it is but only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is but only" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or redundant.
It could be used in a poetic or stylistic context, but it is generally better to avoid it in formal writing. Example: "It is but only a fleeting moment that we cherish."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's "greenwashing", environmentally dubious bragging, like New York City proudly proclaiming its air is cleaner because of natural gas, which it is, but only as a result of fracking that damages Pennsylvania's water.

Huffington Post

It is, but only up to a point.

Independent

Or maybe it is – but only for the aggressors.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are lots of writers who tell it like it is, but only a few who, with such commitment and intensity, tell it like it isn't.

The New Yorker

That's not to say that something like GPS navigation isn't useful – it is – but only if it's under your control, and it shouldn't be beaming data back to California or anywhere else.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have seen Per Petterson's beautiful novel of growing up and learning fast in the summer woods of post-war Norway, Out Stealing Horses, labelled in several contexts as a "mystery" – which it is, but only in the most subjective and non-statutory sense.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

(It was, but only temporarily).

The New York Times

It was, but only just.

BBC

It is life, but only just.

The New York Times

SM: Well, it sounds like a clichŽ - which it is - but only if it happens.

The Guardian

And it is -- but only because it's heavily subsidized by our tax dollars.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "it is but only" is grammatically acceptable, consider using more concise alternatives like "it is merely" or "it is just" for clearer and more impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is but only" excessively in formal documents. Opt for more streamlined and direct language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is but only" functions as a restrictive modifier, limiting the scope or extent of the statement it precedes. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is acceptable, although it suggests considering alternatives for enhanced clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is but only" serves as a restrictive modifier, qualifying a statement to indicate its limited scope or extent. While Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is acceptable, it also highlights that more concise alternatives might enhance clarity. Appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral, fitting less in highly informal settings. Consider using alternatives like "it is merely" or "it is just" for a more streamlined style. Though grammatically sound, adopting more direct language often results in a stronger impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is merely

Replaces "but only" with "merely", emphasizing the limited scope or significance.

it is simply

Substitutes "but only" with "simply", focusing on the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of the statement.

it is just

Uses "just" instead of "but only" to indicate a restricted or minimal degree.

it is solely

Replaces "but only" with "solely" to emphasize exclusivity or uniqueness.

it is exclusively

Similar to "solely", this highlights the exclusive nature of the statement.

it is restricted to

Emphasizes the limitation or confinement of something to a specific scope.

it is confined to

Indicates that something is limited or enclosed within certain boundaries.

it is limited to

Directly states that something does not extend beyond a certain scope or amount.

it is uniquely

Focuses on the unique or exceptional quality, while still implying a limit.

it is partially

Indicates that a statement is only true or applicable to some extent.

FAQs

What does "it is but only" mean?

The phrase "it is but only" is used to express that something is true or valid, but to a limited extent. It emphasizes the restricted scope or degree of the statement.

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

You can use "it is but only" to qualify a statement and indicate that it's true in a limited way. For example, "It is life, "but only just".".

What can I say instead of "it is but only"?

You can use alternatives like "it is merely", "it is simply", or "it is just" depending on the context.

Is "it is but only" grammatically correct?

While not the most common or elegant phrasing, "it is but only" is grammatically acceptable. However, more concise options often provide clearer communication.