not without merit

USAGE SUMMARY

"not without merit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has some value, not necessarily being great or perfect. For example: "The student's essay was not without merit, even if it was far from achieving a top grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But not without merit, either.

The New York Times

And this is not without merit.

The New York Times

THE book is not without merit.

The New York Times

But his assessment was not without merit.

The New York Times - Sports

The initiative is not without merit.

The Guardian

Their criticisms are not without merit.

The New Yorker

The comparisons are not without merit.

The New York Times

These views are not without merit.

The New York Times

The angst is not without merit.

The New York Times

The book is not without merit.

The New York Times - Books

He is not without merit, but remains a divisive character.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without merit" to acknowledge positive aspects while still maintaining a critical or balanced perspective. It's effective when you want to avoid overly praising something that also has flaws or limitations.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple double negatives in a sentence. While "not without merit" is acceptable, combining it with other negative constructions can make your writing confusing and difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without merit" functions as an evaluative expression. As Ludwig AI suggests, it acknowledges the presence of positive qualities while often implying limitations. Examples from Ludwig show it used to provide balanced assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not without merit" is a phrase used to acknowledge the positive aspects of something, while also implying that it may have limitations or flaws. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. It functions as an evaluative expression, offering a qualified endorsement. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral and balanced tone. While it may not be the most concise expression, it serves as a useful way to provide a nuanced assessment. Remember to avoid overusing double negatives and consider using alternative phrases for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not entirely without value

Rephrases with a slightly stronger emphasis on the presence of value.

has some value

Focuses on the presence of value, omitting the double negative.

has redeeming qualities

Focuses on the positive aspects that compensate for flaws.

possesses certain virtues

Highlights the existence of virtues, a more formal synonym for merits.

contains elements of worth

Emphasizes the presence of worthwhile components.

is somewhat valuable

Directly states the degree of value with a qualifier.

offers some advantages

Highlights the advantages something offers.

presents a few benefits

Highlights the presence of some beneficial things.

is partially useful

Focuses on the aspect of utility and qualifies it.

exhibits potential

Indicates the existence of future merit.

FAQs

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

Use "not without merit" to acknowledge that something has positive qualities or value, even if it's imperfect or has drawbacks. For example, "The proposal is "not without merit", but it needs further refinement".

What are some alternatives to saying "not without merit"?

You can use phrases like "has some value", "possesses certain virtues", or "contains elements of worth" depending on the context.

Is "not without merit" a formal or informal expression?

"Not without merit" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its nuance allows for sophisticated communication in various settings.

What does it imply when something is described as "not without merit"?

It implies that while there may be shortcomings or criticisms, the subject in question possesses identifiable strengths or positive attributes, making it worthy of consideration or recognition.