This is not to say that

Using this phrase is like a two-step dance. Step one: make a statement that could be misunderstood. Step two: use this is not to say that to provide the correction. Usually, it starts a new sentence. 'The team worked hard on the project. This is not to say that there weren't some major errors.' Notice how it connects the success with a reality check? You can also use it in the middle of a sentence with a comma. 'He is a great chef, which is not to say that he never burns the toast.' (Wait, do chefs actually burn toast? Probably just on Mondays). It almost always introduces a subordinate clause. This means you need a full subject and verb after it. You can't just say this is not to say that and stop. You have to finish the thought. It’s like starting a Netflix series—you’re committed to the ending now!

This is a 'C1' level phrase for a reason. It’s sophisticated. You’ll find it in academic essays, 'The New York Times' editorials, and high-level business reports. It’s definitely on the formal side of the spectrum. However, it’s not 'old-fashioned' formal. It’s 'smart-person' formal. You can use it in a serious email to your boss or a thoughtful LinkedIn post. Would you use it while ordering a taco at 2 AM? Probably not. 'I'd like the spicy beef, though this is not to say that I don't appreciate the chicken.' The cashier will just stare at you. Use it when the stakes for being understood are high. It shows you have a high 'emotional intelligence' (EQ) because you anticipate how others might react to your words. It’s the tuxedo of English phrases—it makes everything look a bit sharper.

Let’s look at a modern workplace scenario. You’re in a Zoom meeting, and you suggest a new software. You say, 'The current system is slow. This is not to say that the IT team hasn't done a great job maintaining it.' Boom! You just gave a critique without offending anyone. Or think about a movie review on YouTube. 'The CGI was a bit messy. This is not to say that the movie wasn't incredibly fun to watch.' You're being balanced. On Reddit, you might see a thread about a famous athlete. 'He's past his prime. This is not to say that he isn't still better than 90% of the league.' It prevents the 'fanboys' from attacking you immediately. It’s a shield against the 'Actually...' people on the internet. Even in a break-up text (ouch!), it has a place. 'I think we need space. This is not to say that I don't care about you.' It’s a way to be firm but kind.

Use this when you feel a 'but' isn't strong enough. If you say 'I like the car, but it's expensive,' it's a simple contrast. If you say 'I like the car. This is not to say that I can actually afford it,' you're adding a layer of specific clarification. Use it when you are making a criticism but want to remain respectful. Use it when you are giving praise but want to remain realistic. It’s perfect for 'limiting' a broad statement. If you say 'AI is changing the world,' follow it up with this is not to say that humans are becoming obsolete.' It keeps the conversation grounded. It’s the 'adult in the room' of phrases. It prevents people from taking your ideas to an illogical extreme. Basically, use it whenever you want to sound like you’ve actually thought about what you’re saying for more than two seconds.

Don't use it for trivial things. 'I love pizza. This is not to say that I don't like burgers.' That’s just being extra for no reason. People will think you’re trying too hard to sound 'intellectual.' Also, avoid it when a simple 'however' or 'but' works better. If the clarification is obvious, the phrase feels heavy. Don't use it if you are actually trying to be vague. This phrase is for *clarity*. If you use it and then say something confusing, you've defeated the purpose. Also, don't use it in very casual group chats with a lot of 'lol' and 'omg'. You’ll sound like you’re writing a PhD thesis in the middle of a meme war. 'This is not to say that I didn't find that cat video amusing' is a great way to get kicked out of the group chat. Save it for when words actually matter.

Learners often forget the 'that' at the end. They say this is not to say and then the sentence. You need that 'that' to link to the next clause! Another mistake is using 'it' instead of 'this'. It is not to say that is much less common and sounds a bit clunky in most contexts. Some people also confuse it with 'That is to say,' which means 'In other words.' Be careful! That is to say explains your first point further. This is not to say that denies a false conclusion.

✗ That is not to say I'm busy. (Wait, are you busy or not?)

✓ This is not to say that I'm busy, but I'd prefer to meet later.

Also, don't forget the subject after 'that'.

✗ This is not to say that am angry.

✓ This is not to say that I am angry.

Grammar likes its friends; don't leave the subject out in the cold!

There are a few cousins of this phrase. 'That is not to say that' is nearly identical and used just as often. 'Which is not to say that' is used mid-sentence after a comma. For example: 'She won the race, which is not to say that it was easy.' In very formal academic writing, you might see 'This is not, however, to say that...'—which is just the 'final boss' version of the phrase. In slightly more casual (but still professional) speech, people might say 'I’m not saying that...' or 'Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying...' These do the same job but with less 'fancy' energy. If you’re texting, you might just use 'not that...' as in 'I'm staying home tonight. Not that I'm bored, just tired.' It’s the 'pajamas' version of our phrase.

Is it too formal for texting? Usually, yes. Unless you're texting your lawyer or a very intense professor, 'I'm not saying...' is better for WhatsApp. Can I start a paragraph with it? Yes, if the previous paragraph made a strong claim that needs immediate limiting. Is there a difference between 'This' and 'That'? Not really. 'This' often refers to the sentence you *just* said, while 'That' can refer to a general idea you've been discussing. Does it always need a comma? If it's at the start of a sentence, no. If it's following a main clause (like using 'which is not to say'), then yes, use a comma before it. Can I use it in a job interview? Absolutely. It makes you sound balanced, thoughtful, and articulate. It’s a 'green flag' for communication skills!