arguably the only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arguably the only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something is possibly the sole example or instance of a particular category, while acknowledging that there may be differing opinions. Example: "He is arguably the only candidate qualified for this position given his extensive experience and unique skill set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arguably the only stand-up with an MA in psychotherapy.

The Guardian

Indeed, in America housing is arguably the only remaining prop for the economy.

The Economist

And arguably the only celebrity in sight was none other than the mayor himself.

The New York Times

Having set an expectation for complete annihilation, arguably the only way was up.

The Guardian

Arguably the only one of the four centres who came to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Arguably, the only thing that's been holding Stormzy back so far is his musical ambition.

The Guardian - Music

In fact it's arguably the only form of electricity production which has widespread public support.

The Guardian

Arguably, the only two institutions that survived his rule are the family and the mosque.

The New Yorker

Philosophy is arguably the only subject that deals exclusively in concepts and good reasoning.

The Guardian

Visiting fans can then sample, arguably, the only dish outsiders associate with the District.

The Washington Post

"Noah was, in fact, my best friend and arguably the only man I've ever truly loved," she wrote.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arguably the only", consider providing evidence or reasoning to support your claim. This strengthens your argument and enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "arguably the only" when there's clear evidence of multiple instances or strong counterarguments. Overusing it can weaken your overall credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arguably the only" functions as a qualifier, softening a claim of uniqueness and introducing an element of subjective judgment. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

16%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arguably the only" serves as a useful tool to express a claim of uniqueness while acknowledging potential disagreement. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to support your claim with evidence and avoid overstating your position. Alternatives such as "possibly the sole" or "potentially the exclusive" can provide a similar nuance. Understanding its function and usage allows for more precise and persuasive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly the sole

Emphasizes singularity but with less assertive confidence.

potentially the exclusive

Highlights exclusivity as a possibility rather than a certainty.

perhaps the single

Uses "single" to denote uniqueness, presenting it as a possibility.

maybe the one and only

Adds a colloquial emphasis on uniqueness, softening the claim.

conceivably the unique

Focuses on the uniqueness of something while acknowledging uncertainty.

ostensibly the lone

Suggests that something appears to be the only one, possibly deceptively.

seemingly the solitary

Implies an appearance of being alone or unique based on initial observation.

reputedly the exceptional

Attributes uniqueness based on reputation or hearsay, not necessarily fact.

allegedly the singular

Indicates a claim of being the only one, but with an implication of doubt.

purportedly the exclusive

Suggests something is claimed to be exclusive, often with a hint of skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "arguably the only" in a sentence?

You can use "arguably the only" to present something as potentially unique while acknowledging other perspectives. For example, "This is "arguably the only" solution that addresses all the key issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "arguably the only"?

Alternatives include "possibly the sole", "potentially the exclusive", or "perhaps the single", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "arguably the only" or "definitely the only"?

"Arguably the only" is suitable when there is room for debate, while "definitely the only" is appropriate when there is no doubt. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence and the potential for disagreement.

What's the difference between "arguably the only" and "supposedly the only"?

"Arguably the only" suggests a reasonable case can be made for uniqueness, whereas "supposedly the only" implies doubt or skepticism about the claim. Choose the one that reflects your true assessment.