not exactly but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not exactly but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clarification or a nuanced response that partially agrees with a statement but also indicates a difference or exception. Example: "I understand your point about the project timeline, but it's not exactly but more about the resources we have available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not exactly, but close.

The New York Times

Not Exactly, But..

The New York Times

Not exactly, but the Reagan era was just beginning.

University of California, Berkeley

Well, not exactly, but that gives you the idea".

The New Yorker

Not exactly, but the upshot could be the same.

The New York Times - Tech

Alright, not exactly, but you know what I mean.

The Guardian

Not exactly, but they are far less successful than expected.

The New York Times

Not exactly, but no – no, yes, no, as they say – I doubt I will be going.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Well, not exactly - but it's closer than you'd imagine.

The Guardian - Books

Well, not exactly -- but Japanese researchers have shown that they display what seems to be a primitive kind of intelligence.

The New York Times - Science

Not exactly... but I think, the next time I walk up a hill, it'll mean more to me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not exactly but" to introduce a more accurate or nuanced perspective following a statement that is generally true but requires clarification. It can soften disagreements while still providing necessary corrections.

Common error

Avoid using "not exactly but" excessively in highly formal writing. While acceptable in many situations, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking confidence. Replace it with more direct and assertive phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not exactly but" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a hedge. It introduces a statement that qualifies a previous one, indicating that while the first statement may be generally true, it requires further clarification or correction. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not exactly but" serves as a useful tool to introduce clarifications or nuanced corrections. Grammatically correct and commonly used, it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts but can also be found in science and less frequently in formal business settings. As Ludwig AI highlights, "not exactly but" allows you to soften potential disagreements, offer additional context, or refine a statement without direct contradiction. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in highly formal writing, where more direct phrasing may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not quite but

Indicates a slight difference or degree of approximation.

Not entirely but

Suggests that something is partially true, with exceptions.

Not precisely but

Emphasizes a lack of exactness while acknowledging closeness.

Not really but

Implies a deviation from what is expected or implied.

Not completely but

Indicates a partial fulfillment or agreement.

Almost but not quite

Highlights the near achievement of a condition or state.

Close but no cigar

Suggests a near success that ultimately falls short.

Near but not there yet

Expresses proximity to a goal or state with remaining distance.

In the vicinity but not on the spot

Emphasizes being close to a location or idea without directly matching it.

Getting there but not quite

Shows progress towards a state but incomplete achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "not exactly but" in a sentence?

Use "not exactly but" to introduce a clarification or correction that doesn't entirely negate the original statement. For instance, "That's the main reason, "not exactly but" there are other factors to consider".

What phrases are similar to "not exactly but"?

Similar phrases include "not quite but", "not entirely but", or "almost but not quite". These alternatives also express partial agreement or near accuracy.

Is it better to use "not exactly but" or a more direct correction?

It depends on the context. "Not exactly but" is useful when you want to soften a correction or provide additional context. A direct correction is more appropriate when clarity and conciseness are paramount.

Can "not exactly but" be used in formal writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While grammatically correct, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less confident. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives when appropriate.