not without fuss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not without fuss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was accomplished, but only after some trouble or difficulty. Example: "The project was completed, but not without fuss, as there were numerous delays and disagreements among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But not without fuss.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A commentary piece published by the state-run Xinhua news agency on Sunday said the death is being handled normally and should be treated without "fuss, not to mention excessive interpretation or bias".

BBC

The execution didn't match the ambition and Pinto saved without fuss.

The Guardian - Sport

A true New Yorker drinks his coffee fast and without fuss; he cares about the function, not the form.

Huffington Post

Baines gets up without fuss and hits a corner that doesn't clear the first man.

The Guardian - Sport

Cut and pasted without fuss, they have a pitch-perfect sense of design, but they are not narratives, and there is hardly any graphic violence in them.

The New York Times - Arts

And the comeback, though not without its hitches, has elicited little public fuss.

The New Yorker

Aguero converted it without fuss.

Independent

Directed, without fuss, by Seth Gordon.

The New Yorker

Dynamo clear without fuss.

The Guardian - Sport

EADS accepted the result without fuss.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without fuss" to subtly indicate that an action or event was successful, but not achieved easily. It adds nuance and hints at underlying difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "not without fuss" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without fuss" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action was performed or an event occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies that the action or event happened, but with some difficulty or contention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not without fuss" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something was achieved, but with some difficulty or contention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While effective for adding nuance, it should be used sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive. Alternatives such as "with some difficulty" or "after some trouble" can provide similar meaning. This phrase is generally appropriate in neutral to slightly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with some difficulty

Emphasizes the presence of challenges during the process.

after some trouble

Highlights the presence of problems or issues encountered.

not without challenges

Focuses on the obstacles that had to be overcome.

with considerable effort

Stresses the amount of work required.

after a struggle

Conveys a sense of hardship and resistance.

not easily

Simple way of highlighting difficulty.

with a degree of effort

Highlights effort, but is less intense.

not without complications

Focuses on complexities and potential issues.

with its share of problems

Indicates that problems were part of the process.

not without a hitch

Focuses on minor difficulties or setbacks.

FAQs

What does "not without fuss" mean?

The phrase "not without fuss" means that something was accomplished, but only after some difficulty, argument, or complaint. It suggests that the process was not smooth or easy.

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

You can use it to indicate that an action was completed, but there were challenges or disagreements involved. For example, "The deal was finalized, "not without fuss", after lengthy negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "not without fuss"?

Alternatives include "with some difficulty", "after some trouble", or "not easily". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not without fuss"?

Yes, "not without fuss" is grammatically correct. It's a common idiom used to express that something happened, but it wasn't a straightforward or easy process.