not to diminish

USAGE SUMMARY

"not to diminish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means "to not make smaller or less important." An example sentence using "not to diminish" could be: "She praised his efforts, not to diminish the accomplishments of others, but to recognize his hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Not to diminish Mr. Lindsey," he added.

The New York Times

This is not to diminish Pinter's achievement.

The New York Times

Not to diminish this, but I'd rather win next week".

The New York Times - Sports

The intention here is not to diminish Seattle's achievements.

The Guardian - Sport

But that is not to diminish her extraordinary athletic achievement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not to diminish the guy who brings the doughnuts!

The New Yorker

This is not to diminish the significance of Loving.

The New Yorker

That is not to diminish the bird itself.

The New York Times - Arts

This is not to diminish the key players.

The Guardian

That is not to diminish the importance of his statement.

The New Yorker

This is not to diminish the immense seriousness of what happened on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not to diminish" to gracefully acknowledge an existing point or achievement before introducing a related, potentially contrasting, consideration. This shows respect for diverse perspectives and avoids unintended negativity.

Common error

Avoid using "not to diminish" as a preemptive apology before making a statement that genuinely undermines something. Ensure your intention is truly to add perspective, not to retract from the initial subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to diminish" functions as a transitional phrase, often introducing a nuanced perspective or additional information without negating the previously mentioned point. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not to diminish" serves as a transitional device used to introduce a nuanced perspective while acknowledging the existing value of a statement or achievement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions to avoid negating the previous point, promoting a balanced and considerate tone. While versatile, "not to diminish" is most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts where objectivity is important. When writing, it's crucial to ensure the intent is genuinely to add perspective, not to undermine the initial subject. Consider alternatives like "without minimizing" or "while recognizing" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without downplaying

Highlights the act of not making something appear less significant.

it's not to downplay

Directly clarifies the aim of not lessening the significance.

without minimizing

Emphasizes not reducing the perceived importance or value.

it's not to minimize

Clearly states the purpose of not reducing the importance.

without belittling

Focuses on avoiding the act of making something seem unimportant.

this is not to undervalue

States an intention to properly value something without diminishing it.

it's not to belittle

Expresses the intention of not making something seem unimportant.

while acknowledging

Acknowledges the existence or truth of a fact while transitioning to another point.

while recognizing

Acknowledges the importance of one thing while introducing another.

without intending to detract from

More formal, focuses on not taking away from something's value.

FAQs

How can I use "not to diminish" in a sentence?

You can use "not to diminish" to acknowledge something before adding a related but potentially contrasting point. For example: "She is a great player, but "not to diminish" the accomplishments of the team, it was a group effort."

What's a good alternative to "not to diminish"?

Alternatives include phrases like "without downplaying", "without minimizing", or "while recognizing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "not to diminish" before offering a critique?

No, it's not always necessary. Use it when you want to show respect for an existing achievement or viewpoint while also adding a different perspective. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly cautious or insincere. A more direct approach could be preferable.

Can "not to diminish" be used in informal settings?

While grammatically correct in any setting, "not to diminish" tends to be more common in formal or neutral contexts like news articles or professional communications. In very informal settings, simpler phrasing may be more appropriate.