not quite correct

USAGE SUMMARY

"not quite correct" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express something that is not entirely incorrect but not entirely correct either. For example, "Your answer is not quite correct; the correct answer is 5, not 6."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This is not quite correct.

The Economist

That is not quite correct.

The New York Times

Yet "formless" is not quite correct.

The Guardian - Music

This is not quite correct, is it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Actually, that's not quite correct either.

The Guardian - Business

It's not quite correct to refer to bipolar II as a milder form of bipolar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

But that isn't quite correct.

The New Yorker

Quite a night.' As Jennie points out, his figures aren't quite correct.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, this itself wasn't quite correct.

TechCrunch

If this isn't quite correct, check Google's instructions.

WikiHow

I haven't quite corrected it or done enough work in that period of time, but it's obviously put my mind at rest," he said when asked about is perpetual search for improvement.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not quite correct" to soften criticism, indicating that while something isn't entirely right, it's not completely wrong either. This can be helpful in providing constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid using "not quite correct" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and specific language to describe the inaccuracy. For example, instead of saying 'The data is not quite correct', state 'The data contains a 5% margin of error'.

Linguistic Context

"Not quite correct" functions as a qualifier, softening a negative assessment. It is used to express that something is not entirely accurate, without being completely wrong. Ludwig shows multiple examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not quite correct" is a useful qualifier to express that something is only partially accurate. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse sources such as news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. Its purpose is to provide gentle correction, and it maintains a neutral register making it appropriate for many contexts. Remember to be specific in formal writing and consider softer alternatives like "slightly inaccurate" or "somewhat off" to further refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly inaccurate

Focuses on the degree of deviation from accuracy.

somewhat off

Emphasizes a deviation from a standard or target.

not entirely accurate

Highlights the absence of complete accuracy.

partially incorrect

Indicates that only a portion of something is wrong.

a bit off

Casual way of saying something is slightly wrong.

not perfectly right

Focuses on the absence of perfection.

imprecise

Highlights a lack of exactness.

not dead on

Emphasizes a miss in accuracy.

in the ballpark but not spot on

Indicates an approximate correctness but lacking precise accuracy.

off the mark

Highlights a miss in accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "not quite correct" in a sentence?

You can use "not quite correct" to indicate that something is partially, but not entirely, wrong. For example, "Your answer is not quite correct; the solution is actually 15, not 12."

What phrases are similar to "not quite correct"?

Alternatives to "not quite correct" include "slightly inaccurate", "somewhat off", or "partially incorrect". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "not quite correct" a formal or informal expression?

"Not quite correct" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in highly formal contexts, you may prefer a more precise term.

What's the difference between "not quite correct" and "incorrect"?

"Not quite correct" suggests a degree of partial accuracy, whereas "incorrect" implies a complete absence of correctness. Using "not quite correct" can soften the message when providing feedback.