is only

USAGE SUMMARY

"is only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is the only thing, or the only way, to accomplish something, for example: "The way to success is only through hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is only science.

Independent

There is only "I".

The New York Times - Books

There is only you.

The New Yorker

Unemployment is only 2.6%.

The Economist

Today is only Tuesday.

The New Yorker

"Tiger is only 34.

The New York Times - Sports

Curry is only 27.

The New York Times - Sports

There is only Zen".

The New York Times - Sports

It is only asthma.

The New Yorker

It is only reasonable.

The New York Times - Sports

It is only you".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only", ensure the context clearly defines what the restriction or limitation applies to. For example, instead of saying "Training is only useful", specify "Training is only useful if consistently applied".

Common error

Avoid using "is only" in every sentence to create a monotonous tone. Vary your language by using synonyms like "merely", "just", or "simply" to add nuance and prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only" functions as a qualifier or limiter, restricting the scope or extent of a statement. This serves to specify conditions or boundaries, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is only" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that serves to specify conditions, set boundaries, or emphasize limitations. As highlighted by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business communications. Alternatives like "is merely", "is just", and "is simply" can provide stylistic variety. A key writing tip is to ensure context when using "is only" to avoid ambiguity. Avoiding overuse is crucial for maintaining a balanced and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely

Replaces "only" with "merely", softening the restriction.

is just

Uses "just" instead of "only" to denote a small amount or degree.

is simply

Substitutes "only" with "simply" to emphasize ease or lack of complexity.

is solely

Replaces "only" with "solely" to stress exclusivity.

amounts to only

Adds "amounts to" to explicitly quantify the limitation.

is restricted to

Emphasizes that something is confined or limited to a specific scope.

is limited to

Similar to "is restricted to", but with a slightly broader connotation.

is confined to

Similar to "is limited to" and "is restricted to", with slight different connotations.

is exclusively

Using "exclusively" emphasizes the unique aspect.

is but

Employing "but" as a synonym for "only" in specific contexts adds a touch of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "is only" in a sentence?

The phrase "is only" can be used to indicate a limitation, condition, or exclusivity. For example, "This offer "is only available" for a limited time", or "Success "is only achieved" through hard work".

What are some alternatives to using "is only"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "is only" with phrases like "is merely", "is just", or "is simply" to convey similar meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is only"?

Yes, the phrase "is only" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted construction in English, used to express limitations or conditions. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

What's the difference between "is only" and "is exclusively"?

"Is only" indicates a limitation, while "is exclusively" emphasizes that something is restricted to a single entity or method. For instance, "This offer is only for new customers" means existing customers might have another offer. "This offer "is exclusively for" new customers" means no one else can get it.