not genuinely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not genuinely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not sincere or authentic. Example: "Her apology felt forced and not genuinely heartfelt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've not genuinely enjoyed a picnic since".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That decision, however, does not genuinely aid their argument.

The New York Times

I would not have given that advice if it were not genuinely my view.

The Guardian

If you're not genuinely interested in their answers, you're in the wrong job.

The Guardian

Furthermore, the model proposed is not genuinely affordable in the long term".

The Guardian

Cabernet is more like Stallone, because it's over-buffed, squared off, and not genuinely interesting.

The New Yorker

Because it means our universities are not genuinely open to all our talent.

The Guardian

If you do something that you're not genuinely passionate about, it is a little soul-crushing.

The Guardian - Film

There was hardly a day in which I was not genuinely inspired.

The New York Times

One reason for this is that fishing technology has improved, so the comparison is not genuinely like-for-like.

The Economist

"Not the real refugees," she says, arguing that many of the arrivals are not genuinely in need.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not genuinely" when you want to express a lack of authenticity or sincerity, especially when something appears to be one way but is actually another. Consider the context to ensure it's the most accurate and impactful choice.

Common error

Avoid using "not genuinely" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "inauthentically", "insincerely", or phrases that directly address the specific deficiency you're describing to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not genuinely" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It serves to qualify the verb, adjective, or adverb it accompanies, indicating a deficiency in the authenticity or sincerity of the action or quality being described. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs like 'believe', 'interested', 'open' and adjectives such as 'affordable' or 'competitive'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not genuinely" serves as a versatile adverbial modifier used to express a lack of authenticity, sincerity, or truthfulness. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. When using "not genuinely", ensure that the context warrants the expression of doubt or skepticism, aiming for clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not truly

Emphasizes a lack of complete truth or reality.

not sincerely

Highlights a lack of heartfelt feeling or honesty.

not authentically

Focuses on the absence of originality or realness.

not really

A more informal way to express a lack of genuineness.

not honestly

Stresses a lack of truthfulness or integrity.

not legitimately

Implies a lack of proper authorization or justification.

falsely

Directly indicates something is untrue or misleading.

insincerely

Indicates a lack of genuine feeling.

superficially

Suggests something is only on the surface and lacks depth.

ostensibly

Indicates something appears to be true, but may not be.

FAQs

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

You can use "not genuinely" to express that something lacks authenticity or sincerity. For example, "His apology seemed "not genuinely" heartfelt" or "The reforms were "not genuinely" aimed at improving the system".

What are some alternatives to "not genuinely"?

Alternatives include "not sincerely", "not authentically", "not truly", or "insincerely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not genuinely" or "insincerely"?

Both "not genuinely" and "insincerely" express a lack of sincerity, but "not genuinely" can also refer to a lack of authenticity more broadly. Choose the word that best fits the specific context of your sentence.

Can "not genuinely" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "not genuinely" can be used in formal writing, but it's essential to consider the tone and context. In some cases, more precise or sophisticated alternatives might be preferable to enhance clarity and impact.