not without some merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not without some merit" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to acknowledge that an idea or argument has some valid points, even if it may not be entirely convincing. For example: "While the proposal has its flaws, it is not without some merit." Alternative expressions include "has its merits" and "not entirely without value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is not without some merit.

The New York Times

Abkhazia's grievances are not without some merit.

The New York Times

Those were bold, brave words, and not without some merit.

The New York Times - Sports

The "death of print" rhetoric has reached new heights – and not without some merit.

The Guardian

The office and flat development is not without some merit, but its centrepiece, a vast gold-plated hotel that spins out of the concrete, is like the bastard child of Dr Martens and Christian Louboutin.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Birds' PR machine has been criticized by the local media as Mussolini-esque in its spin control, and not without some merit, but those releases are in our hands before the ink on the contract is dry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And while, unfortunately, that fact seems to have slipped from the collective memory, the holiday isn't without some merits.

The Guardian

Apple TV has already been written off by some as a failure amongst the sea of recent Apple success stories; given the continued improvement of competing offerings, it's probably not a call without some merit.

TechCrunch

Although these ideas are still considered speculative, they are not without merit, as some ATPases still participate in moving DNA during bacterial conjugation and cell division, secrete and uptake DNA, and retract and move pili!

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The ruling was not without economic merit, either.

The Economist

It is insultingly revisionist to suggest that this Leeds team was not without considerable merit.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without some merit" to acknowledge potential positive aspects of an idea or argument while also implying reservations or limitations. It is useful in scenarios where a balanced perspective is needed.

Common error

While useful, relying too heavily on "not without some merit" can make your writing sound repetitive or hesitant. Vary your language by using synonyms like "has redeeming qualities" or "has its good points" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without some merit" functions as a qualifier, acknowledging the existence of positive or valuable aspects within something that may also have flaws or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not without some merit" is a useful phrase for acknowledging the positive aspects of something while suggesting it may have flaws or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It functions as a qualifier, allowing you to express a balanced perspective in a neutral register. While it is commonly found in news and media sources, overusing it can make your writing repetitive. Remember to use alternative phrases to diversify your writing and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not entirely without value

Emphasizes that there is at least some worth present.

has its good points

Directly points out the positive attributes.

has redeeming qualities

Focuses on the positive aspects that compensate for flaws.

is somewhat justified

Implies a partial or limited justification.

possesses certain advantages

Highlights specific benefits associated with something.

contains elements of validity

Suggests that certain aspects are reasonable or justifiable.

offers some advantages

Indicates the presence of benefits or positive features.

holds a degree of justification

Highlights the extent to which something can be defended or supported.

presents a few benefits

Highlights limited advantages.

is not devoid of usefulness

Underscores some level of practical application.

FAQs

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

Use "not without some merit" to concede that an idea or argument has some positive aspects, even if you don't fully agree with it. For example, "While the plan has flaws, it's "not without some merit"".

What's a good alternative to saying "not without some merit"?

Alternatives include phrases like "has redeeming qualities", "has its good points", or "is not entirely without value". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not without merit" or "without merit"?

"Not without merit" implies that something has some positive aspects, while "without merit" means it has no value at all. The choice depends on whether you want to acknowledge any positives.

What's the difference between "not without some merit" and "partially justified"?

"Not without some merit" suggests something has value, while "partially justified" indicates that something is reasonably defensible to a certain extent. They are similar but focus on slightly different aspects.