not very popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not very popular' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that isn't very well-liked or appreciated. For example: "The new movie was not very popular with critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's not very popular.

The New York Times - Arts

Breakfast meetings are not very popular.

The Economist

He's not very popular with Democrats".

The New Yorker

They're not very popular, but they're organized".

The New York Times

"These are not very popular topics here".

The New York Times

All joking aside, he is not very popular.

The New Yorker

So motor sport was not very popular in this period.

The New York Times - Sports

So she is not very popular in the office.

The New Yorker

'Ah, poor Mabel is not very popular in the village.

The Guardian

These conservative journalists are often not very popular, or are ignored by their brethern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Tippett reports that this was not very popular at first.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very popular", consider adding context to explain why something lacks popularity. For example, specify if it's unpopular among a certain group or due to specific reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "not very popular" when the subject is actually completely unknown or has no presence at all. "Not very popular" implies some level of awareness or existence, even if it's limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very popular" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a lack of widespread approval, acceptance, or liking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable and correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very popular" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a lack of widespread appeal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It finds frequent use in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, and describes various entities, from political figures to consumer products. When using this phrase, consider providing additional context and avoid overstating the degree of unpopularity. Alternatives like "relatively unpopular" can add nuance. Be mindful that it implies some degree of awareness and presence; hence, reserve it only for cases with an explicit degree of awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively unpopular

Implies a comparison to something more popular, highlighting the relative lack of favor.

not particularly well-liked

Focuses on the personal aspect of being liked, suggesting a lack of affection or admiration.

lacking widespread appeal

Emphasizes the absence of broad attraction or interest.

not widely accepted

Highlights a lack of general agreement or approval.

relatively obscure

Suggests a lack of recognition or fame.

not a favorite

Indicates a lack of preferential status or widespread enjoyment.

meets with disapproval

Highlights that something is faced with opposition.

not a hit

Implies failure, lack of success.

struggling for recognition

Focuses on the ongoing effort to gain acceptance or acknowledgment.

fails to resonate

Emphasizes the lack of emotional connection or impact on people.

FAQs

How can I use "not very popular" in a sentence?

You can use "not very popular" to describe something that lacks widespread appeal or acceptance. For example: "The new policy is "not very popular" among employees."

What are some alternatives to saying "not very popular"?

Alternatives include "relatively unpopular", "not particularly well-liked", or "lacking widespread appeal" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "not very popular" or "unpopular"?

"Not very popular" suggests a milder degree of unpopularity compared to simply "unpopular". "Unpopular" implies a stronger aversion or dislike.

What's the difference between "not very popular" and "unknown"?

"Not very popular" suggests that something is known but not well-liked, while "unknown" implies that something is not widely recognized or familiar.