but one term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but one term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only a single term or option being referred to, often in contrast to others. Example: "In this discussion, we will focus on but one term that encapsulates the essence of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I won't give it away, but one term stands for "gay" or "homosexual," another for "anal sex" and so on.

The New York Times

Mr. Moakley has served but one term.

The New York Times

But one term she never defines is "evolution," which strikes me as an unfortunate omission.

The New York Times - Books

Davies is clear and creative about explaining concepts like the cell ("the tiny, delicate building blocks from which all bodies are made") and the "countercurrent mechanism" for keeping emperor penguins from losing body heat "through the tootsies". But one term she never defines is "evolution," which strikes me as an unfortunate omission.

The New York Times - Books

In spite of that, in the summation, we have neglected all but one term in order to keep the computational complexity at bay.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The material is written for students who have had but one term of calculus, but it contains material that can be used in modeling courses in applied mathematics at all levels through early graduate courses.

Springer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I was initially granted one but after one term of study it was revoked and I was forced to drop out of university.

The Guardian - Opinion

Students wishing to take intensive beginning Spanish may, with the instructor's permission, enroll in SPAN 125, which covers the same material as SPAN 110 and 120, but in one term.

Yale University

A total of 11 terms were enriched (all negatively correlated with individual measures of pollutants), but only one term was statistically significant (p = 0.015; Table  7), corresponding to NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 2 and 5 genes.

BMC Genomics

But at least one term sheet has been received by the company, says one source.

TechCrunch

Two years later, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, but only served one term.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one term" to clearly signal a focus on a single element within a broader context, helping to streamline communication and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but one term" in contexts where "only one term" or "just one term" is more natural and less formal. This phrase can sound overly sophisticated in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one term" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It emphasizes the singularity and exclusiveness of the term being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and emphasizes a selective focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but one term" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a singular element within a broader context. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and it is found in various sources, including news, science, and academia. While simpler alternatives exist, this phrase adds a touch of formality and emphasis. It is advisable to avoid overuse in casual settings where phrases like "only one term" might be more appropriate. Overall, "but one term" is a useful tool for precise and focused communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one term

Emphasizes the exclusivity of a single term.

just one term

Indicates a focus on a single term, minimizing alternatives.

a single term

Highlights the singularity of the term being referenced.

solely one term

Underscores that only one term is applicable or relevant.

merely one term

Implies that despite other possibilities, only one term is important.

simply one term

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of focusing on one term.

precisely one term

Indicates accuracy or exactness in referring to one specific term.

particularly one term

Suggests singling out one term from a larger set.

specifically one term

Directs focus to a single term among several choices.

uniquely one term

Emphasizes that only one distinct term applies.

FAQs

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

You can use "but one term" to emphasize a single aspect or item within a broader category, such as, "In this analysis, we will consider but one term: 'sustainability'."

What is a simpler alternative to "but one term"?

Alternatives include "only one term", "just one term", or "a single term", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "but one term" and "only one term"?

While similar, "but one term" often carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone than "only one term", suggesting a deliberate selection from multiple possibilities.

When should I avoid using "but one term"?

Avoid using "but one term" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "just one term" are more appropriate.