not always
Not every time or in every instance. A: "Do you go visit your grandparents in New York every summer?" B: "We try to, but not always." They typically overlook transactions that are less than $5,000, though not always.
Not always,
a conditional negative response. (See examples.) John: Do you come here every day? Jane: No, not always. John: Do you find that this condition usually clears up by itself? Doctor: Not always.