This is not to imply that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to clarify your point and prevent people from assuming you mean something more extreme.
En 15 secondes
- A verbal shield used to prevent listeners from misinterpreting your point.
- Commonly used in professional settings to soften critical feedback or claims.
- Clarifies what you are NOT saying to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Signification
This phrase is a way to clarify that you aren't saying something extreme or negative. It helps you make a point without people jumping to the wrong conclusion about your intentions.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Giving feedback on a project
The report needs more data, though this is not to imply that your current work is poor.
The report needs more data, but I'm not saying your work is bad.
Discussing a friend's new hobby
The guitar is very loud, but this is not to imply that you shouldn't practice!
It's loud, but I'm not telling you to stop playing.
In a formal business meeting
We are pivoting our strategy; this is not to imply that our previous direction was a failure.
We're changing plans, but the old plan wasn't necessarily a mistake.
Contexte culturel
This expression reflects the high-context nature of professional English, where direct criticism is often softened to maintain social harmony. It became a staple of 'corporate speak' in the late 20th century as workplace communication became more focused on diplomacy and avoiding liability. In academic circles, it is used to show that a researcher is aware of the limits of their own data.
The 'But' Connection
This phrase almost always works best when preceded by 'but.' It creates a perfect logical pivot for your listener.
Don't Overuse It
In casual settings, using this too much can make you sound like you're hiding something or being overly defensive.
En 15 secondes
- A verbal shield used to prevent listeners from misinterpreting your point.
- Commonly used in professional settings to soften critical feedback or claims.
- Clarifies what you are NOT saying to avoid unnecessary conflict.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a safety net for your words. When you share a critical opinion, people often assume the worst. This is not to imply that stops that assumption immediately. It tells your listener, "I am saying X, but I am definitely NOT saying Y." It creates a clear boundary for your argument. You are basically protecting yourself from being misunderstood. It is the ultimate tool for being precise and careful with your claims.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of a sentence. It follows a statement that might sound a bit harsh or controversial. For example, you might say a movie was long. You then add, This is not to imply that it was boring. You are separating the length from the quality. You can also use it in the middle of a paragraph. It acts as a bridge between a fact and a clarification. It keeps your listener from getting defensive or offended.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to be professional or diplomatic. It is perfect for performance reviews at work. You can use it when giving feedback to a friend about their cooking. It works great in academic writing or serious emails. Use it whenever you feel your words might be taken the wrong way. It shows you have high emotional intelligence. You are anticipating the other person's reaction before they even have it.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual, fast-paced chats. If you are shouting at a football game, it sounds way too stiff. Do not use it if you actually *do* mean the negative thing. It can feel passive-aggressive if used incorrectly. If you use it too much, you might sound like a lawyer. It can make you seem like you are overthinking everything. Keep it for moments that actually require a delicate touch.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, value "hedging." This is the art of not being too direct or blunt. It is a sign of politeness and intellectual humility. Historically, this formal structure comes from legal and philosophical writing. It suggests that the speaker is logical and fair-minded. Today, it is a staple of corporate "office speak." It helps people navigate tricky social hierarchies without stepping on anyone's toes.
Common Variations
If this feels too long, you can try I don't mean to say that. For a more formal vibe, use This should not be taken to mean. In a quick text, you might just say Not saying that.... Another common one is That isn't to say. All of these do the same job of narrowing your meaning. They all act as a shield against being misquoted or misunderstood later on.
Notes d'usage
This is a C1-level expression primarily used in professional, academic, or high-stakes personal conversations. It functions as a 'hedge' to maintain nuance and avoid overgeneralization.
The 'But' Connection
This phrase almost always works best when preceded by 'but.' It creates a perfect logical pivot for your listener.
Don't Overuse It
In casual settings, using this too much can make you sound like you're hiding something or being overly defensive.
The 'Polite' Shield
In British English, this is a very common way to give 'negative' feedback without actually sounding like you're complaining.
Exemples
6The report needs more data, though this is not to imply that your current work is poor.
The report needs more data, but I'm not saying your work is bad.
Softens the critique of the report to protect the colleague's feelings.
The guitar is very loud, but this is not to imply that you shouldn't practice!
It's loud, but I'm not telling you to stop playing.
Prevents the friend from thinking the speaker is complaining about the noise.
We are pivoting our strategy; this is not to imply that our previous direction was a failure.
We're changing plans, but the old plan wasn't necessarily a mistake.
Saves face for the team that designed the original strategy.
The service was slow, but this is not to imply that the food wasn't amazing.
Service was slow, but the food was still great.
Clarifies that the negative (service) doesn't apply to the positive (food).
My dog sleeps 20 hours a day; this is not to imply that he has a very stressful life.
He sleeps all day, but he's definitely not stressed.
Uses a formal phrase for a silly situation to create irony.
I need some space this weekend, but this is not to imply that I am unhappy with us.
I need alone time, but it doesn't mean I'm mad at you.
Crucial for preventing emotional escalation or insecurity.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to clarify that you still like the person's cooking.
The soup is a bit salty, but ___ it tastes bad.
This phrase correctly separates the specific critique (salty) from a general negative conclusion (tastes bad).
Complete the professional sentence.
We are over budget. ___, however, that the project should be cancelled.
The speaker wants to state a fact (over budget) without the listener jumping to a drastic conclusion (cancellation).
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of Clarification
Used with friends
Not saying that...
Standard everyday use
That isn't to say...
Professional/Academic
This is not to imply that...
When to use 'This is not to imply that'
Performance Review
You missed the deadline, but this is not to imply...
Debating Ideas
Your theory is complex, but this is not to imply...
Relationship Talk
I'm busy tonight, but this is not to imply...
Product Review
The battery is small, but this is not to imply...
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'I am not suggesting this specific conclusion.' It is used to prevent people from reading too much into what you just said.
Yes, but it is much more formal. While I don't mean is conversational, this is not to imply sounds more objective and logical.
You can, but it might feel a bit stiff. Use Not saying that... or Don't get me wrong... for a more natural texting vibe.
It usually starts a new clause or sentence. For example: The car is old. This is not to imply that it is unreliable.
Absolutely! It shows you are a careful communicator. Use it to explain a weakness without making yourself look bad.
Not exactly. Say is direct, while imply is about the hidden meaning or suggestion behind your words.
Yes! You can say something like, He's been at the gym for five minutes; this is not to imply he's a fitness expert.
The most common shorter version is That's not to say.... It's slightly less formal but works in almost any situation.
Very common. Scholars use it to ensure their findings aren't exaggerated by readers.
Using it without a clear 'positive' or 'neutral' follow-up. You must clarify what you *actually* mean after using it.
Expressions liées
That is not to say
A slightly less formal way to clarify a statement.
Don't get me wrong
An informal way to prevent a misunderstanding.
By no means
Used to emphasize that something is definitely not the case.
Lest anyone think
A very formal way to prevent a specific assumption.
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