not wholly correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not wholly correct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is partially accurate but contains some errors or inaccuracies. Example: "While the information provided is useful, it is not wholly correct and may lead to misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I had assumed, incorrectly, that the agency would be available to advocate for me and/or advise me during my stay in 'their' apartment, but my assumptions were not wholly correct (I didn't always get a response and, even when I did, it was often inadequate, at least by my 'American' standards) and I would not necessarily book an apartment through an agency again.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ruffini's effort was not wholly successful, but in 1824 the Norwegian mathematician Niels Abel gave a correct proof.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not wholly.

The Economist

Not wholly uninteresting.

The New Yorker

But not wholly unfair.

The Economist

They were not wholly wrong.

The Economist

It is not wholly convincing.

The Economist

This is not wholly true.

The New York Times

He was not wholly wrong.

The New York Times

That is not wholly fair.

The Economist

This is not wholly surprising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not wholly correct" when you want to acknowledge that something has elements of truth or accuracy, but also contains errors or inaccuracies. This nuanced approach is useful in situations where a complete dismissal would be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "not wholly correct" when something is entirely wrong. This phrase implies partial accuracy, so using it in the context of complete falsehood would be misleading. In cases of complete inaccuracy, use phrases like "completely incorrect" or "entirely wrong" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not wholly correct" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun or pronoun by indicating that it possesses a degree of inaccuracy. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound. Its use indicates partial, rather than complete, inaccuracy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not wholly correct" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey partial inaccuracy. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as an adjectival modifier and is used to express qualified disagreement or partial acceptance. It strikes a neutral tone, suitable for both news and professional contexts. While it indicates that something isn't entirely accurate, it acknowledges some validity, offering a more nuanced assessment than a simple "incorrect". Related phrases such as "partially incorrect" or "not entirely accurate" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially incorrect

Replaces the adverb "wholly" with "partially", simplifying the phrase while retaining the core meaning of partial inaccuracy.

not entirely accurate

Substitutes both "wholly" and "correct" with synonyms, offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining semantic equivalence.

somewhat inaccurate

Uses "somewhat" to soften the assertion of inaccuracy, implying a milder degree of incorrectness compared to the original phrase.

not perfectly accurate

Replaces "correct" with "perfectly accurate" emphasizing the lack of perfection in accuracy.

not quite right

Employs a more informal and idiomatic expression to indicate that something is not fully accurate or true.

partly wrong

Simplifies the phrase, using "partly" instead of "not wholly" to indicate a degree of incorrectness.

partially true

Expresses a dual nature, suggesting a mix of truth and falsity, indirectly indicating it's "not wholly correct".

not completely accurate

Replaces "wholly" with "completely", highlighting the absence of full accuracy.

imperfect

Uses a single adjective to denote a lack of perfection, implying that it's "not wholly correct" due to imperfections.

flawed

Conveys the presence of defects or shortcomings, leading to it being "not wholly correct".

FAQs

What does "not wholly correct" mean?

The phrase "not wholly correct" signifies that something is partially accurate but contains some inaccuracies or errors. It indicates that while certain aspects may be true or right, others are not.

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

You can use "not wholly correct" to express that a statement, assumption, or piece of information is only partially accurate. For example: "While the report provides useful insights, it is "not wholly correct" and requires further verification."

What are some alternatives to "not wholly correct"?

Alternatives to "not wholly correct" include "partially incorrect", "not entirely accurate", "somewhat inaccurate", or "not completely correct". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of inaccuracy you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "not wholly correct" and "incorrect"?

Yes, "not wholly correct" implies partial accuracy, whereas "incorrect" suggests complete inaccuracy. Using "not wholly correct" indicates a more nuanced assessment, acknowledging some valid aspects while pointing out flaws. When something is completely wrong, "incorrect" is more appropriate.