not without qualification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not without qualification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid, but with certain conditions or limitations. Example: "Her praise for the project was not without qualification, as she noted some areas that needed improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Or at least not without qualification.

The Economist

"I have a pro-choice position," she said, "though that support is not without qualification".

The New York Times

Hers may be a voice of perennial hope, but it is not without qualification.

The Guardian - Arts

Aung San Suu Kyi's praise for the BBC World Service was not without qualification.

The Guardian

Especially in terms of the European constitutional tradition, the term federation is equated with a sovereign federal state in international law; so the EU cannot be called a federal state or federation at least, not without qualification.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This principle is, however, not without qualifications.

Columbia University

Empiricists assumed methodological individualism, but not without qualifications.

SEP

Wittgenstein's later conception of meaning is expressed in his well-known observation (which, however, he did not make without qualification) that "the meaning of a word is its use in the language".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arnauld next points out that Malebranche does not say, without qualification, that God creates by general volitions.

SEP

"Today is the celebration not of a people or community or nation being better than another, but a celebration of the knowledge that we are so much less when we do not embrace, without qualification, all members of our unique and varied humanity," he wrote in a statement.

HuffPost

As in the case of sensitivity, the phenomena of desire do not, without further qualification, indicate the realm of mind.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without qualification" to express nuanced agreement or support, especially when you want to acknowledge potential drawbacks or limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "not without qualification" in situations where a simple "yes, but..." would suffice. The phrase is best suited for formal or complex discussions where precision is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without qualification" functions as a hedge, adding nuance and precision to a statement. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it indicates conditional agreement or limited endorsement. This allows for acknowledgement of validity while also highlighting potential limitations or concerns. The phrase signals that a statement should not be taken as absolute or unconditional.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not without qualification" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies conditional agreement or acceptance. Ludwig's analysis, supported by real-world examples, shows that while the phrase is relatively rare, it is valuable for adding nuance and precision to statements. It functions as a hedge, acknowledging validity while highlighting limitations. The phrase is most commonly found in news, academic and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's correctness and provides useful examples. Remember to employ this phrase when you want to express a nuanced opinion or judgment, avoiding overly simplistic assertions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with certain reservations

Emphasizes the existence of doubts or hesitations about something.

with some caveats

Highlights the presence of specific conditions or limitations.

not without reservations

Similar to "with certain reservations", but potentially stronger in tone.

subject to certain conditions

Clearly indicates that the statement is dependent on specific terms.

with limitations

Points out that something is not absolute or unrestricted.

not entirely unconditionally

Focuses on the lack of complete and unrestricted acceptance.

with provisos

Similar to caveats, emphasizing specific clauses or stipulations.

to a limited extent

Indicates that something is true only partially or in a restricted way.

qualifiedly

A more formal adverb indicating that something is done or said with reservations.

with a degree of skepticism

Highlights an element of doubt or questioning.

FAQs

What does "not without qualification" mean?

The phrase "not without qualification" means that something is true or valid, but only with certain conditions or limitations. It implies that a statement or assertion is not entirely absolute or unconditional.

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

You can use "not without qualification" to express a nuanced agreement or support. For example, "Her praise for the project was "not without qualification", as she noted some areas that needed improvement."

What are some alternatives to "not without qualification"?

Alternatives to "not without qualification" include phrases like "with certain reservations", "with some caveats", or "subject to certain conditions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not without qualification" or a more direct expression of disagreement?

The choice depends on the context and your intent. "Not without qualification" is suitable when you want to acknowledge some validity while still pointing out limitations. A more direct expression of disagreement might be better if the limitations are significant or outweigh the valid points.