are only

USAGE SUMMARY

"are only" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate the limited scope of a situation or to express the idea that something is the only option. For example, "We are only able to accept cash payments for this purchase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are only coups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Tickets are only $15).

The New York Times

Pictures are only average.

The New York Times - Tech

Frustrations are only growing".

The New York Times

"They are only monkeys".

The New Yorker

They are only sleeping.

The New Yorker

There are only interests.

The Economist

They are only children".

The New Yorker

They are only suggestions.

The New York Times - Sports

There are only people.

The New Yorker

(There are only eighty).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are only" to clearly define the scope or limitations of a particular situation or statement. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is precise.

Common error

Avoid using "are only" excessively in long, complex sentences, as it can make the sentence sound repetitive and cumbersome. Instead, consider rephrasing to integrate the limiting factor more smoothly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are only" functions as a qualifier, restricting or limiting the scope of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and indicates a boundary. The examples show its use in emphasizing what something is, and also what it is not.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are only" is a grammatically correct and frequently used qualifier in written English. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions to limit the scope of a statement and can be found in diverse contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity. The most authoritative sources employing this phrase include The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Economist. Similar phrases, such as "merely are" or "simply are", can provide alternative ways to express limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely are

Reverses the word order while maintaining a similar meaning, emphasizing the limited nature.

simply are

Emphasizes the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of the statement.

just are

Indicates a smaller degree or amount, similar to "only".

solely are

Highlights exclusivity, emphasizing that something is the single or unique case.

exclusively are

Similar to 'solely are', this emphasizes the absence of anything else.

consist only of

Shifts the focus to composition, highlighting what something is made up of and nothing more.

limited to

Focuses on setting a boundary or restriction.

restricted to

Similar to 'limited to', emphasizing a constraint.

nothing but are

Expresses that something is exclusively of a particular type or quality.

at most are

Indicates an upper limit or maximum quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "are only" in a sentence?

Use "are only" to indicate a limitation or restriction. For example, "These suggestions "are only" guidelines, not strict rules."

What phrases are similar to "are only"?

Similar phrases include "merely are", "simply are", or "just are", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are only"?

Yes, "are only" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express limitations or qualifications.

What is the difference between "are only" and "are solely"?

"Are only" suggests a restriction, while "are solely" emphasizes exclusivity. For example, "These remarks "are only" preparatory" implies they are not the complete picture, while "These remarks "are solely" for you" indicates they are intended for you and no one else.