not partial to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not partial to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a lack of preference or favoritism towards something. Example: "She is not partial to spicy food." Alternative expressions include "not fond of" and "not inclined to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm not partial to mushrooms," he said.

The Washington Post

"She's not partial to the Williams sisters just because they are black," Gray said.

The New York Times - Sports

The God she found there was not partial to any religious philosophy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even if you're not partial to the old outsize paisley model, there are plenty of options.

The New York Times

In this respect, it is not partial to the fortunate but impartial to all.

The New York Times

After learning that Whitman is "not partial to strawberries," the reader is next confronted with sacks of rats.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Unlocked," in this case, means that the phone isn't partial to one carrier or another any supported GSM wireless carrier can be the one you use.

MIT Technology Review

The natural audience for talking-to-God television is not immune to humor, but it probably isn't partial to oral sex jokes.

The New York Times - Arts

I was surprised to see that the nice, long Down 15s — IN ALL LIKELIHOOD and BEETHOVEN'S NINTH — were not first-timers, and I wasn't partial to the partial A LET at 61 Across.

The New York Times

That sounds like stereotyping of the kind that can only come after being exposed to years of anti-immigration sentiment, and I, for one, am glad that Lady Scotland wasn't partial to such paranoia when confronted with the Tongan woman.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wasn't partial to any particular gin, though I found myself mostly ordering Hendrick's, a cucumber- and rose-infused Scottish brand that has become to gin what Grey Goose is to vodka in most bars: the ubiquitous top-shelf brand.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not partial to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being favored. For example, "She's not partial to overly sweet desserts", is more descriptive than "She's not partial to desserts".

Common error

Avoid using "not partial to" when you mean strong dislike or aversion. The phrase indicates a lack of preference, not necessarily a negative feeling. Use stronger language like "dislike" or "detest" for more intense feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not partial to" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a lack of preference or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not partial to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to express a lack of preference or enthusiasm for something. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s most commonly found in news and media, with less frequent use in formal business or academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what you are not favoring and consider stronger language if you wish to convey a stronger negative sentiment. Alternatives include "don't care for" or "not a fan of" for informal contexts, and "disinclined toward" for formal ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not fond of

Employs a simpler and more direct expression of dislike.

not keen on

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate a lack of enthusiasm.

don't care for

Replaces "partial to" with "care for", implying a lack of liking or enthusiasm.

not a fan of

Employs a modern, informal way to express dislike or lack of interest.

have no preference for

Highlights the absence of a favored option or choice.

not inclined to

Focuses on a lack of willingness or tendency.

do not favor

Uses a more formal verb to express a lack of preference.

disinclined toward

Uses a more formal tone to convey a lack of inclination or willingness.

not drawn to

Emphasizes a lack of attraction or interest.

indifferent to

Indicates a lack of concern or interest, suggesting neutrality.

FAQs

How can I use "not partial to" in a sentence?

You can use "not partial to" to express a lack of preference for something. For example, "I am "not partial to" reality TV shows", indicates you don't particularly enjoy them.

What's a more informal way to say "not partial to"?

If you're looking for a more casual alternative, you could say "not a fan of" or "don't care for". For example, "I'm not a fan of coffee".

Is "not partial to" the same as "impartial to"?

No, ""not partial to"" means lacking a preference, while "impartial to" means unbiased or neutral. They have opposite meanings.

What are some synonyms for "not partial to" that I can use in formal writing?

For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "disinclined toward" or "do not favor". These options maintain a professional tone.