not that green

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not that green" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not as environmentally friendly or inexperienced as it may seem. Example: "While the new product claims to be eco-friendly, it's not that green when you consider its entire lifecycle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She's not that green.

The New York Times

Not that green".

The New York Times - Magazine

Not that green jobs are easy to define.

The New York Times

We children were taught to look for certain signs -- absolute stillness, the cessation of rain, and a particularly odd color to the air, not that green of rain in a summer rural area but an off cast, recognizable by its oddity.

The New York Times

"The grass is greener at DoubleClick, but it's not that green right now," he said.

The New York Times

So they spent ages painting me, and then I went out into the freezing-cold lot, and Ken shouted: "Not that green!" All day I went back and forth between makeup and the set, until finally Ken was happy with the colour.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This does not indicate that green space is not beneficial, but rather that many other variables may confound the signal, especially at the scale of this analysis.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Not that the green is without them.

The New York Times

But others say wood-fired tubs are not all that green.

The New York Times

THE BOTTOM LINE -- There is some evidence, but not much, that green tea lowers the risk of cancer.

The New York Times

It is also claimed that much of the green belt is not all that green, but includes such things as scrap yards and gravel pits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not that green" to describe a product or initiative, provide specific reasons why it falls short of being truly environmentally friendly. This adds credibility and prevents vague accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "not that green" as a generic criticism without substantiating your claims. Instead, offer concrete examples or data to support your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not that green" primarily functions as a qualifier or a corrective statement. It is often used to express doubt or disagreement with a prior claim about environmental friendliness or inexperience. Ludwig examples show its use to temper expectations or challenge assumptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not that green" is a commonly used expression to convey that something is not as environmentally friendly or inexperienced as it may seem. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to express skepticism or provide a more realistic perspective. While versatile, it's essential to use it with specific supporting details to enhance its impact and credibility. Alternatives like "not as environmentally friendly" or "less eco-conscious than it seems" can be used in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as environmentally friendly

Focuses specifically on the environmental aspect, replacing the metaphorical "green" with a direct descriptor.

not entirely sustainable

Emphasizes the lack of complete sustainability, shifting the focus from 'greenness' to a broader concept.

less eco-conscious than it seems

Highlights the discrepancy between appearance and actual ecological awareness.

not as inexperienced as one might think

Shifts the meaning from environmental to lack of experience.

not as naive as perceived

Highlights the discrepancy between appearance and actual knowledge.

more complex than initially presented

Highlights the simplification of the real situation.

not as simple as it appears

Similar to the previous one, but more generic.

not genuinely authentic

Emphasizes the lack of complete authenticity, used in a metaphoric way.

partially misleading

Expresses some intention to mislead.

somewhat exaggerated

Expresses overstatement and distortion of facts.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "not that green"?

It generally means that something is not as environmentally friendly or inexperienced as it might appear, or as it is claimed to be.

How can I use "not that green" in a sentence?

You can use it to express skepticism or disagreement with the claim that something is eco-friendly, such as: "The new policy claims to be sustainable, but it's "not that green" when you consider the carbon footprint of its implementation."

What are some alternatives to saying "not that green"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "not as environmentally friendly", "less eco-conscious than it seems", or "not entirely sustainable".

Is it appropriate to use "not that green" in formal writing?

While understandable, "not that green" might be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to convey your meaning, such as "environmentally inefficient" or "lacking in sustainable practices".