not without drawbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not without drawbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to signify that an action or a plan has some unfavorable consequences or drawbacks, although there are also benefits. For example: "Going back to school after a decade-long break was a rewarding experience, but not without drawbacks – I had to adjust to a new curriculum and make up for lost time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

However, the AVF is not without drawbacks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The situation is not without drawbacks.

The New York Times

New York is not without drawbacks for food manufacturers.

The New York Times

Making e-mail more casual is not without drawbacks, though.

MIT Technology Review

But it is a trend not without drawbacks.

The New York Times

There are good reasons for this but it is not without drawbacks.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Even they are not entirely without drawbacks — but they're certainly enough to keep phone company executives awake at night.

The New York Times - Tech

Idolisation, though, is not without its drawbacks.

Independent

Ferry life is not without its drawbacks.

The New York Times - Travel

However, investing in premium bonds is not without its drawbacks.

The Guardian - Money

But this cold war design is not without its drawbacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not without drawbacks", follow it with a specific explanation of what those drawbacks are to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "not without drawbacks" without detailing the actual disadvantages. This can leave the reader unclear about the specific issues involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without drawbacks" functions as a qualifier, indicating that despite potential benefits or advantages, there are also disadvantages or negative aspects to consider. Ludwig provides several examples that support this use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not without drawbacks" is a commonly used qualifier that introduces a balanced view by admitting disadvantages alongside potential benefits. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts like Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify the actual drawbacks to provide clarity and context. Alternatives include "not without its limitations" and "not without downsides", each with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not without its downsides

Focuses specifically on the negative aspects or disadvantages.

not without its disadvantages

Highlights the unfavorable aspects, similar to "drawbacks".

has its negative aspects

Directly points out the unfavorable components.

not without its limitations

Emphasizes restrictions rather than general disadvantages.

is not without its faults

Highlights imperfections or flaws.

not without challenges

Points out difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome.

has its share of problems

Indicates the presence of issues or difficulties.

involves certain trade-offs

Implies that some benefits are gained at the expense of others.

comes with certain risks

Highlights the potential dangers or uncertainties involved.

is not a panacea

Indicates that something is not a complete solution and has limitations.

FAQs

What does "not without drawbacks" mean?

It means that something has disadvantages or negative aspects, even if it also has positive qualities or advantages.

How can I use "not without drawbacks" in a sentence?

You can use it to acknowledge the downsides of a particular choice, situation, or technology. For example: "While solar energy is environmentally friendly, it's "not without drawbacks", such as high initial costs."

Are there synonyms for "not without drawbacks"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "not without its limitations", "not without downsides", or "has its negative aspects".

Is it better to say "not without drawbacks" or list the drawbacks directly?

Listing the drawbacks directly is often clearer and more informative. However, ""not without drawbacks"" can be useful as a transitional phrase before providing more details.