barring only

USAGE SUMMARY

"barring only" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate exceptions or exclusions in a statement. Example: "Barring only unforeseen circumstances, the event will proceed as planned." Alternative expressions include "except for," "aside from," and "excluding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

So far as the federal fiscal system is concerned, this common law remedy has been enforced throughout our history, barring only a brief interruption.

Cornell University

A spokesman said the agency was barring only e-mail messages that go through an outside server like a business or environmental Web site.

The New York Times

Rivera threw a perfect ninth inning for his 44th save, and with that the Yankees ensured themselves a place in the postseason for the 16th time in 17 years, barring only 2008.

The New York Times - Sports

The White House also insists that the sanctions, though barring only limited further commercial engagement with the already heavily-isolated state, were a significant step because they were the first time it has retaliated for cyber-attacks against a company.

The Guardian

John Logsdon, a space policy expert and professor emeritus at George Washington University, said the treaty is generally interpreted as barring only "aggressive" military activity in space and would not prohibit the creation of a Space Force.

The Washington Post

Not only did it fail to address specific interrogation techniques, but it also created more wiggle room for C.I.A. interrogators by barring only "willful and outrageous acts of personal abuse done for the purpose of humiliating or degrading the individual".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

(Currently, they are barred only from buying and transporting firearms).

The New York Times

First Amendment, which bars only official interferences with speech, has this reach.

Harvard University

Free from the review board, she was barred only from releasing classified information.

Princeton University

"We cannot bar only Jews from building in a certain section of the city.

The New York Times

The new law specifically bars only the sale to minors of the restricted comics and videos.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barring only" to clearly state an exception to a general rule or situation. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures precise communication.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "barring only" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "except for" or "aside from" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barring only" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause by introducing an exception or condition. It indicates what must not occur for the main statement to hold true. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's use in indicating exceptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barring only" serves to introduce a singular exception to a general statement, adding precision and clarity to your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. While suitable for formal writing, consider simpler alternatives like "except for" in informal settings. The phrase sees frequent use in news and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for

This alternative is a more direct and common way to indicate an exception.

with the exception of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the exception being made.

with the sole exception of

This alternative emphasizes the singularity of the exception.

excluding solely

This alternative emphasizes the exclusive nature of the exception.

save for

This alternative is a somewhat more literary way to indicate an exception.

apart from solely

This alternative is a synonym that changes the structure of the sentence.

aside from just

This alternative is a variation using different prepositions.

but for only

This alternative is a less common construction.

other than solely

This alternative uses a different prepositional phrase for a similar meaning.

solely excluding

This alternative reverses the order and emphasizes the exclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "barring only" to introduce an exception to a general statement. For example: "The event will proceed as planned, "barring only" unforeseen circumstances."

What is a simpler alternative to "barring only"?

A simpler alternative to "barring only" is "except for". It conveys the same meaning in a more straightforward manner.

Is "barring only" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "barring only" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a degree of precision when specifying exceptions, especially in legal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "barring only" and "excluding"?

"Excluding" directly omits something from consideration, while "barring only" specifies a condition under which something would be excluded. The subtle difference depends on whether you're emphasizing the act of omission or the condition causing it.