though not entirely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though not entirely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce an idea that contrasts with something that was previously stated. For example, "The movie was enjoyable though not entirely memorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though not entirely.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a heroic image, though not entirely so.

The New York Times - Arts

The opposition is predominately, though not entirely, Shiite.

The New York Times

The results are somewhat puzzling, though not entirely unexpected.

The New York Times

It is the latter mostly, though not entirely.

The New York Times - Books

It was clinical, one-sided fare though not entirely flawless.

The Guardian - Sport

They seem rather lonely, actually, though not entirely despairing.

The New York Times

Putin's message, meanwhile, was strident, though not entirely convincing.

The Guardian - Sport

Nearly 450 years later, it had changed a lot - though not entirely for the better.

The New York Times

The response was generally, though not entirely, favourable, albeit with significant caveats.

The Economist

Though not entirely a seller's market, MBAs can be more discerning when choosing employers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though not entirely" to introduce a nuanced perspective or to qualify a statement, avoiding overly absolute language. This adds precision and reflects a balanced understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "though not entirely" in situations where a simple 'no' or a more direct negative statement would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted or hesitant when clarity is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though not entirely" functions as a qualifier or a concessive conjunction. It modifies a preceding statement by indicating that while there's some truth or validity to it, it's not completely accurate or applicable. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "though not entirely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used qualifier, functioning as a concessive conjunction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It serves to introduce nuance by acknowledging a degree of truth while indicating limitations. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. Common alternatives include "although not completely" and "though not fully". When using this phrase, avoid overusing it in simplistic situations where direct negation is clearer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although not completely

Replaces 'entirely' with 'completely', maintaining the same degree of partial negation.

though not fully

Substitutes 'entirely' with 'fully', implying a degree of incompleteness.

not quite entirely

Rearranges the phrase for emphasis, slightly altering the tone.

though partially

Replaces the negation of 'entirely' with the affirmation of 'partially'.

though not altogether

Uses 'altogether' in place of 'entirely' to suggest a similar sense of limitation.

though not wholly

Employs 'wholly' instead of 'entirely', providing a near synonym.

not 100 percent

Expresses the concept numerically, indicating something is less than fully realized.

to some extent

Indicates a degree of truth or accuracy, but without complete commitment.

in part

Highlights that only a portion of something is true or applicable.

not in every respect

Specifies that something is not true or accurate in all aspects.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "though not entirely" in a sentence?

Use "though not entirely" to qualify a previous statement, indicating that it is true or accurate to a certain degree, but not completely. For example, "The project was successful, "though not entirely" as planned".

What are some alternatives to saying "though not entirely"?

You can use alternatives such as "although not completely", "though not fully", or "partially" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "though not entirely"?

Yes, "though not entirely" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted way to express partial agreement or qualification.

When should I use "though not entirely" versus a more direct negation?

Use "though not entirely" when you want to acknowledge a degree of truth or accuracy in a statement, while also indicating a limitation or exception. A more direct negation is appropriate when the statement is simply false or inaccurate.