not too friendly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not too friendly" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that isn't overly friendly or welcoming. For example, "He wasn't too friendly when I saw him at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But not too friendly.

The Economist

"He is not too friendly".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm not too friendly with sharks".

The New York Times

"Just stick close to yourself and be not too friendly.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were received in not too friendly a way," he recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

If you are not too friendly with them, they may respond scornfully.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Our papers out on the coast aren't too friendly in covering anything but the Pac 12. Thanks, Art.

Princeton University

And, in a Hollywood-esque moment, I could see slipping it in your wife's purse, to make sure that she and the gardener aren't too friendly.

TechCrunch

The New York Times newsroom isn't too friendly to reporters who seek objectivity and accuracy in their stories, either.

Huffington Post

The money manager spent more time provoking laughter from his audience with funny images and clever jokes, even taking friendly jabs at colleagues like Daniel S. Loeb, another hedge fund manager, and not-too-friendly digs at foes, like Green Mountain Coffee.

The New York Times

Don't be too friendly, don't be too mean.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions in professional settings, use "not too friendly" to indicate a balanced approach—cordial but not overly familiar. This maintains professionalism and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "not too friendly" as an excuse for being impolite or dismissive. The phrase suggests a lack of excessive warmth, not a justification for disrespectful behavior. Always aim for basic courtesy, even when maintaining distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too friendly" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a degree of friendliness that is less than excessive, implying a balance between warmth and distance, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not too friendly" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe a measured level of friendliness, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a neutral indicator of tempered social interaction. Usage is primarily found in news, wiki, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of avoiding rudeness and maintaining a professional demeanor. Related phrases include "somewhat unfriendly" and "not overly amicable". This phrase suggests moderation rather than hostility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unfriendly

Uses a more direct term to describe a lack of friendliness.

not overly amicable

Replaces "friendly" with "amicable" to indicate a formal lack of warmth.

slightly hostile

Conveys a mild level of antagonism or opposition.

a bit standoffish

Suggests a reserved or distant manner in social interactions.

not particularly welcoming

Focuses on the absence of a warm or inviting attitude.

rather reserved

Emphasizes a quiet and restrained demeanor.

not inclined to socialize

Highlights a disinterest in engaging in social activities.

keeping to themselves

Describes a preference for solitude and limited interaction.

maintaining a distance

Indicates a deliberate effort to avoid closeness or intimacy.

less than warm

Subtly implies a lack of enthusiasm or cordiality.

FAQs

How can I use "not too friendly" in a sentence?

You can use "not too friendly" to describe someone's demeanor, such as "The new neighbor wasn't too friendly when I introduced myself." It can also describe an environment or situation.

What's a more formal way to say "not too friendly"?

Consider using alternatives like "not overly amicable" or "somewhat unfriendly" to convey a similar meaning in a more professional context.

Is it correct to use "not too friendly" to describe a place?

Yes, you can use "not too friendly" to describe a place. For example, "The atmosphere in the office wasn't too friendly, so I decided to work from home."

Which is correct, "not too friendly" or "not very friendly"?

Both "not too friendly" and "not very friendly" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Not too friendly" may imply a deliberate choice to avoid excessive familiarity.