not totally correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not totally correct" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not completely accurate or accurate in every aspect. It can be used in various contexts, such as in making a statement or giving an opinion. Example: While the overall argument presented in the essay is convincing, the author's use of statistics is not totally correct. Some of the data appears to be outdated and does not accurately represent the current situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

However, from the physical point of view that is not totally correct [8] and some dimensional correction in the new equation is necessary; for example, substituting a first order derivative (D^{1} :=frac{d}{dt}) by (frac{1}{{sigma }^{1-alpha}}D^{alpha}) where σ has an appropriate dimension [9].

Advances in Difference Equations

Thus, the Bundist maxim: "It is better to go along with the masses in a not totally correct direction than to separate oneself from them and remain a purist".

The New Yorker

"When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations".

BBC

"When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations". Blatter insisted his "fight against racism and discrimination will go on" and said he would not resign, despite calls for him to quit by numerous British players, managers, administrators and politicians.

BBC

For example, interpreting that when we reject the null hypothesis, we get support for the (alternative) research hypothesis is not totally correct, since a significant result does not indicate the magnitude of the effect, so the statistical hypothesis does not report on the significance of data (Hager, 2000; Finch, Cumming, & Thomason, 2001).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Moishe and David were influenced by the Bund's political pragmatism, embodied in its maxim that "It is better to go along with the masses in a not totally correct direction than to separate oneself from them and remain a purist".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But Paul's criticism wasn't totally correct -- coal mining is actually the 13th biggest industry in the Bluegrass State.

Huffington Post

Because while Obama wasn't totally correct when he said last week "states with the most gun laws tend to have the fewest gun deaths"—he's conflating correlation with causation the fact remains that areas with strict gun laws are typically less murdery than places with relaxed laws.

Vice

Each scale consists of 15 statements to be rated from 'Not at all' (0) through 'Totally correct' (5).

BMC Psychiatry

Totally correct: There isn't anything rational about it.

Vice

Follow DavId Whelan on Twitter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not totally correct" to soften criticism or indicate partial agreement. It's useful when you don't want to completely dismiss an idea but need to point out its flaws.

Common error

Avoid using "not totally correct" excessively, as it can weaken your writing and make you seem indecisive. Be direct when the situation calls for it and provide specific reasons for the inaccuracies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not totally correct" functions as an evaluative expression, often used to soften disagreement or criticism. It acknowledges a degree of validity while pointing out inaccuracies. Ludwig examples showcase usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not totally correct" is a versatile expression used to indicate partial inaccuracy or flawed reasoning. As determined by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and functions primarily to soften disagreement or provide constructive criticism. While common in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it's important to consider the register and aim for precision in academic or professional settings. Related phrases like "partially incorrect" and "not entirely accurate" offer similar nuances. Ultimately, understanding its function and context is key to using "not totally correct" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely accurate

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the lack of complete accuracy.

not altogether true

Highlights that while there may be elements of truth, the statement as a whole isn't completely factual.

not quite right

A more informal way of saying something is off but not dramatically wrong.

partially incorrect

Indicates that something contains errors but isn't entirely wrong.

slightly mistaken

Implies a small error in understanding or information.

partly inaccurate

Suggests a degree of inaccuracy, but not complete falsehood.

a bit off

Informal phrase indicating a slight deviation from being correct.

partially right

Emphasizes the existence of correctness alongside some inaccuracies.

somewhat flawed

Highlights the presence of imperfections or mistakes that affect the overall correctness.

imprecise

Focuses on the lack of exactness or detail in the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "not totally correct" in a sentence?

Use "not totally correct" to express that something is partially inaccurate. For example, "His analysis was thorough, but his conclusion was "not totally correct" because he overlooked recent data".

What are some alternatives to saying "not totally correct"?

You can use alternatives such as "partially incorrect", "not entirely accurate", or "somewhat flawed" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it better to say "incorrect" or "not totally correct"?

Saying "not totally correct" is a softer way to point out a mistake. "Incorrect" is more direct and may be appropriate when you want to emphasize the error without hedging.

What's the difference between "not totally correct" and "completely wrong"?

"Not totally correct" implies that there are some elements of truth or accuracy, whereas "completely wrong" means there is no accuracy at all. The first one leaves room for some partial validity.