but solely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but solely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is limited to one specific aspect or condition. Example: "The project will focus on environmental sustainability, but solely within the context of renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Responsibility for eliminating those concerns lies not in Washington, Brussels or Moscow, but solely in Kiev.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added that Sotheby's would continue to auction antiquities, but solely through New York.

The New Yorker

Moreover, inverse trends of porosity are not necessarily related to excess pore water pressure, but solely to a gradual increase of diatoms with depth.

Marine Geology

We are not here concerned with the wisdom, but solely with the constitutional validity, of the application of this statute to appellant.

Cornell University

It has been his absorbing passion, not as an end, but solely as a means to the expression of his ideas and ideas for human welfare.

The New York Times

If this be so, it is not by reason of anything found in the act, but solely because the colored race chooses to put that construction upon it.

The New Yorker

In an act meant not as aggression but solely to acknowledge our segregation and rouse solidarity, we have begun referring to them as The Others.

The New Yorker

Eurotunnel hit back saying the decision "was not based on any concrete facts, but solely upon a random association of virtual hypothesis".

The Guardian - Business

We did so not because we desired such a course, but solely because the government had left us with no other choice.

The Guardian

And not in their original sense of the rule of people and personal dignity, but solely and exclusively in the interpretation of the U.S. leadership".

The New York Times - Magazine

People assume positions of power, he asserts, not by some intrinsic individual strength but solely by the populace who puts them there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but solely" to create a clear and strong emphasis on a single factor, condition, or reason. This helps to avoid ambiguity and makes your argument more precise.

Common error

While "but solely" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using "but only" or "just" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but solely" functions as a conjunction, linking two contrasting elements while emphasizing the exclusive nature of the second element. It serves to limit the scope or reason to a single, specific factor, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but solely" is a grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to emphasize that something is limited to one specific aspect or condition. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalent use across various domains, especially in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it leans towards a more formal tone, making it essential to consider the context when choosing this phrase. Alternatives such as "but only" or "just" may be more appropriate for informal settings. Employ "but solely" judiciously to enhance precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but only

A more common and less formal alternative to "but solely". It conveys the same meaning of limitation.

but exclusively

Emphasizes that something is limited to one particular thing, excluding all others. It is very similar in meaning but a bit more formal.

but entirely

Similar to 'but completely', emphasizing the whole or total nature of the limitation.

but purely

Stresses the absence of any other element or consideration apart from the one specified. Implies a simplicity or lack of complication.

but specifically

Indicates a precise focus on one particular aspect or detail. Emphasizes the targeted nature of the restriction.

but completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the restriction to a single element. Implies that nothing else is involved.

but uniquely

Highlights the distinctiveness of the single factor or element being considered. Focuses on the special nature of that element.

but strictly

Highlights the rigid adherence to a single condition or factor. Suggests a firm and uncompromising limitation.

but simply

Emphasizes the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of the single factor. Less formal than "but solely".

just

A concise way of indicating that something is limited or restricted, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "but solely" in a sentence?

The phrase "but solely" is used to emphasize that something is limited to a single aspect or condition. For example: "The decision was based not on personal preference, "but solely" on the data available."

What are some alternatives to "but solely"?

Alternatives to "but solely" include "but only", "but exclusively", "but purely", or simply "just", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is there a difference in meaning between "but solely" and "but only"?

While both phrases convey a sense of limitation, "but solely" is more emphatic and formal than "but only". "But solely" is best used when you want to strongly emphasize that something is restricted to one particular aspect.

Can "but solely" be used in all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "but solely" may sound too formal for casual conversation or informal writing. In those contexts, alternatives like "but only" or "just" might be more appropriate.