but one criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but one criterion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only a single standard or measure being considered in a particular context. Example: "In evaluating the proposals, we have many factors to consider, but one criterion stands out above the rest: sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And in any case, impact is but one criterion used by the committees.

The Guardian

Success, of course, is in the ear of the beholder, but one criterion is that the work can sit comfortably beside the concert works in the composer's catalog, as Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," Saint-Saens's "Carnival of the Animals," Britten's "Young People's Guide to the Orchestra" and Poulenc's "Histoire de Babar" do.

The New York Times - Arts

The diagnosis of probable was made when all but one criterion were fulfilled.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Probable migraine (PM) is a migrainous headache which fulfills all but one criterion in the migraine diagnostic criteria.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The overall main assessment criteria came from teacher rubrics and well-known essay rubrics but one criterion (i.e., author's voice) was intentionally added for the purpose of the study.

Language Testing in Asia

A "Probable headache disorder" is diagnosed when a patient's headache fulfills all but one criterion of a headache disorder in the 3rd beta edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorder (ICHD-3β).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Judging people on one criterion is not the way to do admissions policy," he said.

The New York Times

On one criterion, organisational transparency, they outperformed the publicly listed firms in the 2014 report.

The Guardian

The government poses one criterion on information control, that is, whether it undermines its rule.

The Guardian

True, the enterprise lost $50 million, but profitability is only one criterion for advancement at Condé Nast.

The New York Times

"They think anything soft is prime beef, but that's just one criterion.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one criterion" to clearly signal that a single, specific factor is being emphasized among potentially many others. This adds focus to your argument or assessment.

Common error

While emphasizing "but one criterion" can be effective, ensure you acknowledge or address other factors briefly to avoid the impression of ignoring relevant complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one criterion" functions as a conjunction phrase used to emphasize a specific, singular factor or standard among others. It highlights a particular aspect that takes precedence or importance within a broader context. Ludwig examples show its usage in various professional scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but one criterion" serves to emphasize a single, specific factor among potentially many others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various professional contexts, including science, news, and business. While not exceedingly common, its usage is clear and effective when the intention is to prioritize a particular aspect. When using this phrase, ensure that you acknowledge any other potentially relevant considerations to avoid appearing dismissive of broader complexities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one standard

Replaces "criterion" with the more general term "standard".

just one measure

Uses "measure" instead of "criterion" and "just" for emphasis.

a single requirement

Substitutes "criterion" with "requirement" emphasizing necessity.

one and only yardstick

Emphasizes exclusivity using "one and only" and replaces "criterion" with "yardstick".

the sole determinant

Conveys that something is the only deciding factor.

the only consideration

Highlights that something is the single aspect being considered.

paramount standard

Indicates that standard takes precedence over all else.

chief yardstick

Indicates that yardstick is the most important.

primary measure

Replaces criterion with measure, indicating that this is the most important factor to consider.

principal requirement

Replaces criterion with requirement, indicating the importance of the requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "but one criterion" in a sentence?

You can use "but one criterion" to emphasize a singular standard amidst other factors. For example, "In evaluating the project proposals, there are many factors to consider, "but one criterion" stands out above the rest: sustainability."

What phrases are similar to "but one criterion"?

Alternatives include "only one standard", "just one measure", or "a single requirement", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but one criterion"?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically sound and can be used to highlight a single aspect or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

When should I use "but one criterion" instead of "the only criterion"?

"But one criterion" is best used when you are acknowledging that there might be other criteria, but you want to emphasize a particular one. "The only criterion" is used when there truly is only one factor being considered.