but only partially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only partially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable to a limited extent, rather than completely. Example: "The project was successful, but only partially, as we did not meet all of our initial goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But only partially.

The Guardian

Yes, but only partially.

The New Yorker

He has back-pedalled, but only partially.

The Economist

It's likely their view will be blocked, but only partially.

The New York Times

Burnham tried to persuade the shadow cabinet to adopt his position, but only partially succeeded.

The Guardian

Robeson's extraordinary performance complicates, but only partially redeems, the film's pageant of racial caricatures.

The New Yorker

In Britain, class and money overlap, but only partially, like circles in a Venn diagram.

The Economist

The estate agent describes the property as a spacious, three-storey residence, separated by a courtyard from a larger but only partially restored building and a smaller outhouse.

The Guardian - Music

The U.S. followed shortly but only partially.

TechCrunch

The earth's magnetosphere is open but only partially open.

Advances in Space Research

We can figure out the sums some, but only partially.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but only partially", ensure the contrast introduced by "but" is clear and relevant to the context. This phrase works best when highlighting a specific limitation or exception to a broader statement.

Common error

Avoid using "but only partially" when the limitation is negligible or insignificant. If the effect is minimal, consider using phrases like "but only slightly" or omitting the qualifier altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only partially" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the degree or extent to which an action or state is true. It serves to qualify a previous statement, introducing a limitation or exception. Ludwig examples confirm its role in specifying the degree of completion or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but only partially" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to qualify a statement, indicating a limitation or exception. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid in written English. It is commonly used in scientific and news contexts to introduce nuance and precision. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast introduced by "but" is clear and that the limitation is significant enough to warrant qualification. Consider alternative phrases like "but not entirely" or "to a limited extent" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not entirely

Changes the emphasis slightly to focus on the incompleteness of the action or state.

but to a limited extent

Replaces "partially" with a more formal phrase indicating restricted scope.

but not completely

Emphasizes the lack of full completion or achievement.

but only in part

Uses a more concise and direct expression to convey partial effect.

but just partially

Adds emphasis using "just" to highlight the limited nature.

but only somewhat

Replaces "partially" with "somewhat", indicating a moderate degree.

but only slightly

Indicates a minimal degree or effect.

but not wholly

A more formal synonym for 'not entirely'.

but merely partially

Adds emphasis with "merely" to downplay the extent.

but only fractionally

Indicates a very small degree or proportion.

FAQs

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

Use "but only partially" to show a limited agreement or a result that isn't fully achieved. For example: "The plan succeeded, "but only partially", due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "but only partially"?

You can use alternatives like "but not entirely", "but to a limited extent", or "but not completely" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "but only partially"?

While "partially" already implies incompletion, using "but only partially" can emphasize the contrast and limitation more strongly. It's not strictly redundant if it adds clarity or emphasis.

What's the difference between "but only partially" and "but not fully"?

"But only partially" suggests that something is present or effective to some degree, while "but not fully" emphasizes the absence of complete fulfillment. They are similar but can highlight different aspects of the limitation.