not systemic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not systemic" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that does not affect or relate to an entire system or structure. Example: "The issues identified in the report are not systemic and can be addressed individually." Alternative expressions include "not widespread" and "not pervasive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not systemic".

The New York Times

"These things are not systemic," she said.

The New York Times

… Put a Band-Aid on it.' That's not systemic change.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have determined this problem is not systemic," he said.

The New York Times

"What happened down in Connally is certainly not systemic".

The New York Times

I just didn't see how this was not systemic".

The New Yorker

But many accountants say that individuals, not systemic conflicts of interest, caused recent scandals.

The New York Times

Magnus says: Because it's not systemic, the tolerance levels are much greater.

The Guardian - Business

General Ya'alon told me that the Army's human-rights problem is not systemic.

The New Yorker

Yes, some banks may not be making profits -- but it is cyclical and not systemic".

The New York Times

Bay shoots do not carry P. ramorum because the pathogen is not systemic in bay.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not systemic", ensure you can clearly articulate why the issue is isolated and does not reflect a broader, underlying problem within a system. Provide specific evidence or examples to support your assertion.

Common error

Avoid prematurely labeling an issue as "not systemic" simply because you lack comprehensive data. Conduct thorough investigations before concluding that a problem is isolated, as overlooking a systemic issue can lead to recurring problems and distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not systemic" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun (usually a problem, issue, or error) does not affect the entire system or organization to which it belongs. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not systemic" is a versatile phrase used to convey that an issue is isolated and does not affect an entire system. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives include "isolated incident" or "episodic event". When using this phrase, provide supporting evidence to demonstrate why the issue is not indicative of a broader problem. Be cautious not to prematurely dismiss concerns about potentially systemic issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolated incident

Focuses on the event being a one-time occurrence rather than a widespread problem.

episodic event

Highlights the irregular and occasional nature of the event.

non-pervasive

Emphasizes that the issue is not widespread or deeply ingrained.

localized issue

Indicates the problem is confined to a specific area or group.

individual case

Highlights that the situation relates to a single person or instance.

atypical occurrence

Suggests that the event is unusual and not representative of a larger pattern.

exceptional circumstance

Implies the situation is an exception to the normal course of events.

uncommon situation

Indicates that the event does not happen frequently or routinely.

sporadic instance

Focuses on the event occurring irregularly and infrequently.

discrete event

Emphasizes that the event is separate and distinct from any broader pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "not systemic" to describe a problem or issue that is isolated and does not affect the entire system. For instance, "The data breach was unfortunate, but it appears to be "an isolated incident", not systemic."

What are some alternatives to saying "not systemic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "not widespread", "isolated incident", or "episodic event" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "not systemic" or "not systematic"?

While similar, "systemic" refers to something affecting an entire system, whereas "systematic" implies something done according to a fixed plan or system. If an issue doesn't affect the whole system, "not systemic" is more appropriate. If the issue isn't methodical, "not systematic" fits better.

What does it mean when someone says a problem is "not systemic"?

When someone describes a problem as "not systemic", they mean it is an isolated issue that does not reflect a fundamental flaw or widespread problem within the entire system or organization. It suggests that the problem is not widespread or deeply embedded.