is limited to only

USAGE SUMMARY

This part of a sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain that something is restricted to only a few options. For example, "Attendance at the event is limited to only 200 people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paramount's agreement to use only HD DVD is limited to only 18 months.

The New York Times - Tech

Right now Google wave is limited to only around 600,000 people.

The Guardian - Tech

This would be an ambitious undertaking for a ten-room show; this one is limited to only two.

The New Yorker

The order is limited to only 24 members, although the British monarch can appoint foreigners as "honorary members".

Encyclopedia Britannica

CAGNE points out payment is limited to only the closest homes and cannot be passed on when the house is sold.

The Guardian

Most Mesoamerican languages lack plural marking (such as the -s in English) for nouns, or it is limited to only human referents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other words, the "unlimited" program is limited to only a relatively small portion of the type of debt Madrid has issued.

The New York Times

This however is limited to only homogenous media.

Energy and Buildings

In addition, CGA data is limited to only one walking speed as per the published data.

Gait & Posture

One difference is that the TuneCast is limited to only four frequencies.

Forbes

In either case, the loss is limited to only a few points.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider replacing "is limited to only" with more concise alternatives like "is limited to" or "is restricted to" to improve clarity and reduce redundancy. For example, instead of writing 'access is limited to only authorized personnel', write 'access is limited to authorized personnel'.

Common error

Avoid using "is limited to only" excessively in formal or academic writing. This phrase can sometimes sound redundant. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives such as "is limited to" or "is restricted to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is limited to only" functions as a restrictive modifier, specifying the scope or extent of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability. It defines the boundaries within which something operates or applies, effectively narrowing down the possibilities or options. Examples in Ludwig show its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is limited to only" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express restrictions or limitations. However, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, it can often be seen as redundant due to the inherent exclusivity already implied by "limited to". Usage analysis reveals its common presence in scientific, news, and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, opting for concise alternatives like "is limited to" or "is restricted to" can refine your writing, particularly in formal settings. Remember to consider clarity and brevity when choosing your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is constrained to only

Focuses on restriction using "constrained" instead of "limited".

is restricted to only

Employs "restricted" as a synonym for "limited".

is confined solely to

Uses "confined" and emphasizes exclusivity with "solely".

exclusively applies to

Highlights the exclusive application of something.

solely pertains to

Indicates that something relates only to a specific subject.

applies exclusively to

Similar to 'exclusively applies to' but with a different word order.

is uniquely applicable to

Highlights the unique applicability to something.

is solely for

A shorter, more direct way to express limitation.

exclusively for

A shorter, more direct way to express exclusivity.

is just for

An informal way to say that something is restricted to only one thing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is limited to only" to sound more concise?

To be more concise, you can replace "is limited to only" with alternatives like "is limited to" or "is restricted to". These options remove the redundancy while keeping the original meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is limited to only"?

The phrase "is limited to only" is acceptable in various contexts, but it's especially useful when you want to emphasize a specific restriction or constraint. However, consider more concise alternatives for formal writing.

What's the difference between "is limited to only" and "is limited to"?

While both phrases convey a restriction, "is limited to only" is slightly redundant as "limited to" already implies exclusivity. The phrase "is limited to" is generally preferred for its conciseness and clarity.

Are there situations where using "is limited to only" is grammatically incorrect?

No, "is limited to only" isn't grammatically incorrect. However, using it excessively can make your writing sound less refined. Aim for brevity and clarity by using the simpler alternative "is limited to" in most cases.