is but one example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is but one example" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something being discussed is only one of many potential examples or possibilities. For example, "The fact that he was late to work once is but one example of how he cannot be trusted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That is but one example in which CBS seems to be trying to have it both ways.

The New York Times - Arts

This is but one example of something that truly will hurt us being eclipsed by something that will not.

The Guardian

This is but one example.

TechCrunch

This is but one example of a war immediate post war post-conflict transition.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

This is but one example of the very different perceptions of the landscape between the herders and modern society.

Pastoralism

This is but one example of a legal case with significant implications for the entire technology community.

TechCrunch

This is but one example of the regression in the state of the country's infrastructure generally.

Huffington Post

This is but one example of the types of choices we will need to make.

Huffington Post

This is but one example of the Prophet's teaching towards animals.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

That is but one example, one instance of a margin moved.

The New York Times - Sports

Live streaming is but one example.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is but one example", ensure that the context clearly indicates the existence of other similar examples. This helps to avoid the impression that the example is unique or isolated when it is not.

Common error

Avoid using "is but one example" when the example is, in fact, the most significant or only known instance. Doing so can undermine the impact of your statement and mislead the reader about the true importance of the example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is but one example" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to introduce a specific instance that is representative of a larger set of similar instances or a broader trend. As noted by Ludwig, this indicates that the presented case is not unique but rather part of a larger pattern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is but one example" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce a specific instance as representative of a broader trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to clarify and contextualize a point, indicating that the example is not unique. Usage is most frequent in news and media, followed by scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly suggests the existence of other similar examples to avoid misleading the reader. Alternatives such as "is just one instance" or "is merely one illustration" can provide subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just one instance

Replaces "example" with "instance" and "but" with "just", maintaining the core meaning with slightly less formal language.

is merely one illustration

Substitutes "example" with "illustration" and "but" with "merely", offering a more descriptive and slightly more formal tone.

is solely one case

Replaces "example" with "case" and "but" with "solely", emphasizing the singularity of the instance.

is simply one demonstration

Replaces "example" with "demonstration" and "but" with "simply", suggesting a clear and straightforward instance.

represents a single occurrence

Uses a verb-based structure to convey the same idea, highlighting the act of representing a single event.

is an isolated example

Highlights the uniqueness of the example.

constitutes a unique instance

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the idea of a single, distinct occurrence.

exemplifies a singular case

Emphasizes the representative nature of the example using more sophisticated vocabulary.

is one such case

Implies that the example belongs to a set of other instances.

serves as one illustration

Shifts the focus to the function of the example as an illustration, using a verb-based structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "is but one example" to introduce a specific instance that represents a broader trend or category. For example, "The recent increase in online scams /s/is+but+one+example of the growing need for cybersecurity awareness."

What are some alternatives to "is but one example"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is just one instance", "is merely one illustration", or "represents a single occurrence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is but one example" in formal writing?

Yes, "is but one example" is suitable for formal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "constitutes a unique instance" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "is but one example" and "is the only example"?

"Is but one example" implies that there are other similar examples, while "is the only example" states that there are no other instances. Using the correct phrase is crucial for accurately conveying the intended meaning.