though not always

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'though not always' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is generally true but that there may be exceptions or instances where it does not apply. For example, "We often try to find the best solution for a problem, though not always possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though not always sympathetically.

The New York Times

Though not always.

The New York Times

Hopefully – though not always – clean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Service is swift, though not always knowing.

The New York Times

We laugh, too – though not always.

The Guardian

And they have, though not always explicitly.

The New York Times - Arts

Public transportation, though not always reliable, is being revived.

The New York Times

The entrées are substantial, though not always exciting.

The New Yorker

Fairtrade often carries a premium, though not always.

Independent

The comic riffs are smart, though not always surprising.

The New Yorker

It had wonderful moments, though not always a compelling flow.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though not always" to add nuance and precision to your writing, acknowledging exceptions to a general rule or trend. For example, "The software is usually reliable, "though not always" during peak usage hours."

Common error

Avoid using "though not always" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive and hesitant. Opt for stronger, more direct statements where appropriate to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though not always" functions as a concessive conjunction, adding a qualification or exception to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It connects two clauses, indicating that while something is generally true, it isn't universally so.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though not always" is a versatile phrase used to introduce exceptions to general statements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, especially in news and science. It functions as a concessive conjunction to add nuance and precision. While highly versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternatives such as "not necessarily" or "although not always" offer similar meanings. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "though not always" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although not always

Synonymous; uses "although" instead of "though", offering a slightly more formal tone.

but not always

More direct; replaces "though" with "but", creating a slightly less nuanced contrast.

not necessarily

Indicates that something is not a requirement or certainty, differing slightly in emphasis.

not invariably

A more formal synonym, suggesting something is not constant or unchanging.

not consistently

Focuses on the lack of consistent application or occurrence.

often but not always

Adds emphasis on the frequency while still acknowledging exceptions.

usually but not always

Similar to "often but not always", emphasizing typicality.

generally but not always

Highlights the overall trend while admitting exceptions.

typically but not always

Similar to "generally but not always", stressing common occurrence.

not always the case

Emphasizes that a particular situation is not a given or constant.

FAQs

How can I use "though not always" in a sentence?

Use "though not always" to indicate that something is generally true, but there are exceptions. For example: "The trains are usually on time, "though not always" during rush hour."

What can I say instead of "though not always"?

You can use alternatives like "not necessarily", "not invariably", or "although not always" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "though not always"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "though not always" can sound awkward. It's generally better to incorporate it within the sentence it modifies.

What's the difference between "though not always" and "but not always"?

"Though not always" and "but not always" are largely interchangeable. "Though" often introduces a concession, while "but" introduces a contrast. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.