not perfectly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not perfectly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done with some flaws or imperfections, rather than being done flawlessly. Example: "The project was completed, but it was not perfectly executed, leading to some minor issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not perfectly.

The Economist

It's not perfectly sorted out".

The New Yorker

Not perfectly, but remarkably well.

The New York Times

Not perfectly — far from it.

The New Yorker

"I know this is not perfectly legal".

The New York Times

The system is not perfectly flexible.

The Economist

But things are not perfectly simple.

The Economist

Manhattan's grid is not perfectly regular.

The New York Times - Arts

I know Paris, not perfectly, but well.

The New York Times - Travel

It was not perfectly safe.

The New York Times

But they're not perfectly identical".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not perfectly", consider adding a clarifying phrase to specify the degree or nature of the imperfection. This provides more context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "not perfectly". While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal or vague. Instead, opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the specific nature and extent of the imperfection. For example, rather than saying 'The data is not perfectly accurate', specify whether is skewed, biased, or incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not perfectly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a degree of imperfection or incompleteness. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not perfectly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to qualify statements by acknowledging a degree of imperfection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to be seamlessly integrated into various writing styles and contexts, although formal settings may benefit from more specific alternatives. Analysis of real-world examples reveals its prevalence in news, media, and scientific writing, highlighting its applicability across diverse fields. Consider adding a clarifying phrase after "not perfectly" to specify the degree or nature of the imperfection. This provides more context and prevents ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely flawless

Emphasizes the lack of complete perfection or flawlessness.

with imperfections

Directly states the existence of flaws or imperfections.

less than ideal

Indicates something is not the best possible option, suggesting a degree of deficiency.

imperfectly executed

Focuses on the execution of something, highlighting that it was done with flaws.

with limitations

Acknowledges restrictions or shortcomings affecting performance or quality.

somewhat flawed

Highlights the presence of imperfections or defects to a certain extent.

not wholly satisfactory

Expresses a degree of dissatisfaction, indicating it does not fully meet expectations.

not quite right

Suggests a slight deviation from what is expected or desired.

suboptimal

Indicates a condition or result that is less than the best or optimal.

to a limited extent

Implies that something is true or effective, but only partially or within certain boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "not perfectly" to indicate that something has flaws or isn't entirely ideal. For example, "The plan was "not perfectly" executed, but it still achieved the desired outcome."

What are some alternatives to saying "not perfectly"?

Alternatives include "less than ideal", "somewhat flawed", or "imperfectly executed" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not perfect" or "not perfectly"?

Both "not perfect" and "not perfectly" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Not perfect" describes a state of being, while "not perfectly" describes how something is done. For example, "The solution is not perfect" versus "The solution was implemented not perfectly".

What's the difference between "not perfect" and "not perfectly"?

"Not perfect" is an adjective phrase describing a noun, whereas "not perfectly" is an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. "The painting is not perfect" describes the painting, while "The painting was done not perfectly" describes how the painting was done.