Not necessarily means not always, not automatically: working late doesn't necessarily mean finishing more. It isn't a no; it means that doesn't follow. A short Not necessarily is a polite reply to a hasty conclusion: Will the nearest shop be the cheapest? Not necessarily.
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not necessarily true / better; doesn't necessarily mean that; Not necessarily
- A longer explanation isn't necessarily clearer.
- Working late doesn't necessarily mean you finish more tasks.
- 'Will the nearest shop be the cheapest?' 'Not necessarily.'
What changed
First versionThat conclusion isn't necessary true.
RevisionThat conclusion isn't necessarily true.
Necessary and necessarily look alike, and the shorter form seems enough. But before the adjective true you need the adverb: isn't necessarily true, meaning not always true. Isn't necessary would mean not needed.
Not necessary means not needed: a reply isn't necessary, so you don't have to answer. Not necessarily means not always so: a reply isn't necessarily helpful. Not really is a soft not quite, probably not.
Your turn
Choose the adverb that limits the claim: More practice doesn't ___ mean repeating the same task.
Show the answer
necessarily — After doesn't you need the adverb necessarily, which limits the claim. Necessary is an adjective and has no place here.
Challenge a common belief about studying, work or shopping, and explain what the result depends on. Use not necessarily.
A smaller class isn't necessarily quieter; it depends on how the lesson is organised.
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