is tenable only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is tenable only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular argument, theory, or position is valid or sustainable under specific conditions or circumstances. Example: "This theory is tenable only in the context of the current research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The idea that we are apart from nature and either don't belong in it or need to make a conscious effort to reintegrate ourselves with it, however, is tenable only once you have made the erroneous assumption that nature is exclusively medium-sized.

The Guardian - Books

But this normative interpretation of maximizing rationality is tenable only if it is at least conceivable that individual agents might sometimes fail to satisfy its requirements—an'ought'that it is not so much as possible to flout is not really an 'ought' at all (Lavin 2004).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But during the next three decades it grew clear that such theories are tenable only for very limited sets of data.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The conclusion is tenable, nonetheless, only with the premise that there is no other systematic distinction in the position conditions between the main and control experiments.

Plosone

Frankly, no art form predicated on racism and imperialist aggression is tenable these days: the only "good" Indian is a living Indian.

The New York Times

But there are reasons for thinking that neither the physicalist nor the conceptualist approach is tenable and that the only plausible way to interpret linguistic theory is as being about sentence types, which of course, are abstract objects (proponents of the platonistic view include Katz (1981), Soames (1985), and Langendoen and Postal (1985)).

SEP

If this hypothesis is tenable, Epistle 31 contains not only the core of the Ikhwân's political thought, but also of their Isma'ili commitment.

SEP

It is the explanation — the only one that is tenable — of a remarkable and counterintuitive reality".

The New Yorker

But I don't think this is tenable.

The Economist

I don't think that is tenable long term.

The Guardian

The award is tenable for 6 months to 2 years.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce specific cases or scenarios where a particular viewpoint or argument holds true, especially when discussing nuanced or conditional situations.

Common error

Avoid using "is tenable only" without specifying the limiting conditions, as this can lead to misunderstandings and weaken your argument. Always provide the necessary context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tenable only" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular idea, argument, or situation is valid or sustainable under specific, limited conditions. It introduces a contingency that must be met for the statement to hold true. Ludwig AI also confirms it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is tenable only" is used to express that a particular idea or situation is valid or sustainable under specific conditions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears in a variety of contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly state the specific condition that makes the statement valid to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases include "is valid solely", "is sustainable solely", and "is justifiable solely", offering alternative ways to express limited validity. Therefore, understanding the importance of conditions and context helps to ensure its correct application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is valid solely

Emphasizes the single condition under which something is valid, highlighting exclusivity.

is sustainable solely

Focuses on the sustainability aspect, where viability depends on specific criteria.

is justifiable solely

Highlights that the only justification is a specific point.

is acceptable solely

Highlights exclusivity to a specific condition.

is applicable solely

Focuses on applicability, emphasizing that its use is confined to particular contexts.

is contingent solely

Emphasizes the dependence on a single condition for its truth or validity.

is true merely

Indicates a minimal level of truth or validity tied to a single factor.

is restricted solely

Emphasizes that it is limited to certain conditions.

is exclusively viable

It points out the fact that something is viable and only viable in particular situations.

is uniquely valid

Emphasizes that it is uniquely valid in a specific situation.

FAQs

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

Use "is tenable only" to indicate that an argument or idea is valid or sustainable under specific circumstances. For example: "This theory "is tenable only" in the context of the current research findings".

What can I say instead of "is tenable only"?

Alternatives include "is valid solely", "is sustainable solely", or "is justifiable solely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is tenable only" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is tenable only" when you want to emphasize that a statement's validity is contingent on a particular condition or set of circumstances. This helps provide clarity and precision in your writing.

Which is correct, "is tenable only" or "is only tenable"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but "is tenable only" typically places more emphasis on the condition that makes something valid. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey in your sentence.