not exhaustive

USAGE SUMMARY

"not exhaustive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that a list of items or points is not complete. For example, "This list of activities is not exhaustive, but it is a good place to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This list is exhausting, but not exhaustive.

Huffington Post

The list isn't exhaustive — exhausting, perhaps but not exhaustive — but includes some points to ponder.

Los Angeles Times

The list is not exhaustive, but it certainly is exhausting.

The Guardian - Books

The searches performed to generate this database were not exhaustive.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The list is not exhaustive.

The New York Times

These factors are not exhaustive.

Harvard University

Those classifications are not exhaustive.

Britannica

The findings are not exhaustive.

The New York Times

But the list is not exhaustive.

The New York Times

This list is,  obviously, not exhaustive.

Independent

The subject list above is not exhaustive.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not exhaustive", consider adding a qualifier to indicate how complete the list is or what its purpose is. For example, "This list is not exhaustive, but it covers the most common cases."

Common error

Avoid implying that a list is complete when stating that it is "not exhaustive". Be clear about the scope and limitations of the information provided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not exhaustive" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (usually 'list', 'report', or 'analysis'), indicating that it is incomplete. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

36%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not exhaustive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that a list or compilation is incomplete. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, it serves to clarify the scope of information, setting realistic expectations. When employing "not exhaustive", it's wise to provide additional context about the list's purpose or degree of completion. Alternatives include "not comprehensive" or "incomplete list". Remember, clarity is key when informing your audience that something is deliberately "not exhaustive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not comprehensive

Indicates a lack of thoroughness or inclusiveness.

incomplete list

This alternative focuses on the lack of completeness in the list.

partial list

Emphasizes that only a portion of the potential items are included.

limited selection

Highlights that the choice is restricted and doesn't cover all possibilities.

selective list

Implies that items have been chosen for a specific reason, excluding others.

preliminary list

Suggests that the list is subject to change and further additions.

indicative list

The list is illustrative rather than all-encompassing.

a few examples

Downplays the extensiveness of the list, suggesting it's just a small sample.

for illustrative purposes only

Emphasizes that the included items are merely examples and do not represent the whole.

this is just a starting point

Highlights the list as an initial step needing further development.

FAQs

How to use "not exhaustive" in a sentence?

You can use "not exhaustive" to indicate that a list or set of items is not complete. For example, "The list of symptoms is "not exhaustive", and other symptoms may occur."

What does it mean when a list is "not exhaustive"?

When a list is described as "not exhaustive", it means that the list is not complete and there may be other items or elements that are not included.

What can I say instead of "not exhaustive"?

You can use alternatives like "not comprehensive", "incomplete list", or "partial list" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not exhaustive"?

It's appropriate to use "not exhaustive" when presenting a list, explanation, or set of guidelines that doesn't cover all possibilities or aspects of a topic. This is helpful when mentioning alternatives like "a few examples".