is true only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is true only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that a statement or condition applies exclusively under certain circumstances. Example: "This equation is true only when the variables are equal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this is true only on paper.

The Economist

This is true only in spirit.

The New Yorker

That is true only of Liddle.

The Guardian

This is true only to a limited extent.

The New York Times

That is true only in the long run.

The Economist

This is true only if you count government expenditure.

The Economist

This is true only because Mr Kerrey is an American.

The Economist

But that is true only up to a point.

The New York Times

The first is true only in extraordinary circumstances.

The New York Times

This is true only in a very broad sense, however.

Britannica

By the way, this is true only for quartz watches.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is true only" to clearly define the limitations or specific conditions under which a statement is valid to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "is true only" if the statement has broader implications or applications. Ensure that the conditions you specify are genuinely the only conditions under which the statement holds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is true only" functions as a qualifier or a limiting adverbial phrase. It serves to specify the conditions under which a particular statement or assertion holds. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is true only" is a grammatically sound phrase used to restrict the validity of a statement to specific conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. To ensure precision, it's important to define those conditions clearly and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "is valid solely" or "applies specifically" can offer similar but nuanced expressions. By understanding these points, writers can use the phrase effectively to convey accuracy and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is valid solely

Emphasizes the exclusive validity of a statement under certain conditions; it's a more formal alternative.

is correct exclusively

Highlights the exclusive correctness of something, adding a stronger emphasis on accuracy.

applies specifically

Focuses on specific application, limiting the scope of the statement to particular instances.

holds specifically

Indicates that a statement is valid or true in a particular context or under certain conditions.

is accurate strictly

Conveys a sense of precision and exactness in the accuracy of the statement, emphasizing a narrow interpretation.

is solely the case

Highlights that something is exclusively the situation or condition, emphasizing uniqueness.

is factual merely

Suggests a focus on bare facts with limited interpretation or expansion.

is verified conditionally

Indicates that the truth of a statement is dependent on certain conditions being met, highlighting uncertainty without those conditions.

is confirmed partially

Suggests the statement's confirmation is not complete but limited to some aspects or instances.

is right only when

States the conditions under which something is correct, offering a straightforward limitation.

FAQs

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

Use "is true only" to specify the limited conditions under which a statement applies. For example, "This statement "is true only" when x equals y" indicates the statement's validity is restricted.

What are some alternatives to "is true only"?

Alternatives include "is valid solely", "applies specifically", or "holds specifically". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is true only" and "is generally true"?

"Is true only" restricts a statement to specific conditions, while "is generally true" suggests it's mostly accurate but may have exceptions. "This "is true only"" is more restrictive than "This is generally true".

When is it appropriate to use "is true only" in academic writing?

In academic writing, use "is true only" when defining the boundaries of a theory, hypothesis, or finding. It helps clarify the scope and limitations of your research.