not entirely correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not entirely correct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is partially accurate but has some inaccuracies or flaws. Example: "While the report provides useful information, it is not entirely correct regarding the statistics presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But that's not entirely correct.

The New York Times

Simple, but not entirely correct.

The Washington Post

This is not entirely correct.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously, this is not entirely correct.

Yale University

But I think the claim that those on death row are opposed to 34 is not entirely correct.

University of California, Berkeley

I suspected at the time that my informant was not entirely correct, and my suspicion has since been confirmed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

We believe this is a consequence of the cupping being not entirely corrected on the slice borders, which brings more and more contribution as the number of pixels increase.

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

However, the animals remained hypercapnic and acidaemic, illustrating that the immobilization-induced respiratory derangements were not entirely corrected.

BMC Veterinary Research

First, some of the sequences (usually those that had the weakest EST support, sometimes a single EST) could contain errors, which were not entirely corrected through the CDS reconstruction process.

Genome Biology and Evolution

However, plant fossils and new simulations, collected and created by a team of researchers from nine institutions, including Columbia University, indicate that this picture isn't entirely correct.

Columbia University

When he spoke about the importance of conversation, one protester called out, "White supremacy is not a debate!" Still, the idea that the left and the right have switched sides isn't entirely correct, either.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not entirely correct", ensure you provide specific details or evidence to support your claim. This adds credibility and helps the audience understand the nature of the inaccuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "not entirely correct" when the statement is completely false. The phrase implies a degree of truthfulness, so using it for outright falsehoods can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not entirely correct" functions as a qualifier, typically used to express disagreement or correction in a nuanced way. It indicates that a statement is partially true but contains inaccuracies or is misleading in some respects. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not entirely correct" is a versatile qualifier used to express partial disagreement or to refine a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. Its nuanced nature makes it suitable for providing constructive feedback and clarifications. When using this phrase, it is best practice to offer specific details to support your correction and avoid using it for statements that are completely false.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not completely accurate

A more literal substitution, maintaining the core meaning with a slight variation in wording.

not altogether true

Emphasizes that the statement deviates from complete truthfulness.

partially inaccurate

Replaces the phrase with a more concise adjective indicating that something contains inaccuracies.

somewhat mistaken

Uses "mistaken" to highlight the error, implying a deviation from truth.

partly wrong

Simplifies the language for a more direct and less formal expression of inaccuracy.

has some inaccuracies

Shifts the focus to the presence of inaccuracies within something.

partially correct

Focuses on the aspect of partial correctness before implying the inaccuracy.

contains flaws

Highlights the imperfections or faults within a statement or concept.

not quite right

A more casual way of expressing that something is off or has errors.

leaves something to be desired

Indicates that the statement or situation has shortcomings or is not ideal.

FAQs

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

You can use "not entirely correct" to express that a statement has some truth but also contains inaccuracies. For instance, "While the data is helpful, it's "not entirely correct" regarding the sample size."

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

Alternatives include "partially inaccurate", "somewhat mistaken", or "not completely accurate", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not entirely correct" or "incorrect"?

"Not entirely correct" implies a degree of partial accuracy, whereas "incorrect" suggests complete inaccuracy. Choose the phrase that best reflects the extent of the error. If something is almost right, "not entirely correct" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "not entirely correct" and "not quite right"?

"Not entirely correct" is more formal and suitable for professional contexts, while "not quite right" is more casual. They both indicate that something isn't fully accurate, but the level of formality differs.