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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by only citing the
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by only citing the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limitations of a source or argument that relies solely on citations without additional context or analysis. Example: "The author weakens their argument by only citing the opinions of a few experts without considering opposing viewpoints."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
And the WSJ report isn't exactly a slam dunk by only citing the ever-anonymous "people briefed by the company".
News & Media
And the WSJ report isn't exactly a slam dunk by only citing the ever-anonymous "people briefed by the company". But, more so than ever, the timing does appear to be right for Apple to break its AT&T exclusivity.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
What I find so interesting is that the AP article, which has been picked up by countless news outlets, mentions sex only once, citing the causes of the potential outbreak as including "sexual activity, intravenous drug use, piercings and tattoos".
News & Media
Adamina et al differed from other researchers in their use of Bayesian methodology and their work was only cited by one of the four later reviews.
Science
Cited reference CR10 by Monkhorst and Pack is the only cited reference in Table 3 concerned specifically with the solid state.
Science
Tachycardia was only cited by 29%, leukocytosis or leukopenia by 20%, hypothermia by 14%, and tachypnoea by 9% of physicians.
Science
This compilation is distrusted by most modern Malay authorities because of its manifest inaccuracy in matters of detail, and it is usually only cited by them as a legendary record which, amidst a great mass of chaff, may contain a few grains of solid fact.
Academia
Only 6percentt cite the deficit.
News & Media
Davidson responds by arguing that citing only the physical properties of the cause to provide a sufficient explanation of an action does not address the particular interests that psychological explanations of actions serve providing the reasons of the agent in light of which she performed the action that she did.
Science
The only evidence cited by the White House is an advertising supplement placed in the Des Moines Register by the Chinese government that criticized the administration's trade policies.
News & Media
It should be noted that objective clinical assessment using tender points was cited by only 18% of the physicians, and that nearly all the other criteria were patient-centric.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "by only citing the", ensure you acknowledge the potential limitations this places on your argument or analysis. Transparency about source selection strengthens credibility.
Common error
Avoid drawing broad generalizations when your analysis is "by only citing the" limited range of sources. Qualify your statements to reflect this constraint.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by only citing the" functions as a prepositional modifier, limiting the scope or basis of an argument, claim, or analysis. It highlights that the information or evidence presented is drawn exclusively from the cited sources. Ludwig provides examples of its use in academic, news, and technical contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "by only citing the" is a prepositional modifier used to indicate that an argument or analysis is based solely on the mentioned sources. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound. It carries a neutral to formal tone and serves the communicative purpose of specifying, or perhaps limiting, the foundation of the claim. While not highly frequent, its use is consistent across news media, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential limitations it implies and strive for transparency regarding your source selection.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
by exclusively referencing
Emphasizes the limitation to only the mentioned references, adding formality.
by solely relying on
Highlights the dependence on the cited material as the only basis.
based only on the cited
Focuses on the foundation or justification being restricted to the references.
drawing only from the cited
Implies a selection process, where only these sources were used.
limiting the evidence to
Specifically mentions the constraint on the evidence presented.
restricted to citing the
Similar to limiting, but with a stricter implication of confinement.
through the sole citation of
Highlights the act of citing as the only means of support.
depending exclusively on
Stresses the complete reliance on the mentioned sources.
using only the listed
Emphasizes the act of utilizing the sources but the selection is limited to a list.
by confining to the mentioned
Highlights the limitation and confinement to the specific mentioned items or points.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "by only citing the" in my writing?
Consider alternatives like "by exclusively referencing", "by solely relying on", or "based only on the cited", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
What does it imply when an argument is constructed "by only citing the" certain sources?
It suggests that the argument's scope and validity are limited to the perspectives and information presented in those specific sources. It's crucial to acknowledge potential biases or omissions.
Is it acceptable to build an entire argument "by only citing the" single source?
While possible, it's generally not advisable. Relying excessively on a single source can weaken the argument's robustness. Diverse sources enhance credibility and address potential counterarguments.
What is the difference between "by only citing the" and providing a comprehensive literature review?
"By only citing the" implies a selective approach, potentially omitting relevant sources. A comprehensive literature review aims to present a complete overview of existing research, not just selected parts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested