When expressing the notion of “not fully,” there are various ways to convey this idea in both formal and informal settings. This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of different phrases, idioms, and expressions that can be employed to communicate the concept of incompleteness or partiality. While regional variations are not an essential part of this guide, occasional mentions may be made if they contribute to a better understanding of the topic. So, let’s delve into the intricacies of expressing “not fully”!
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Formal Ways to Say “Not Fully”
When it comes to formal language, precision and clarity are typically prioritized. Here are some formal phrases you can use to convey the idea of “not fully” in a professional or academic context:
- To a certain extent: This phrase indicates that something is incomplete or only partially accomplished. For example, “To a certain extent, the project has been implemented, but further work is required.”
- In part: Use this phrase to convey that something is partially complete or only applies to a portion of the whole. For instance, “In part, we have addressed the issue, but additional steps need to be taken.”
- Partially finished: This term is suitable when referring to an incomplete task or project. For instance, “The research proposal is partially finished; further data analysis is still required.”
- Incomplete: This term is straightforward and explicitly implies that something is not fully finished or achieved. For example, “The investigation remains incomplete as we are awaiting more evidence.”
- Partly done: Use this phrase to convey that something has been started but not completed. For instance, “The report is partly done; I still need to finalize the conclusions.”
Informal Ways to Say “Not Fully”
Informal language allows for more flexibility and creativity when expressing the idea of “not fully.” Here are some colloquial phrases and idioms that can be used in casual conversations:
- Incompletely: While still relatively formal, this word can be used conversationally to mean “not fully.” For example, “I apologize for incompletely explaining the situation.”
- Halfway: This term is commonly used to express partial completion. For instance, “I’m halfway through writing the article; it should be finished soon.”
- Sort of: This popular expression is often used to indicate partial agreement or understanding. For example, “I sort of understand what you’re saying, but could you clarify it further?”
- Not entirely: Use this phrase to suggest that something is incomplete or imperfect. For instance, “I enjoyed the movie, but it wasn’t entirely what I expected.”
- In bits and pieces: This idiom refers to something done or received in fragments or incomplete portions. For example, “I’ve heard about it in bits and pieces, but I don’t have a full understanding of the situation.”
Examples in Context
To better understand these expressions, let’s explore a few examples within different contexts:
Formal Example: The CEO’s presentation detailed the company’s plans to a certain extent, providing an overview of new initiatives while acknowledging that the implementation timeline remains uncertain.
Informal Example: Jenny sort of grasped the instructions for the new board game, but she decided to watch a tutorial video to ensure she wasn’t missing any key rules.
Formal Example: The committee has partially finished the report on environmental sustainability, but additional data collection is necessary to support their findings.
Informal Example: Mark has only halfway read the book recommended by his friend, and he can’t wait to discuss what he’s discovered so far.
Formal Example: The project team acknowledged that the assigned task had been incompletely executed due to unforeseen delays, but they were confident in completing it before the deadline.
Informal Example: Emily didn’t entirely remember the details of her dream but recollected seeing colorful butterflies fluttering amidst a serene garden.
Summary
Expressing the concept of “not fully” can be approached differently based on formality and context. In formal situations, phrases like “to a certain extent,” “in part,” and “partially finished” are commonly used. However, in more casual conversations, expressions like “halfway,” “sort of,” and “not entirely” are often employed. These phrases add nuance to your communication and help convey the intended meaning more effectively.
Remember, adapting your language to the formality of the situation and your relationship with the interlocutor is crucial when employing these expressions. So, next time you find yourself needing to convey “not fully,” you’ll have a collection of phrases to choose from based on the context and level of formality!
