if only remotely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if only remotely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a minimal or slight connection or involvement in a situation or topic. Example: "I feel connected to the project, if only remotely, as I have contributed to its initial stages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In sharp contrast to the secrecy of the Bush administration, it would let the public, if only remotely, share in the construction of the Democratic platform.

The New York Times

Many of the songs are mournful and confessional, with the effect that they melodically and rhythmically impel us through a succession of historical and psychologically-revelatory anecdotes, with the most compelling being songs reminiscent, if only remotely, of sacred places of the heart and body.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is no topic that is "off-limits" for us to address in class, if even only remotely related to the course topic.

Huffington Post

Even if you care only remotely about the fate of our planet, you are now caught in a logic trap so strong that you may as well give up any last excuses and become a climate campaigner.

The Guardian

But Suh's words are only remotely sensible if Stafford backs up his words.

The New York Times

They seem only remotely connected, if at all, to sixth and seventh grade, where scores rose the most.

The New York Times

If at all, they are only remotely relevant, as they publish data as a side effect of their general purpose and are not set on commoditizing data or even finding an appropriate business model.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Whereas HpLV and HpMV share distant antigenic similarities with each other and with many other carlaviruses, AHLV is only remotely serologically related to other carlaviruses, if at all [ 3].

Archives of Virology

That is only remotely possible.

The New York Times - Sports

R.C. -- That's the only remotely persuasive argument.

The New York Times - Style

The only remotely plausible unanimous decision is dismissal on standing grounds in the Proposition 8 case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if only remotely", consider the context and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of connection you wish to convey. Avoid using it when a stronger or more direct connection exists.

Common error

Avoid using "if only remotely" when there's a stronger, more direct link. Overusing the phrase can weaken your argument or make your writing sound vague and evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if only remotely" functions as a conjunction phrase, softening a statement by indicating a minimal or distant connection. It introduces a degree of uncertainty or qualification, acknowledging a relationship that may be weak or indirect, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if only remotely" serves as a conjunction phrase to indicate a slight or distant connection. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While similar phrases like "even if slightly" or "to a slight extent" exist, "if only remotely" provides a unique nuance to qualify the strength of a relationship without overstating it. Use it to add precision and nuance to your writing, ensuring the context accurately reflects the intended degree of connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if slightly

Indicates a small degree of connection or influence.

if at all

Highlights the possibility of no connection whatsoever.

to a slight extent

Emphasizes the limited nature of the connection.

even indirectly

Focuses on the indirect nature of the relationship.

though distantly

Highlights the remoteness or distance of the connection.

in a roundabout way

Focuses on the indirect and complicated nature of the relationship.

if perchance

Indicates a possibility that something will occur.

assuming there's any connection

Questions the existence of any connection.

even if tenuously

Highlights the weak or fragile nature of the connection.

by any stretch of the imagination

Indicates something is barely or questionably true.

FAQs

How can I use "if only remotely" in a sentence?

Use "if only remotely" to indicate a slight connection or involvement, as in "I feel connected to the project, "if only remotely", because I helped with the initial planning".

What phrases are similar to "if only remotely"?

Alternatives include "even if slightly", "to a slight extent", or "even indirectly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "if remotely" instead of "if only remotely"?

While "if remotely" might be understood, "if only remotely" is more idiomatic and conveys a clearer sense of minimal connection or possibility.

What's the difference between "if only remotely" and "if at all"?

"If only remotely" suggests a small degree of connection, while "if at all" implies that there might be no connection whatsoever.