but only more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only more" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a context where you want to emphasize an increase or greater degree of something, but it requires additional clarification. Example: "I thought the movie was good, but only more so than the last one."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But only more recently have pharmaceutical companies decided to do the combination themselves as a way to increase their profit.

The New York Times

Carnap stressed that usually such tests cannot provide strict proof or disproof but only more or less strong "confirmation" for an empirical statement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That may let them deliver ads that are ever more "relevant"—a term used frequently in e-commerce but only more recently in politics.

MIT Technology Review

Perhaps more bridges can bail us out of a depression, but only more Bills and Steves can bail us into prosperity.

The New York Times

More than twenty years after the change of system, democracy, it seems, has not brought more understanding between Budapest and Bucharest, but only more opportunities for populist gestures and unedifying squabbles.

The Economist

In Afghanistan, for example, we have already increased our troop presence by 40,000 troops since the beginning of last year, yet the result has not been the promised stability but only more casualties and a strengthened insurgency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But if only more pop music did.

The Guardian

But his writing became only more lucid and more direct.

The New Yorker

But the loss made Lincoln only more determined.

The New York Times

This is not only more efficient but also much cheaper".

The Guardian

He recommends that Americans spend more on food: not only more money but also more time.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but only more", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing or being emphasized. Consider whether a more specific phrase could enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid relying on "but only more" as a generic intensifier. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less precise. Choose stronger, more descriptive alternatives that directly address the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only more" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to qualify a previous statement by indicating an increase in degree, quantity, or intensity. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but only more" is a conjunctive phrase used to indicate an increase in degree or intensity, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig provides numerous examples across news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating its common usage. While grammatically acceptable, it's crucial to use it judiciously and consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives for enhanced clarity and impact. As Ludwig AI highlights, phrases like "but even more" or "but especially" may offer more precise expression depending on the context. Overusing "but only more" can lead to vagueness, so strive for specificity in your writing. Always ensure the context makes clear what is increasing or being emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but also more

Indicates the presence of another element in addition to the increased degree.

but even more

Emphasizes a greater degree or extent, adding a stronger intensification than "but only more".

but increasingly

Focuses on a progressive increase over time, highlighting a trend rather than a static state.

but especially

Highlights a particular aspect or instance, emphasizing its significance compared to others.

but particularly

Similar to "but especially", it singles out a specific element for emphasis.

but rather

Introduces an alternative, often implying a correction or refinement of a previous statement.

but to a greater extent

Formally indicates a higher degree or measure, providing a more precise quantification.

but with added emphasis

Explicitly states that more importance or stress is being placed on something.

but with greater intensity

Focuses on the strength or force of something, emphasizing its heightened impact.

but on a larger scale

Shifts the focus to the size or scope of something, highlighting its expanded dimensions.

FAQs

How can I use "but only more" in a sentence?

Use "but only more" to indicate an increase in degree or intensity compared to a previous state or action. For example: "The situation didn't improve, but only more problems arose."

What are some alternatives to "but only more"?

Alternatives include "but even more", "but increasingly", or "but especially", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but only more" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but only more" is grammatically acceptable, although it might not always be the most elegant or precise phrasing. Consider whether a more specific alternative would improve clarity and impact.

What's the difference between "but also more" and "but only more"?

"But also more" indicates an addition of something, alongside an increase in degree or intensity, whereas "but only more" focuses exclusively on the increased degree or intensity. For example: "It's not only bigger, but also more expensive" (addition) vs "It's not improving, but only more difficult" (intensification).