not physically but mentally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not physically but mentally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing something that occurs on a mental level, but not on a physical one. For example, "The athlete was a success not physically but mentally, having applied her mental skills and discipline to her playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Not physically but mentally.

The Guardian - Sport

I wish I'd just been asked how I was, not physically but mentally.

The Guardian - Opinion

And sometimes we come to blows -- not physically, but mentally and emotionally.

The New York Times

But the hardest part -- not physically but mentally -- is the detox unit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not physically, but mentally," she said over coffee in a Beijing mall, where white marble sparkled under powerful lights.

The New York Times

"He was always the invincible man — not physically but mentally — and I still expect him to come back," he recalled.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Maybe not physically, but certainly mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Huffington Post

You will feel more space, not physically, but also mentally.

WikiHow

I am absolutely wrecked for a couple of days - not physically, but emotionally and mentally.

BBC

Others blame our increasingly sedentary lifestyles: "People now are not physically tired but mentally tired," says McGrath.

The Guardian

Often, life at the office is not physically demanding, but mentally draining.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing exhaustion or strain, use "not physically but mentally" to highlight that the burden is cognitive or emotional rather than bodily. This can add depth and nuance to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "not physically but mentally" in situations where the mental aspect is already obvious. The phrase is most effective when it clarifies a potential misunderstanding or adds a layer of insight, not when it states the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not physically but mentally" serves as an adversative conjunction, highlighting a contrast between physical and mental states. It emphasizes that an experience or condition affects the mind or emotions, rather than the body. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not physically but mentally" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to contrast mental and physical states. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It serves to clarify that an experience or condition primarily affects the mind or emotions rather than the body. Its usage is frequent in news and media, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the clarification and that the mental aspect isn't already obvious. Remember, it's best used to add insight or resolve potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally, not physically

Reverses the order of the original phrase for a slight variation in emphasis.

more mental than physical

Emphasizes the mental aspect as being greater in importance or impact.

cognitively, not bodily

Uses more formal vocabulary to distinguish between mental and physical processes.

intellectually, not physically

Highlights the intellectual dimension as opposed to the physical.

psychologically, not physically

Focuses on the psychological aspect instead of the physical.

emotionally and mentally, but not physically

Adds the emotional dimension to the mental state, providing a broader context.

a mental challenge, not a physical one

Reframes the situation as a challenge, specifying its mental nature.

in the mind, not in the body

Emphasizes the location of the experience or challenge.

spiritually, not physically

Shifts the focus to the spiritual realm, contrasting it with the physical.

more a question of mindset than physical ability

Presents it as a matter of mindset rather than physical capability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not physically but mentally"?

You can use alternatives such as "mentally, not physically", "more mental than physical", or "cognitively, not bodily" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not physically but mentally"?

Yes, the phrase "not physically but mentally" is grammatically sound. It's a common construction used to draw a distinction between physical and mental states or actions.

When is it appropriate to use "not physically but mentally" in writing?

Use "not physically but mentally" when you want to emphasize that something affects the mind or emotions rather than the body. It's useful for clarifying that a challenge or experience is primarily cognitive or emotional, not physical.

What does it mean when someone says "not physically but mentally"?

When someone says "not physically but mentally", they mean that the impact or effect is on their mental or emotional state, rather than their physical well-being. It suggests a cognitive or emotional burden.