not too sweet

USAGE SUMMARY

"not too sweet" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase when referring to taste, smell, or something similar, e.g. "The ice cream wasn't too sweet, it was just right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sweet, but not too sweet.

The New York Times

It's sweet but not too sweet.

The New Yorker

Not too sweet, crumbly and buttery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The cranberry is not too sweet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not too sweet, and it's lighter.

The New York Times - Food

It's full-fat and not too sweet.

The New Yorker

"It's not too sweet," approved another.

The Guardian - Business

Nice and moist and not too sweet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was moist and not too sweet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It still had that light, not-too-sweet taste.

The New York Times - Food

Baklava was a good, not-too-sweet version of the classic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flavors, use "not too sweet" to indicate a preference for a balanced taste, avoiding excessive sugariness. For example, "I prefer my coffee not too sweet, just a touch of sugar."

Common error

Avoid using "not too sweet" metaphorically when describing non-food or drink related scenarios where the level of sweetness is irrelevant. Instead, choose a more fitting adjective like "moderate", "balanced", or "restrained" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too sweet" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns by specifying a desired or perceived level of sweetness that avoids being excessive. Ludwig confirms this through its examples, showcasing its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not too sweet" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something with a balanced or moderate level of sweetness. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that it’s frequently used in contexts related to food, drinks, and even in more abstract scenarios. The phrase is widely accepted across various registers, from neutral news articles to informal wikis. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of avoiding excessive sugariness. As evidenced by Ludwig, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not excessively sweet

Emphasizes the avoidance of excessive sweetness.

slightly sweet

Indicates a mild level of sweetness, less emphatic than the original phrase.

moderately sweet

Implies a balanced level of sweetness, focusing on equilibrium.

not heavily sweetened

Focuses on the lack of heavy sweetening.

lightly sweetened

Suggests a subtle addition of sweetness.

subtly sweet

Highlights the delicate nature of the sweetness.

mildly sweet

Indicates a gentle or weak level of sweetness.

delicately sweet

Suggests a refined and subtle sweetness.

just a touch of sweetness

Emphasizes a very small amount of sweetness added.

balanced sweetness

Highlights the equilibrium of the sweetness.

FAQs

What does "not too sweet" mean?

The phrase "not too sweet" describes something that has a balanced level of sweetness, avoiding an overpowering or excessively sugary taste. It suggests a preference for a more subtle and moderate sweetness.

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

You can use "not too sweet" to describe food, drinks, or even metaphorical situations where you want to indicate a balanced approach. For example, "This dessert is delicious because it's "not too sweet"" or "The relationship was "not too sweet", it was built on honesty and mutual respect".

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

Alternatives to "not too sweet" include "slightly sweet", "moderately sweet", "lightly sweetened", or "balanced sweetness". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not very sweet" or "not too sweet"?

Both "not very sweet" and "not too sweet" are acceptable, but "not too sweet" often implies a desired balance, whereas "not very sweet" simply indicates a low level of sweetness. The choice depends on whether you're expressing a preference or just describing the level of sweetness.