not very reassuring

USAGE SUMMARY

"not very reassuring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not very comforting or helpful. For example: "His response was not very reassuring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This remark is not very reassuring.

The New York Times

And what he has found is not very reassuring.

The New York Times - Health

The first point Dillon made was not very reassuring.

The New Yorker

But the experience of devolution to date is not very reassuring.

The Economist

The White House's daily insistence that it's already doing a lot of what the report recommends is not very reassuring.

The New York Times

Take from that what you want, but knowing Newman and how little he cares to be fussed over (remember the hammer-to-nuts comment), it was not very reassuring.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Riven is not very reassured by this response.

The Guardian

Their answers weren't very reassuring.

The New Yorker

Even those who represent law and order in the virtual world aren't very reassuring.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't very reassuring.

Forbes

Simply reassuring people your other products are safe isn't very reassuring.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very reassuring", consider the audience's perspective. If you aim to gently express doubt, it's suitable. However, for a stronger statement of concern, consider alternatives like "alarming" or "disquieting".

Common error

Avoid consistently using "not very reassuring" when stronger language is needed. Overuse can dilute the impact of your message. Vary your phrasing to accurately reflect the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very reassuring" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something lacking in comfort or confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not very reassuring" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of comfort or confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily used in news and media, it conveys concern or doubt in a neutral tone. While versatile, stronger alternatives exist for situations demanding more direct language. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively use "not very reassuring" to communicate nuances in their messaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly confidence-inspiring

Specifically targets the lack of building confidence or trust.

fails to inspire confidence

Directly states that something does not create a feeling of certainty or trust.

less than comforting

A more direct substitute, focusing on the absence of comfort in a situation or statement.

not particularly encouraging

Shifts the focus to a lack of optimism or hope, rather than the failure to provide reassurance.

scarcely encouraging

Replaces "not very" with "scarcely", implying a minimal level of encouragement.

slightly disquieting

Emphasizes a mild feeling of unease or anxiety, rather than a complete lack of reassurance.

a bit unsettling

Highlights the potential to cause nervousness or anxiety, indicating a disturbance of peace of mind.

somewhat alarming

Changes the emphasis from reassurance to a sense of potential danger, raising concerns more directly.

a cause for concern

Indicates a situation that merits worry or attention, highlighting potential negative outcomes.

leaves something to be desired

A more indirect way of expressing dissatisfaction, suggesting that there's room for improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "not very reassuring" to describe situations, statements, or actions that don't inspire confidence or comfort. For example, "The company's financial forecast was "not very reassuring" to investors."

What can I say instead of "not very reassuring"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat alarming", "slightly disquieting", or "less than comforting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not very reassuring" in formal writing?

Yes, "not very reassuring" can be used in formal writing, especially when aiming for a neutral or slightly understated tone. However, in highly formal contexts requiring strong emphasis, consider more direct alternatives.

What's the difference between "not very reassuring" and "reassuring"?

"Reassuring" implies that something provides comfort and confidence. "Not very reassuring" indicates the opposite – a lack of comfort and confidence, suggesting potential concerns or doubts.