not that noble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not that noble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not as honorable or virtuous as it may seem or is being portrayed. Example: "While he claims to be acting for the greater good, his motives are not that noble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm not that noble".

The New Yorker

We're just not that noble or wise, yet.

Huffington Post

Not that Noble is expecting an easy ride; scientists are just as stubborn, if not more so, as the rest of us and aren't always best pleased to admit they weren't quite right or at being told what to do.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"So when you see something that does not square with that noble cause, it is disappointing and hugely concerning.

The Guardian

And if he didn't quite achieve that noble goal, he did manage to create one of the most ferociously anarchic films ever made, a riot of topical gags, pop-culture references, political allusions and formal inventiveness that remains outrageously entertaining in its new Blu-ray incarnation.

The New York Times

Trust me, I have a degree in celebrity autobiographies from TMZ.com University, and this is not a contribution to that noble genre.

The Guardian - Film

On top of that noble, and maybe not-exactly well-formed idea, Keytar Bear also has many thoughts on class.

Vice

It's not nearly that noble.

The New York Times

His administration should not undermine that noble effort by carelessly lending credibility to the view that the future citizens living and working among us are a class of criminals.

The New York Times

That noble ship had many noble spirits on board but none nobler than he".

Wikipedia

At another debate, he "said" the following, and I put "said" in scare quotes because what came out of his mouth doesn't deserve that noble verb.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not that noble" to subtly express skepticism about the purported virtuousness of an action or motive. It's particularly effective when implying a contrast between appearance and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "not that noble" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "lacking in demonstrable virtue" or "not entirely ethical" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not that noble" functions as a negative qualifier, modifying a noun or idea to express a lack of high-mindedness or virtuous qualities. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is employed to express reservations or skepticism about supposed virtues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not that noble" serves as a qualifier used to express skepticism or doubt about the virtuousness or high-mindedness of an action or motive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its subtle way of conveying negative sentiment. While suitable for news articles and general conversation, it is advised to use more precise and professional language in formal writing contexts. As the examples suggest, the phrase implies a contrast between perceived and actual motivations. Consider using alternative phrases like "not particularly virtuous" or "less than virtuous" to achieve similar communicative goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly virtuous

Emphasizes the absence of virtue rather than nobility.

not especially honorable

Focuses on the lack of honor or integrity.

not all that righteous

Highlights a deficiency in moral uprightness.

less than virtuous

A more formal way of saying "not virtuous".

somewhat ignoble

Uses the direct opposite adjective to express a lack of nobility.

not entirely ethical

Shifts the focus to ethical considerations.

not quite morally sound

Emphasizes the absence of moral soundness.

far from idealistic

Indicates a lack of adherence to ideals.

not so high-minded

Highlights a lack of lofty principles or intellect.

plainly unprincipled

Suggests a clear absence of guiding moral principles.

FAQs

What does "not that noble" mean?

It means something is not as honorable, virtuous, or high-minded as it might seem or is claimed to be.

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

You can use it to express doubt or skepticism about someone's motives or the purported virtuousness of an action. For example, "While he claims to be acting for the greater good, his motives are "not that noble"."

What are some alternatives to "not that noble"?

Alternatives include "not particularly virtuous", "not especially honorable", or "less than virtuous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not that noble" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards being a slightly informal expression, suitable for general conversation and news articles. In more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "not entirely ethical" or "lacking demonstrable virtue".