though not perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though not perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge that something has flaws or limitations while still being acceptable or valuable. Example: "The presentation was informative and engaging, though not perfect, as there were a few minor errors in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though not perfect, it is a success.

The New York Times

The smart clients are better than before, though not perfect.

Check Point NG VPN-1-Firewall-1 Advanced Configuration and Troubleshooting

It is a formidable, though not perfect, system.

The New York Times - Sports

DIVA, the geometric approach, SUSTAIN, and the UGCM provided good, though not perfect, fits.

Cognition

Though not perfect, disclosure rules generally share certain baseline characteristics—accuracy, comprehensibility, and completeness.

Columbia University

I am told that the PicPal version is clear and crisp, though not perfect.

Stanford University

Though not perfect, trials provide for fairness and checks and balances.

The New York Times

The changes May has achieved, though not perfect, shift the balance of risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

My own judgment is that both its magnitude and composition were reasonable, though not perfect.

The New York Times

Russia's own treatment methods, though not perfect, they argue, sufficiently address the needs of addicts.

The New York Times - Health

Though not perfect, it's a great improvement over the status quo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though not perfect" to provide a balanced assessment, acknowledging imperfections without dismissing the overall value or effectiveness of something.

Common error

Avoid using "though not perfect" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your assessment seem hesitant or undermine your credibility. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "albeit imperfect" or "even if flawed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though not perfect" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It connects two clauses, where the first acknowledges a limitation or imperfection, and the second presents a contrasting aspect, often an advantage or acceptance despite the flaw. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though not perfect" is a versatile and frequently used phrase serving as a concessive conjunction, allowing writers to acknowledge imperfections while still highlighting positive aspects. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When more formality is required, alternatives such as "albeit imperfect" may be preferable. It's important to use "though not perfect" judiciously, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Its frequency and presence across authoritative sources underscore its value in balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit imperfect

This is a more formal and concise way to express the same sentiment.

even if flawed

This phrase directly acknowledges the presence of flaws.

while not flawless

This alternative emphasizes the absence of flawlessness.

not entirely satisfactory

This indicates a level of dissatisfaction despite potential usefulness.

less than ideal

This phrase suggests that a better alternative exists but the current option is still viable.

suboptimal but functional

Highlights that the result is usable even if not optimal.

not without its shortcomings

This acknowledges that there are limitations or drawbacks.

imperfect though it may be

Emphasizes the imperfection despite its existence.

still has room for improvement

Focuses on the potential for future betterment.

has limitations

Highlights the boundaries or constraints involved.

FAQs

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

The phrase "though not perfect" is used to acknowledge flaws or limitations while still recognizing value or functionality. For example, "The solution, "though not perfect", is a significant improvement over the previous method."

What's a more formal alternative to "though not perfect"?

A more formal alternative is "albeit imperfect". It conveys a similar meaning in a more concise and sophisticated manner.

What can I say instead of "though not perfect" to emphasize the flaws?

To emphasize flaws, you can use phrases like "even if flawed" or "not without its shortcomings". These options directly acknowledge the presence of imperfections.

Is "though not perfect" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "though not perfect" is generally suitable, but consider using more formal alternatives like "albeit imperfect" in highly formal academic contexts for enhanced precision.