is only good for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is only good for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has a limited or specific purpose or value. Example: "This tool is only good for cutting through soft materials, not for harder surfaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Old music is only good for ripping off".

The Guardian

Dried lemon grass is only good for tea and aromatherapy.

The New York Times - Food

"Our nose is only good for holding glasses," Ms Luik explains.

Independent

"Creating hype two weeks before Roland Garros is only good for Roland Garros".

The New York Times - Sports

("Hope is only good for prisoners and bums playing the lotto").

The New York Times

Being married is only good for you if it's a good marriage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(The hat attention-seeking trick is only good for women, it seems).

The Guardian

Another sad example of the Chinese promoting what is only good for their pockets.Michael and Robin Bruchas Seattle.

The Economist

Such immunity is only good for the particular proffer session and ends as soon as the two sides are finished.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's only good for Donald Trump".

The New York Times

"They are only good for the Falklands," he sneered.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only good for", be specific about the limitation or context. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "is only good for" without specifying what the subject is not good for. Without context, it can sound dismissive or incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only good for" functions as a restrictive predicate adjective, limiting the scope of something's utility or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is only good for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the limited utility or specific purpose of something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its correct usage spans across multiple domains, including news, media, science, and informal contexts like wikis. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify the context to avoid ambiguity. Remember that while it's widely accepted, the specific implications can range from highlighting unique benefits to pointing out restrictions. Thus, choose your words wisely to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely suitable for

Indicates a basic level of appropriateness, implying fewer benefits than the original phrase.

is just effective for

Highlights the effectiveness in a specific context, rather than overall goodness.

is exclusively designed for

Emphasizes a design tailored for a specific purpose, indicating a deliberate focus.

is solely intended for

Focuses on the intention behind something being used for a specific purpose.

is specifically meant for

Highlights the specific purpose for which something is intended.

is uniquely beneficial for

Emphasizes the unique advantage in a particular situation or context.

is particularly useful for

Stresses the usefulness in a specific context.

is strictly limited to

Focuses on the limitations and boundaries of its applicability.

is essentially for

Highlights the core purpose or function.

serves only to

Indicates that the sole purpose is to achieve a specific result.

FAQs

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

You can use "is only good for" to indicate that something is suitable or effective for a limited purpose. For example, "This app "is only good for" simple photo editing".

What can I say instead of "is only good for"?

Alternatives include "is merely suitable for", "is just effective for", or "is specifically meant for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is only good for" or "is best for"?

"Is only good for" indicates a limitation, while "is best for" implies a superior choice in a particular scenario. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize restriction or suitability.

What's the difference between "is only good for" and "is adequate for"?

"Is only good for" suggests a limited but acceptable level of usefulness. "Is adequate for" implies a barely sufficient level of suitability, potentially less desirable than something that "is only good for" that purpose.