but one requirement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but one requirement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only a single condition or stipulation that must be met in a given context. Example: "The project is nearly complete, but one requirement remains: we need to finalize the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet, social scientists have long identified distinguishing characteristics of a diaspora, and human movement or migration is but one requirement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Running requires very little equipment, but the one requirement it does have--good, supportive shoes--is crucial.

WikiHow

This work focuses on one requirement: modularity.

BMC Systems Biology

But there is one requirement: Companies looking to raise deals through the FlashFunders platform are required to set up a FlashFund to publicly solicit a portion of their deal.

TechCrunch

But she had one requirement.

The New York Times

But to write fiction, one requirement is that you're willing to put yourself in the imaginative space of that fictional world.

Vice

Clinton agreed with the refugee intake quota of 65,000, but said the "number one requirement" was to set up a proper screening and vetting system — a topic that has once against flared up as French officials work to determine the nationality of the IS attackers in France.

Vice

One requirement of this type requires the provision of translation resources that meet real needs.

Globalization and Health

For time's sake writer decided to inspect autos on display for only one requirement: non-glaring windshield wipers.

The New Yorker

Just one requirement: Volume must be on full blast.

Huffington Post

The T-SCE effect on colony growth has only one requirement - the possibility of exchanging unequal quantities of DNA.

Aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one requirement" to clearly indicate that only a single condition needs to be met. This can simplify instructions or emphasize a key element.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary clauses or phrases around "but one requirement". Keep the sentence concise and focused on the specific condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one requirement" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a single, necessary condition. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but one requirement" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a single, necessary condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is acceptable for use and functions as a conjunction introducing this condition. While the phrase is relatively neutral in tone, context dictates its specific level of formality; it appears most frequently in news, science and business contexts. To ensure clarity, maintain a concise sentence structure when using "but one requirement". Consider alternatives such as "only one condition" or "just a single necessity" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one condition

Emphasizes the singularity of the condition.

just a single necessity

Highlights the need as being the sole essential element.

merely one prerequisite

Focuses on the preliminary nature of the requirement.

solely one demand

Stresses the exclusivity of the stipulation.

simply one obligation

Underlines the straightforward nature of the duty.

one and only stipulation

Highlights the unique and binding nature of the requirement.

a singular necessity

Emphasizes the distinct and essential nature of the requirement.

the only need

Directly states that this is the exclusive requirement.

one solitary condition

Highlights that the requirement is on its own and isolated.

just one thing needed

Informal way to express a specific need.

FAQs

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

You can use "but one requirement" to introduce a single condition or necessity, as in "The project is nearly complete, "but one requirement" remains: we need to finalize the budget."

What phrases are similar to "but one requirement"?

Alternatives include "only one condition", "just a single necessity", or "merely one prerequisite", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but"?

While traditionally discouraged, starting a sentence with "but" is now widely accepted in modern writing, especially for emphasis or to create a conversational tone. In the context of ""but one requirement"", it's perfectly acceptable.

How formal is the phrase "but one requirement"?

The phrase ""but one requirement"" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "only one prerequisite" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.