not particularly serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not particularly serious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, comment, or behavior that is not deemed to be of great importance or gravity. Example: "While the issue raised some concerns, it was ultimately not particularly serious and could be resolved easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

What they're saying the whole time is I'm not particularly serious.

Independent

It was dealt with swiftly and it was not particularly serious otherwise it would have been dealt with by the police".

The Guardian - Sport

While estimates of injuries continued to mount, to about 325, the majority were considered not particularly serious, and officials said it appeared that no one had been killed.

The New York Times

The joint committee strongly criticised the enactment of a provision that withdrew refugee protection from people convicted of serious criminal offences as contrary to the UK's obligations under the refugee convention, as it allowed deportation even for crimes that were not "particularly serious".

The Guardian - Opinion

He also suggested that the crime is not particularly serious, that rape should be considered as merely a "mistake" that young men sometimes make.He sounds massively out of step with Indian public opinion, at least if you believe results from a national opinion poll published on April 22nd by the Pew Research Centre.

The Economist

Since the implementation of watershed management campaign work is based on group consensus, the punishment on absentees is not particularly serious.

Environmental Systems Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Many of them point to one of a couple of bills floating around Congress, but like most of what Republicans do when it comes to health-care policy, those bills aren't particularly serious and don't do what they claim to do.

The Washington Post

So they aren't particularly serious about the matter of spending.

Huffington Post

This year's Rugby Championship was not a particularly serious enterprise, foreshortened and experimental – but for the first time in four years New Zealand did not win it.

The Guardian - Sport

His bid does not appear particularly serious.

The New York Times

In 1796, Jenner noticed that milkmaids who caught cowpox - not a particularly serious illness - never caught smallpox, one of the major killers of the age.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not particularly serious" to downplay potential concerns without dismissing them entirely, providing a balanced perspective. For example, "The delay was unfortunate, but not particularly serious."

Common error

Avoid using "not particularly serious" in highly formal or professional documents where a more precise and authoritative tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "relatively minor" or "of limited consequence" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not particularly serious" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the adjective "serious". It qualifies the degree of seriousness, indicating that something is less severe than it might initially appear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not particularly serious" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to downplay the severity of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. While it is versatile, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings is advisable. Related phrases like "relatively minor" or "somewhat trivial" can provide alternative options for expressing similar ideas with subtle differences in tone. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, demonstrating its relevance in conveying balanced perspectives on various topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not especially grave

This alternative emphasizes the lack of severity or critical nature.

not overly concerning

Focuses on the absence of significant worry or alarm.

relatively minor

Highlights the comparative insignificance of the matter.

somewhat trivial

Indicates that the issue is of little consequence or importance.

hardly critical

Stresses the lack of urgency or essential nature.

not awfully important

Underscores that something is not of great significance.

not terribly alarming

Indicates a lack of significant concern or fear.

mild

Highlights the gentleness or limited extent of something.

inconsequential

Signifies the lack of importance or relevance.

of little account

Emphasizes the minimal value or significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "not particularly serious" to describe situations or issues that are concerning but not critical. For instance, "The error was unfortunate, but "not particularly serious", and easily corrected."

What are some alternatives to "not particularly serious"?

Alternatives include "relatively minor", "somewhat trivial", or "not overly concerning", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not very serious" or "not particularly serious"?

Both "not very serious" and "not particularly serious" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, with "not particularly serious" sounding slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "serious" and "particularly serious"?

"Serious" indicates a significant level of concern or importance. Adding "particularly" as in "not particularly serious" softens the assessment, suggesting the issue is less grave than if it were simply described as "serious".