it is only

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is only" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is limited or not the case in its entirety. For example: "It is only a few weeks until the wedding, so we must make sure everything is ready on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is only asthma.

The New Yorker

It is only logic.

The New York Times

It is only reasonable.

The New York Times - Sports

It is only you".

The New Yorker

It is only just beginning".

The New York Times

It is only a theory.

Independent

It is only one debate.

The New Yorker

It is only a test.

The New York Times

"It is only the beginning".

The New York Times

It is only a dream.

The New Yorker

"It is only straight business".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only" to downplay concerns, emphasize limitations, or provide perspective in a situation. For example: "It is only a scratch; you'll be fine."

Common error

Avoid using "it is only" in a way that dismisses someone's feelings or legitimate concerns. This can come across as insensitive. Instead, acknowledge the issue before offering perspective. For example, instead of "It is only a game", say "I know you're disappointed, but it is only a game, and we can try again next time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only" typically functions as a qualifier or limiter. It's used to reduce the perceived significance or scope of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to provide perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is only" is a versatile phrase used to qualify, limit, or provide perspective across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common use. The phrase serves to reassure, contextualize, or downplay situations. While generally neutral in register, the tone and impact depend heavily on context, requiring careful consideration to avoid unintended dismissal. Common alternatives include "it is just", "that is all it is", and "it is merely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's all it is

Rephrases the original phrase to emphasize simplicity or lack of importance.

it's merely

Substitutes "only" with "merely" to convey something is just or simply that thing.

it's just

Uses "just" instead of "only" to denote that something is not significant or of little consequence.

it is solely

Emphasizes that something is exclusively that thing and nothing else.

it's simply

Similar to "it's just", but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is exclusively

Highlights the exclusivity of something, making it clear that it is limited to only that.

it amounts to only

Indicates that something totals or results in a specific limited amount.

it is confined to

Specifies that something is limited or restricted to a particular scope.

it's restricted to

Highlights that something is limited or bounded within certain parameters.

it's no more than

Emphasizes the upper limit of something, suggesting it does not exceed a certain point.

FAQs

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

Use "it is only" to express that something is limited, not as significant as it might seem, or just a specific instance of something. For example, "it is only a theory" or "it is only the beginning".

What phrases are similar to "it is only"?

Similar phrases include "it is just", "that is all it is", or "it is merely". These alternatives can help vary your writing while conveying the same meaning of limitation or qualification.

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

It's appropriate when you want to provide a perspective that downplays a situation, highlights a limitation, or clarifies something's true extent. However, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding dismissive.

What's the difference between "it is only" and "it is just"?

While similar, "it is only" often emphasizes a limitation or qualification, whereas "it is just" can sometimes imply simplicity or ease. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.