is no more than

USAGE SUMMARY

'is no more than' is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something as being limited or confined to a certain amount or degree. For example, "We only have a few days left before the deadline; time is no more than a luxury at this point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is no more than buck-passing.

Independent

The rest is no more than ornamentation.

The New York Times

There is no more than this.

The Guardian

Its hesitation is no more than prudence.

The Guardian - Sport

Our Tabernacle is no more than a lean-to.

The New Yorker

Maybe the resemblance is no more than coincidence.

The New Yorker

More often the motion is no more than an oscillation.

The New Yorker

Content is no more than one of these stimulants.

The New Yorker

Often, "upselling" is no more than offering choice.

The New York Times

His political honeymoon is no more than a fond memory.

The Economist

But Proust's book is no more than a cover.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is no more than" to set realistic expectations or to downplay the significance of something in a clear and concise manner. For example, "The increase in sales is no more than 2%, so we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves."

Common error

Avoid using "is no more than" when a more positive or neutral phrasing would be more appropriate. Using it can sometimes come across as dismissive or condescending depending on the context. Consider alternative phrasing that better suits the specific intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is no more than" functions as a limiter or qualifier, indicating that something is restricted to a specific amount, degree, or quality. It often serves to diminish the perceived value or importance of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is no more than" is a versatile limiter used to express that something is confined to a certain extent or degree. Ludwig AI validated that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts. It appears most commonly in news and media, followed by scientific publications, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase itself is neutral, understanding its potential connotations and choosing the right wording will help create impactful content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just

Indicates that something is only a certain amount or type, often downplaying its importance.

is merely

Emphasizes the insignificance or simplicity of something.

is simply

Highlights the basic or uncomplicated nature of something.

amounts to only

Focuses on the resulting quantity or value being small.

is at best

Suggests that something is only good to a limited extent, and may not even be that good.

is confined to

Highlights the restriction or limitation of something within certain boundaries.

is restricted to

Similar to 'is confined to', but with a slightly more formal tone.

does not exceed

Emphasizes a limit or maximum value that cannot be surpassed.

is capped at

Indicates an upper limit or maximum value that cannot be exceeded.

is equivalent to

Focuses on the sameness in value or effect, but often sounds more technical.

FAQs

How can I use "is no more than" in a sentence?

The phrase "is no more than" is used to express that something is limited to a certain amount or degree. For example, "His contribution "is no more than" a drop in the bucket compared to the overall effort".

What's the difference between "is no more than" and "is nothing more than"?

While both phrases convey a sense of limitation, "is nothing more than" often carries a stronger emphasis on the simplicity or lack of complexity of the subject. "Is no more than" is generally more neutral.

What can I say instead of "is no more than"?

You can use alternatives like "is merely", "is simply", or "amounts to only" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "is no more then" instead of "is no more than"?

No, the correct phrase is "is no more than". Using "then" instead of "than" is a grammatical error.