not particularly

USAGE SUMMARY

"not particularly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a lack of enthusiasm or interest in something. For example, "I'm not particularly excited about the movie they're playing tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Not particularly, no".

Independent

If not particularly lighter.

The New York Times

Not particularly, she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

His answer: not particularly.

The New York Times

He's not particularly soulful.

The New York Times - Books

That's not particularly inviting.

The New York Times

"Not particularly tall.

The New York Times

That's not particularly surprising.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sfera: Not particularly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not particularly sociable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their investors not particularly.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not particularly" to express a moderate level of disagreement or disinterest, avoiding stronger negative terms when a neutral tone is desired. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "not particularly" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey your meaning with greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not particularly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a degree of negation or qualification. Ludwig's examples show it often softens a negative statement, indicating something is not strongly the case.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not particularly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a moderate degree of negation or qualification. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions to soften statements and convey a neutral sentiment, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider the subtle difference it provides compared to stronger negative terms and choose it when a nuanced expression of disinterest or disagreement is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not especially

Replaces "particularly" with "especially", offering a very similar level of emphasis and meaning.

not really

A more informal way to express a lack of agreement or enthusiasm.

not so much

Indicates a preference for something else or a lack of strong feeling towards the subject at hand.

not that much

Emphasizes the lack of a significant quantity or degree.

not noticeably

Focuses on the absence of a visible or detectable difference.

not significantly

Highlights that something is not important or large enough to be concerned about.

not notably

Similar to "not noticeably", but can also imply a lack of fame or recognition.

not distinctly

Suggests that something isn't easily or clearly perceived.

not demonstrably

Implies that something cannot be proven or shown clearly.

not overly

Indicates that something is not excessively or excessively anything.

FAQs

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

You can use "not particularly" to express a mild disagreement or lack of enthusiasm. For example, "I'm "not particularly fond of" spicy food" or "I'm "not particularly interested in" that movie".

What are some alternatives to "not particularly"?

Alternatives to "not particularly" include "not especially", "not really", or "not so much". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "not particularly much"?

While grammatically correct, "not particularly much" can sound slightly redundant. It's generally better to use either "not particularly" or "not very much" depending on the meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "not particularly" and "not very"?

"Not particularly" expresses a more nuanced and often milder lack of enthusiasm than "not very". "Not very" can sometimes imply a stronger negative sentiment. For instance, "I'm "not particularly happy"" suggests a mild dissatisfaction, whereas "I'm "not very happy"" indicates a greater degree of unhappiness.