typically but not always

USAGE SUMMARY

"typically but not always" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement is generally true, but that exceptions may occur. For example: "Typically but not always, people prefer the taste of dark chocolate over milk chocolate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The F.D.A. typically, but not always, follows such recommendations.

The New York Times

Helper CD4+ T cells are typically, but not always, required to generate immunity.

Advances in Cancer Research

The peptide antigen is typically, but not always, processed from an endogenous or exogenous protein.

Princeton University

Typically, but not always, that opportunity goes to the leader of the party with the most votes, who then has 42 days to try.

The New York Times

If you opt to hire a financial adviser who works for a fee — typically, but not always, 1percentt — you're essentially starting out 1percentt behind the market.

The Washington Post

Whereas the inventions that characterized the first three eras were typically (but not always) technological breakthroughs, fourth-era innovations are likely to involve business models.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Typically -- but not always -- the author listed last is the head of the lab that hosted most of the research.

Science Magazine

This is typically a young woman (but not always) that has a good command of the English language and a decent grasp of the technical process behind developing a custom product.

TechCrunch

More expensive paintballs will typically be the best, but not always.

WikiHow

Pain typically has a clear cause – but not always.

Harvard University

In most cases, this descending axon could be traced into the white matter, typically coursing laterally, and sometimes but not always sending a branch medially towards the corpus callosum.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "typically but not always" to introduce a trend or pattern, then immediately provide context or examples where the trend might not hold true to maintain transparency and avoid misleading your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "typically but not always" as a mere disclaimer. Always provide specific examples or conditions under which the 'not always' scenario occurs to add value and credibility to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typically but not always" functions as a qualifier, softening a generalization by acknowledging exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, signifying that it's a standard way to introduce nuances into statements. It's a conjunction phrase that connects a general observation with a caveat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "typically but not always" is a versatile phrase used to introduce general trends while acknowledging exceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields, particularly in science, news, and academia. To use it effectively, always provide specific context or examples where the "not always" scenario might apply. Remember that providing examples enhances credibility and avoids overgeneralization. Consider related phrases like "usually but with exceptions" or "generally speaking but not universally" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually but with exceptions

This alternative directly highlights the common occurrence alongside acknowledged deviations.

generally speaking but not universally

This phrases specifies the general nature of a statement while allowing exceptions.

in most cases but there are exceptions

This alternative explicitly mentions the prevalence of a scenario while acknowledging potential variations.

more often than not but not invariably

This alternative specifies the frequency of an event while maintaining the chance of differing outcomes.

frequently but not without exception

This alternative highlights frequent occurrences and provides for the possibility of something different happening.

as a rule but not absolutely

This alternative emphasizes the general pattern while not discounting deviations from the norm.

commonly but subject to exceptions

This alternative stresses the general pattern while recognizing that changes can occur.

ordinarily but not invariably

This alternative signifies what is normal, while allowing for occasional differences.

by and large but with some exceptions

This alternative considers the overall situation while leaving space for changes or variances.

for the most part but not entirely

This alternative underlines the dominant aspect of something while acknowledging that there are other elements to be aware of.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "typically but not always" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "generally speaking but not universally" or "in most cases but there are exceptions". These alternatives offer a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

What's a simple way to explain the meaning of "typically but not always"?

A simple explanation is "usually, but there are exceptions". This conveys the idea that something is generally true but might not be in every situation.

Can I use "usually but not always" instead of "typically but not always"?

Yes, "usually but not always" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The terms "typically" and "usually" are often interchangeable in this context.

How do I avoid misusing "typically but not always" in my writing?

Ensure you're not using it as a lazy way out of providing accurate details. Always try to offer context or examples that clarify when the "not always" part applies.