is but one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is but one' is an acceptable and common phrase in written English.
It is used to signify that a particular item is only one of many, often implying that there is a greater consequence if all the items are not considered or accounted for. For example: "This is but one example of how to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is but one example.

TechCrunch

This is but one example, of course.

TechCrunch

That is but one memory of many that I cherish.

Huffington Post

That is but one hint of a larger failure.

The Economist

PageRank is but one signal.

The New York Times

There is but one caveat.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is but one such individual".

The New York Times

Dubus is but one of Field's mentors.

The Guardian

There is but one answer: Gary Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

The Falun Gong is but one symptom.

The New York Times

THE census is but one example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is but one" to downplay the significance of a single item within a larger context, suggesting that there are other factors or instances to consider. This is useful when you want to avoid overemphasizing a specific detail.

Common error

Avoid using "is but one" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is just one" or "is only one" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is but one" primarily functions as a qualifier or modifier within a sentence. It serves to emphasize the limited scope or significance of a particular element within a broader context. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a common phrase used to indicate singularity among many.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is but one" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is a single element within a larger context. As noted by Ludwig AI, it subtly downplays the importance of a particular aspect, suggesting that other factors are also relevant. While versatile, it tends to be more appropriate in neutral to formal settings, and should be used judiciously in informal conversation. Alternatives like "is just one" or "is only one" may be more suitable in casual contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, highlighting its role in providing context and perspective on various topics. This is supported by the authoritative source analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely one

Replaces "but" with "merely", emphasizing the smallness or insignificance of the item.

is simply one

Substitutes "but" with "simply", highlighting the straightforward nature of being just one.

is solely one

Replaces "but" with "solely", focusing on the exclusiveness of being only one.

is just one of many

Adds "of many" to explicitly state that there are multiple instances.

represents only one

Uses "represents" instead of "is", indicating a symbolic relationship.

constitutes only one

Employs "constitutes" to suggest that the item forms a part of a larger whole.

is a single instance

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive version.

is one example among others

Expands the phrase to include the context of being an example.

is but a fraction

Uses "a fraction" to emphasize the small portion represented.

is uniquely one

Highlights the uniqueness of being a single entity.

FAQs

How can I use "is but one" in a sentence?

You can use "is but one" to indicate that something is a single instance or example among many others. For instance, "This "is but one" aspect of the problem, and there are other factors to consider."

What are some alternatives to "is but one"?

Alternatives to "is but one" include phrases like "is merely one", "is simply one", or "is just one". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is but one" formal or informal?

"Is but one" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is just one" or "is only one" for a more relaxed tone.

What does "is but one" emphasize?

"Is but one" emphasizes that the item being discussed is a singular element within a larger set or situation. It implies that there are other elements or considerations that are equally or more important. Depending on context you can consider more direct alternatives, such as "constitutes only one".