality or aspect.

pale in comparison to

Highlights how one thing loses significance when compared to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "not as good" in a sentence?

The phrase "not as good" is used for comparisons, indicating something is inferior to something else. For example, "The sequel was entertaining, but it was "not as good" as the original film."

What's a more formal alternative to "not as good"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "inferior to", "suboptimal", or "of a lower standard" instead of "not as good".

Is it grammatically correct to say "not as good as"?

Yes, "not as good as" is grammatically correct. It's a standard comparative construction used to show that something does not measure up to a specific comparison point.

What can I say instead of "not as good" to emphasize a slight difference?

To emphasize a slight difference, you might say "slightly inferior", "marginally less effective", or "not quite as good".