not too happy

USAGE SUMMARY

'not too happy' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use 'not too happy' to express a feeling that is between unhappy and happy. For example: I was feeling a bit down today, but after spending time with my friends I'm not too happy anymore.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're not too happy".

The New York Times

"I'm not too happy.

The Guardian - Sport

"Your distributor's not too happy".

The New York Times

India were not too happy.

Independent

We were not too happy!

The Guardian - Sport

Steve does it, not too happy.

The New York Times

"My dad was not too happy.

The New York Times - Food

"I'm not too happy," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Apparently he's not too happy about this.

The Guardian - Film

But I'm not too happy about it.

The Guardian - Money

"I'm not too happy," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, specify the reason for your unhappiness immediately after the phrase, such as, "I'm not too happy about the change in schedule".

Common error

Avoid using "not too happy" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to express your sentiments. For example, instead of saying "The results were not too happy", consider stating "The results were unsatisfactory" or "The outcomes were less than ideal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too happy" functions as an adjective phrase expressing a state of mild dissatisfaction or displeasure. It is used to convey that someone is experiencing some level of unhappiness, but not to an extreme degree. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in expressing such sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not too happy" is a common and grammatically sound way to express mild dissatisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression effectively communicates a feeling that lies between unhappiness and happiness, making it versatile for various situations. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, suitable for everyday conversation while being less appropriate for formal academic writing. When aiming for similar expressions, alternatives like "somewhat dissatisfied" or "a bit displeased" can provide nuanced ways to convey your sentiment. Remember to specify the cause of your unhappiness to enhance clarity and impact, and avoid overuse in formal context. In summary, "not too happy" is valuable to express softer negative feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely pleased

Highlights the absence of complete satisfaction.

not particularly thrilled

Emphasizes a lack of excitement or enthusiasm, implying mild disappointment.

not overjoyed

Emphasizes the absence of extreme happiness or delight.

a bit displeased

Indicates slight annoyance or dissatisfaction.

a little upset

Indicates a moderate level of emotional distress or unhappiness.

somewhat dissatisfied

Expresses a mild level of unhappiness; less intense than "not too happy".

rather unimpressed

Conveys a sense of disappointment or lack of satisfaction.

slightly annoyed

Suggests a mild level of irritation or frustration.

less than content

Suggests a state of mild dissatisfaction or unease.

somewhat disgruntled

Implies a feeling of dissatisfaction and resentment.

FAQs

What does "not too happy" mean?

The phrase "not too happy" indicates a state of mild dissatisfaction or displeasure. It suggests that someone is experiencing some level of unhappiness, but not to an extreme degree.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not too happy"?

It's appropriate to use "not too happy" in informal settings, casual conversations, or when expressing a mild level of dissatisfaction without being overly negative. It might not be suitable for formal or academic writing.

What are some alternatives to saying "not too happy"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat dissatisfied", "a bit displeased", or "not particularly thrilled" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not too happy"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The Ludwig AI confirms that "not too happy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, commonly employed to express a feeling between unhappiness and happiness.