include nothing but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "include nothing but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that only certain items or elements are to be included, excluding everything else. Example: "The report should include nothing but the relevant data and findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Broido said that the company was also intent on making its disks as inexpensive as possible, which is why they include nothing but black-and-white sheet music.

The New York Times - Tech

They lock down kids' devices to include nothing but pre-approved games.

TechCrunch

Many Facebook users might create a more casual persona for themselves on that site than they would on LinkedIn, where they would include nothing but professional information.

Forbes

He then details the boys' daily routine, which seems to include nothing but chores, prayer, academics, and lots of physical fitness.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But now at 61, with neither a law degree nor a Ph.D. and a resume that includes nothing but government service, Mr. Fuerth will soon be out of a job.

The New York Times

Ah, but Fulham's chances have already been dismissed more often than Javier Mascherano this season, and Roy Hodgson is so wise that I'm pretty sure his kitbag includes nothing but gold, frankincense and myrrh, so who's to say the Cottagers won't come out on top again?

The Guardian - Sport

"Perhaps this data is not being made public because it includes nothing but political slogans," Zakharova said.

Vice

Many Canterbury Cathedral organists composed services, anthems, hymns, etc. Stray Ghost (1987-), British Neo-Classical Composer Anthony Saggers; lived in the city for a period of years, finishing numerous albums including 'Nothing, but Death'.

Wikipedia

That could be an awkward situation, if your speech just builds and includes nothing but jokes.

WikiHow

(His recent hits include "Nothing On but the Radio," an elegant, old-fashioned make-out song, and "Best I Ever Had," an impossibly sad cover of a song by the modern-rock band Vertical Horizon).

The New York Times - Arts

His technology holdings include nothing more adventurous than I.B.M.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "include nothing but", ensure that the items you are including are clearly defined and that there is no ambiguity about what is excluded.

Common error

Avoid using "include nothing but" when a more inclusive statement is appropriate. Overly restrictive statements can sometimes exclude relevant information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "include nothing but" functions as a restrictive modifier, limiting the scope of what is being included. Ludwig AI examples show it clearly defining boundaries and specifying exclusivity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "include nothing but" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express exclusivity and limitation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While not overly frequent, understanding its function and purpose can help writers specify precise boundaries in their statements. Consider alternatives like "consist solely of" for stylistic variation, and always ensure the intended restrictions are clearly and appropriately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consist solely of

Emphasizes that the composition is limited to only those elements.

contain only

Highlights the restriction of content to specified items.

exclusively include

Stresses that the inclusion is limited and without exception.

be limited to

Focuses on the boundary or confines of what is included.

solely comprise

Indicates that something is made up of only the specified elements.

be restricted to

Highlights the limited nature of the contents or components.

be composed exclusively of

Emphasizes the specific components and their exclusivity.

have only

Simplifies the restriction to the specified items.

strictly contain

Highlights a rigorous limitation on the contents.

exclusively consist of

Emphasizes that there are no other elements or components present.

FAQs

How can I use "include nothing but" in a sentence?

Use "include nothing but" to specify that only certain items or elements are to be included, excluding everything else. For example, "The report should include nothing but the relevant data and findings."

What's a more formal alternative to "include nothing but"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "consist solely of" or "be limited to".

Is it correct to say "includes only" instead of "include nothing but"?

Yes, "includes only" is a valid and often more concise alternative to "include nothing but". Both phrases convey the same meaning of specifying exclusive content.

What is the difference between "include nothing but" and "include, but nothing more"?

"Include nothing but" is more direct and commonly used. "Include, but nothing more" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic; it may sound somewhat awkward in typical conversation or writing.