not particularly remarkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not particularly remarkable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is average or unexceptional, indicating that it does not stand out in any significant way. Example: "The movie was entertaining, but the plot was not particularly remarkable, making it easy to forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Upon completion, it was considered a sturdy, if not particularly remarkable, family home.

The Guardian

For most people, being able to stand for eight hours working is not particularly remarkable.

The Guardian

(Zero to sixty in under six seconds is not particularly remarkable in an electric vehicle).

The New Yorker

And the supposed "other indicia" in the affidavit take the form of activity that is not particularly remarkable.

Cornell University

Before the Scottish wars, the Percys were an ambitious but not particularly remarkable Yorkshire family with subsidiary estates in Sussex.

The Guardian - Books

To outsiders, the Weekly's decision looks like a not particularly remarkable example of the way churches so often operate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

On their own, they aren't particularly remarkable.

The Guardian

Another problem with free samples is: what if the product isn't particularly remarkable?

The New Yorker

"Vespertine," though handsome in its floating lifts and tangled scrums, isn't particularly remarkable.

The New York Times - Arts

"Mayday Mayday" isn't particularly remarkable when Mr. Sturrock winds down the show by musing on the insights he drew from his rough experience.

The New York Times

On one level, the announcement isn't particularly remarkable, since TiVo users can already program their devices through TiVo's website.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not particularly remarkable" to provide a balanced and nuanced assessment, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects without being overly critical. It's ideal when you want to avoid strong negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "not particularly remarkable" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise and descriptive language might be appropriate. Consider replacing it with more specific terms that detail the specific shortcomings or areas for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not particularly remarkable" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It serves to soften or qualify the adjective "remarkable", indicating that something lacks exceptional qualities or distinction. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing it describing average or unexceptional aspects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not particularly remarkable" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate something lacks distinction or is average. As Ludwig AI confirms, this grammatically correct phrase finds its place across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academic and Scientific writings. While "not particularly remarkable" is considered acceptable for formal contexts, it should be used judiciously, and more specific and descriptive language may be preferred. Alternatives like "fairly ordinary" or "somewhat unremarkable" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. To sum up, be sure to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of using this phrase in different contexts and also the alternatives before deciding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly special

Directly points out the absence of unique qualities.

fairly ordinary

Emphasizes the commonness and lack of special qualities.

somewhat unremarkable

Highlights the absence of notable features or characteristics.

not especially noteworthy

Focuses on the lack of importance or significance.

kind of average

Emphasizes the lack of any exceptional traits.

rather pedestrian

Implies a lack of imagination or excitement.

pretty standard

Suggests that something conforms to a common or expected norm.

quite commonplace

Stresses the frequency and typicality of something.

nothing out of the ordinary

Highlights that there is no deviation from the usual.

nothing to write home about

Indicates that something is not impressive or exciting.

FAQs

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

You can use "not particularly remarkable" to describe something that is average or unexceptional. For example: "The design of the building was functional but "not particularly remarkable"".

What are some alternatives to "not particularly remarkable"?

Alternatives include "fairly ordinary", "somewhat unremarkable", or "not especially noteworthy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not particularly remarkable" or "unremarkable"?

"Not particularly remarkable" is a more nuanced way of saying something is unremarkable, softening the assessment slightly. "Unremarkable" is more direct and can be perceived as more critical.

What is the difference between "not particularly remarkable" and "ordinary"?

"Ordinary" simply means common or usual, while "not particularly remarkable" implies that something lacks standout qualities or special features, suggesting a comparison against a higher standard.