it is but

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is but" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is an emphatic way of saying "it is only" or "it is just". For example, you could say, "It is but a small step towards a complete solution, but it is an important one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is, but its uses are limited.

The New York Times

It is, but it's also work.

The New York Times

It is but one of several theories.

The New York Times

Sadly, though, it is but a mask.

Independent

It is but nothing.

The New Yorker

Today, it is but one search away.

Stanford University

It is, but they're smarter.

The Washington Post

It is, but it's not".

The Guardian - Film

(It is, but so nice).

The New York Times

(It is, but that's not a problem).

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, it is, but that's all right.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is but" when you want to emphasize the limited or insignificant nature of something, especially when contrasting it with a larger context or expectation. For example, "It is but a scratch compared to the deep wounds of the past."

Common error

Avoid using "it is but" excessively in contemporary writing, as it can sound archaic or overly formal. Consider using more common alternatives like "it is only" or "it is just" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is but" functions as an emphatic qualifier, limiting the significance or extent of something. As Ludwig shows, it is often used to contrast the subject with something larger or more important.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is but" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the limited nature of something. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's worth noting that it carries a slightly archaic or formal tone. As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. For contemporary writing, consider simpler alternatives like "it is only" or "it is just" unless you specifically intend to evoke a more traditional style. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted. Employ it judiciously when you wish to downplay a fact while adding a touch of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is only

Replaces "but" with "only", directly expressing limitation.

it is just

Substitutes "but" with "just", suggesting a sense of insignificance or mildness.

it's merely

Uses "merely" to emphasize the small or insignificant nature of something.

it's simply

Employs "simply" to indicate that something is nothing more than what is stated.

it amounts to only

Expresses that something totals or results in a small amount.

it is no more than

Highlights that something does not exceed a certain limit or quality.

it's hardly anything more than

Suggests that something is very little beyond a minimal level.

it represents only

Focuses on what something symbolizes or accounts for, indicating a limited scope.

it signifies just

Indicates that something means or denotes very little.

it embodies merely

Implies that something contains or expresses a small or simple essence.

FAQs

What does "it is but" mean?

The phrase "it is but" means "it is only" or "it is just". It's used to emphasize the smallness, insignificance, or limitation of something.

When is it appropriate to use "it is but"?

"It is but" is appropriate when you want to give a slightly archaic or emphatic tone to your writing, highlighting that something is limited or insignificant. However, in modern usage, simpler alternatives like "it is only" or "it is just" are often preferred.

Are there modern alternatives to the phrase "it is but"?

Yes, modern alternatives include phrases such as "it is only", "it is just", "it is merely", or "it is simply". These alternatives provide the same sense of limitation without sounding as archaic.

How can I use "it is but" in a sentence?

You can use "it is but" to downplay something in contrast to something else. For example, "It is but a small contribution, but we hope it makes a difference."