not too strong

USAGE SUMMARY

"not too strong" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something should not be too intense or powerful. For example, "The dressing on the salad should be lightly seasoned, not too strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Panic" is not too strong a word.

The New Yorker

Not too strong, and delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Worship is not too strong a word.

The New York Times - Sports

Honor is not too strong a word.

The New York Times

A single Scotch, not too strong.

The New York Times - Food

Revolution is not too strong a word.

The New York Times

That word is not too strong.

The Guardian

I like that it's not too strong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I want monochrome sets -- not too strong colors, not too strong contrasts.

The New York Times

It's not too strong, it's hydrating, and it's moisturizing.

The New York Times

They're plump, not too strong, yet bursting with juices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensory experiences like taste or smell, use "not too strong" to indicate a balanced and pleasant intensity, avoiding extremes.

Common error

While versatile, avoid relying heavily on "not too strong" in formal contexts. Opt for more precise adjectives like "moderate", "subtle", or "restrained" to convey the intended meaning with greater nuance and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too strong" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that something possesses a moderate level of intensity or force, avoiding extremes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Lifestyle

22%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not too strong" is a versatile and frequently used adjectival phrase indicating a desired level of moderation or balance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While prevalent in news, lifestyle, and general writing contexts, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives in formal settings. When aiming for clear communication, "not too strong" serves as a practical way to express a preference for something that isn't overpowering or intense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not overpowering

Focuses on the effect of something not being overwhelming, rather than its strength.

not excessively potent

Replaces "strong" with "potent" to emphasize effectiveness without being overwhelming.

moderately intense

Replaces "not too strong" with a more formal and descriptive adjective.

restrained

Implies controlled or limited intensity, similar to "not too strong".

gentle in strength

Emphasizes the mildness and lack of force, providing a descriptive alternative.

somewhat mild

Substitutes "not too strong" with terms emphasizing gentleness and lack of intensity.

delicate

Conveys subtlety and refinement, suggesting a lack of harshness.

subdued

Suggests a muted or softened quality, indicating reduced power or intensity.

slightly weak

Indicates a reduced level of intensity compared to "not too strong".

kind of light

Uses "light" to describe lack of intensity. This alternative is more informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "not too strong" to describe flavors, scents, or even opinions that are moderate and balanced. For example, "I prefer my coffee "not too strong"." or "The evidence presented was compelling but "not too strong" to be considered irrefutable".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "moderately intense", "somewhat mild", or "not overpowering", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It follows standard English syntax and is widely used and understood in various contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "not too strong" in writing?

It's appropriate in informal and neutral contexts where you want to convey that something has a moderate or balanced intensity. In more formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "subtle" or "restrained".