but one facet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but one facet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is only one aspect or part of a larger whole being discussed. Example: "This issue is complex, but one facet that stands out is the economic impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"This is but one facet of our investigation.

The New York Times

Nick Drake's career may come cloaked in myth and mystery, but one facet often overlooked by musical historians and cultural scholars are those shoes.

The Guardian - Music

The integration of whites and Negroes in public schools is but one facet of an inter national Communist conspiracy, Mr. Swan told the audience.

The New York Times

But one facet will need no updating: an Art Deco lobby mural showing the world's continents as allegorical female figures linked by bundles of golden rays that pass through the hands of North America.

The New York Times

And his clashes with Mr. Rumsfeld were but one facet of a more complex and symbiotic relationship with the Bush administration and the military's uniformed leaders, records and interviews show.

The New York Times

But one facet of zebras universally fascinates: their stripes.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Yes, this is a part of our identity, but simply one facet of a multi-faceted city.

Huffington Post

Scientists have started to explore how the brain accomplishes such a feat, but have largely focused on one facet of decision making, which is choosing among discrete actions, or 'action selection'.

Harvard University

Cody and Brayden's lesson: Don't judge anyone based on one facet of their lives.

Huffington Post

Improving trial participation is of course but just one facet in the process of conducting a good clinical trial and there are other aspects which are just as important.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

My own research on masculinity focuses on just one facet of the evangelical worldview but a foundational one.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one facet" when you want to downplay the significance of a particular detail or aspect within a larger context. It's useful for setting expectations and preventing overemphasis on a single element.

Common error

Avoid using "but one facet" when the element you're discussing is actually crucial or has a significant impact on the overall subject. Doing so can undermine your message and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one facet" functions as a qualifier or limiter, indicating that the subject being discussed is only a single part of something larger or more complex. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and useful for providing context without overemphasizing a particular element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but one facet" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is just a single aspect of a larger issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in writing. The phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, serving to provide perspective and prevent overemphasis on a single detail. Alternatives include "only one aspect" or "just a single element". When using "but one facet", be sure to balance its understated tone with the actual significance of the element being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one aspect

Replaces "facet" with "aspect", focusing on a particular part.

just a single element

Emphasizes the singularity of the component being discussed.

merely one component

Highlights the limited contribution of the item to the whole.

solely one side

Focuses on one particular perspective or viewpoint.

simply one part

Underscores the uncomplicated nature of the fragment.

just one piece of the puzzle

Introduces the idea of a broader, more complex situation.

a fragment of the bigger picture

Stresses the incompleteness of the current view.

one dimension only

Suggests a limitation to a single plane or measure.

one item in a series

Places the object within a sequential grouping.

a detail among many

Minimizes the significance of the item being referenced.

FAQs

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

You can use "but one facet" to introduce a specific aspect of a larger issue. For example, "The company's financial struggles are complex, but "but one facet" is declining sales."

What are some alternatives to "but one facet"?

Alternatives include "only one aspect", "just a single element", or "merely one component", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "but one facet" or "only one facet"?

Both "but one facet" and "only one facet" are grammatically correct, but "but one facet" can add a slightly more nuanced or understated tone. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

In what contexts is "but one facet" most appropriate?

"But one facet" is suitable in contexts where you want to acknowledge a detail without giving it undue prominence. It's often used in analytical or explanatory writing to maintain a balanced perspective.