not entirely

USAGE SUMMARY

'not entirely' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is partially true, not completely true, or not completely accurate. For example, "I'm not entirely sure what you mean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not entirely.

The New York Times

Barely, but not entirely.

The New York Times

Though not entirely.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, not entirely alone.

The New Yorker

No, not entirely.

The New York Times - Books

That's not entirely surprising.

The Guardian - Sport

"But not entirely crazy".

The New York Times

That's not entirely fair.

The New York Times

I'm not entirely evil.

Independent

Not entirely freely.

The New York Times

Not entirely true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not entirely" to add nuance and precision to your writing when you want to avoid absolute statements. It's particularly useful when discussing complex issues or subjective opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "not entirely" when a simpler "no" or "yes, but..." would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

"Not entirely" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate a degree of qualification or limitation. Ludwig's AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "I am not entirely convinced."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not entirely" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial phrase that adds nuance to writing and speech. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its primary function is to express partial agreement or limited accuracy, making it ideal for complex discussions where absolutes are inappropriate. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, "not entirely" maintains a neutral register and offers a more diplomatic way to convey disagreement or uncertainty. Consider using alternatives such as "not completely" or "partially true" depending on the desired level of formality and precision. Its frequency across authoritative sources underscores its value in clear, accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not wholly

Emphasizes the part that is true or correct, downplaying any inaccuracies.

Not completely

Highlights the incompleteness of a statement or situation.

Not fully

Focuses on the lack of thoroughness or comprehensiveness.

Partially true

Directly states that something is true only in part.

In part

A more concise way of saying something is only partly the case.

Not altogether

Similar to 'not entirely', but with a slightly more formal tone.

To some extent

Indicates a limited degree or scope of truth or accuracy.

Not necessarily

Suggests that something might not always be the case.

Not quite

Suggests a statement is close to being accurate, but misses the mark.

Up to a point

Expresses agreement or validity only within certain limitations.

FAQs

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

Use "not entirely" to express that something is partly true, accurate, or complete. For example, "The project was "not entirely successful", but we learned valuable lessons."

What are some alternatives to "not entirely"?

Alternatives include "not completely", "partially true", or "to some extent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "not entirely" or "not completely"?

Both phrases are suitable for formal and informal contexts. "Not entirely" might be perceived as slightly more nuanced, while "not completely" is generally more direct.

Can "not entirely" be used to soften a disagreement?

Yes, "not entirely" can be used to express disagreement diplomatically. For example, instead of saying "That's wrong", you could say "I'm "not entirely sure" that's the case."