are only odd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are only odd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing numbers or items that are exclusively odd in nature. Example: "The numbers in this sequence are only odd, which makes them unique compared to the even numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There are only odd eccentrics.

The New York Times

And this year's nominees are only odd in that the beginning and end points for eligibility (October 1, 2010, through September 30 , 2011 mean that some of the records in the running always feel one year behind the curve.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nor must you allow yourself to be frazzled by the fact that there are only odd-numbered chapters and footnotes.

Independent

It is only odd, perhaps, that it has taken climate change so long to become a significant and controversial theme for the arts.

The Guardian

For most of the day, the Post's headline on its homepage was GRISLY NEW DETAILS — which was only odd in that, for so long, there hadn't been any details at all, only an absence and haunting speculation.

The New Yorker

127005 Pratchett This asteroid is only odd in that its namers presumably took Terry Pratchett to be dead – virtually any major (western) author you can think of has something in space honouring them, but you normally have to die first.

The Guardian - Books

Which is only odd as it's about three men trying a variety of means to put the titular animal out of its misery.

Vice

Experiment 3 was essentially the same as in Experiment 1, except that the "synchronous" beeps were removed in the audiotactile stream; that is, only odd numbered tactile stimuli were paired with sounds (Figure 1D).

Plosone

(Physician) 'GP appointments are only 15 odd minutes.

BMC Health Services Research

They are only 20-odd seats here, so book.

The New York Times

All three books in the trilogy are only 150-odd pages long, each one pitting Corum against a progressively more evil god of chaos, so I read the whole thing in one gulp.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are only odd", ensure that you are referring to a collection or set of items where every single item is an odd number or has an odd characteristic. Avoid using it for situations where there might be even one exception.

Common error

Avoid using "are only odd" when even numbers are present or possible within the group you are describing. Using it inaccurately can mislead your audience about the set's properties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are only odd" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a set or group of items as exclusively possessing odd-numbered properties or qualities. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in different contexts, highlighting that the elements being described are exclusively odd.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are only odd" is grammatically correct and used to describe a set of elements that exclusively possess odd characteristics or are odd numbers. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a descriptive statement, specifying a unique attribute of a group. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in various contexts like News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, make sure that all elements are odd, because misusing it can mislead your audience. Ludwig's analysis provides a clear understanding of when and how to use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consist solely of odd numbers

Focuses on the composition being entirely odd numbers. Changes the structure to emphasize composition.

are exclusively odd-numbered

Highlights the exclusiveness of odd numbers using a compound adjective. Creates a more formal tone.

feature exclusively odd numbers

Emphasizes the presence of only odd numbers as a characteristic. Changes the verb.

comprise uniquely odd elements

Uses "uniquely" to intensify the oddness. Introduces the term 'elements'.

are limited to odd values

Focuses on a restricted range of values. Changes emphasis from inherent nature to restriction.

include nothing but odd integers

Highlights the absence of any non-odd numbers. Introduces the term 'integers'.

are singularly odd

Changes the focus to the individual elements being odd rather than the set. Shifts to singular elements.

solely contain odd items

Emphasizes the action of containing and changes the noun from numbers to items. Changes to active voice.

are strictly odd

Uses "strictly" to convey a sense of rigorous adherence to the odd number property. Implies enforcement of the rule.

exhibit only odd characteristics

Shifts the focus from numbers to characteristics and their odd nature. Adds the concept of 'characteristics'.

FAQs

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

You can use "are only odd" to describe a set of numbers or items that exclusively consist of odd numbers or have odd characteristics. For example, "The page numbers in the appendix "are only odd"."

What are some alternatives to "are only odd"?

Alternatives include phrases like "consist solely of odd numbers", "are exclusively odd-numbered", or "feature exclusively odd numbers" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "are only odd"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular group or set contains exclusively odd elements. It is not correct if even elements are included.

Is there a difference between saying "are only odd" and "are exclusively odd"?

The phrases are very similar, but "are exclusively odd" emphasizes that there are absolutely no even numbers present, while ""are only odd"" simply states that the elements are odd, without necessarily highlighting the exclusion of even numbers.