not so perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not as ideal as you would like it to be. For example, "I tried my best, but the finished product was not so perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's not so perfect".

The New York Times - Arts

And if the summer weather is not so perfect?

The New York Times

Most major new developments open in phases ("Condos, Brand-New Yet Not So Perfect, Aug. 26").

The New York Times

Because the voice is not so high anymore, the runs are not so perfect".

The New York Times

The trouble was that Mr. Dancy, 34, seemed too charming, too intuitive, too easy in himself — just right for a movie like "Ella Enchanted" (he played Prince Charmont) but not so perfect for a character who was not so perfect.

The New York Times

This is a messy, complicated event: perfect for a flaneur like me, maybe not so perfect for someone looking for easy answers to complicated questions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The structure is much more vivid, because it is not so "perfect --every dot is different--and the surface variates.

Vice

'Tis the season when many music writer-types squeeze gallon after gallon of sweat from their foreheads trying to come up with the perfect list of the perfect music for the not-so perfect year.

Vice

T.T.: Finally, a not-so-perfect quality!

The New York Times

The not-so-perfect ones go to local stands, where they are sold at half price.

The New Yorker

I can't and won't suddently accept it is not ours just because of some not-so-perfect international laws.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so perfect" to soften criticism, implying something has merits despite its flaws. It's useful in contexts where you want to avoid being overly negative.

Common error

While "not so perfect" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "less than ideal" or "somewhat flawed" for richer expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so perfect" functions as an adjective modifier, qualifying a noun or concept by indicating it is less than ideal. It's a softer way of saying something is flawed, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not so perfect" is a commonly used phrase that serves to soften criticism and acknowledge imperfections without being overly negative. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media contexts. While useful for gentle assessments, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "less than ideal" or "somewhat flawed" for a more nuanced expression. The phrase functions as an adjective modifier, making it a versatile tool in both writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imperfect

A more direct and concise way of stating that something is not perfect.

not flawless

Highlights the absence of perfection, focusing on the presence of errors.

less than ideal

Indicates a situation or outcome that doesn't meet the desired standards; subtle difference in formality.

with imperfections

Acknowledges the existence of imperfections or blemishes.

less than satisfactory

Indicates that something does not meet the required standards.

somewhat flawed

Emphasizes the presence of flaws or imperfections.

leaves something to be desired

Suggests that something could be better or improved.

suboptimal

Indicates that something is less than the best or most desirable.

not quite right

Suggests something is amiss or not fully satisfactory.

a bit off

Informal way of saying something isn't quite right or perfect.

FAQs

How can I use "not so perfect" in a sentence?

You can use "not so perfect" to describe something that has flaws but is still acceptable or has some redeeming qualities. For example, "The plan was "not so perfect", but it was the best we could come up with."

What are some alternatives to "not so perfect"?

Alternatives include "less than ideal", "somewhat flawed", or simply "imperfect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not so perfect" or "imperfect"?

"Not so perfect" is often used to soften a critique, implying something has positive aspects despite its flaws. "Imperfect" is more direct. Use "not so perfect" when you want to be gentle in your assessment.

What does "not so perfect" imply about the subject being described?

It suggests that while the subject may have shortcomings, it isn't entirely without merit. It acknowledges flaws without being overly critical and can imply a degree of acceptance or tolerance.