it is only human

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is only human' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations to refer to an action or behavior that is natural or instinctive for humans. For example, "It's only human to feel scared and overwhelmed when faced with a big change".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is only human.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is only human to think that way," he admitted.

The Guardian - Sport

He adds "It is only human to feel concern about the pace of change in communities.

The Guardian

It is only human to feel nervous and suspicious at first.

The New York Times - Books

It is only human, for example, to need a lavatory occasionally on the train.

The Guardian - Books

AFTER a catastrophe, it is only human to wonder what could have been done differently.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Technology designers can certainly lose trustworthiness by their choices, but it is only humans, as meaning makers, who can create a sense of trust for themselves.

Stanford University

It is generally thought that all and only human beings make such claims, because it is only humans who can respond to these claims.

SEP

It's only human, really.

The Economist

It's only human — all too human.

The New York Times

"It's only human nature that parents burn out".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only human" to acknowledge and normalize common emotional responses or behaviors in yourself and others. For example, "It is only human to feel nervous before a big presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "it is only human" as a blanket justification for harmful actions or consistent failures. While it acknowledges inherent imperfections, it doesn't absolve responsibility. Instead, aim to say: "While mistakes are inevitable, accountability and improvement are paramount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only human" functions as an exclamatory remark or explanatory statement. It serves to normalize behaviors, feelings, or mistakes by attributing them to inherent human qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to signify a natural or instinctive action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Lifestyle

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is only human" serves as a versatile tool for acknowledging the inherent imperfections and limitations of human nature. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it's used to normalize actions, emotions, and errors. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it fosters empathy and understanding. When using this phrase, remember to balance its excusatory power with the need for accountability and improvement. While alternatives like "it is natural" and "that's human nature" offer similar sentiments, "it is only human" specifically emphasizes the shared experience of being human.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's simply human nature

Replaces "only" with "simply" and specifies "human nature" for emphasis.

it's only natural

Uses "natural" instead of "human," implying inherent instinct.

that's human nature

More direct and colloquial way to express the same idea.

it is natural

Shortened version focusing on the inherent quality.

it is part of being human

Emphasizes the intrinsic connection to the human experience.

it's human to err

Classic idiom focusing on the human tendency to make mistakes.

it is to be expected

Shifts focus to the predictability of the behavior.

it is understandable

Highlights the comprehensibility of the action.

it is forgivable

Highlights that the event needs an apologetic tone.

everyone does it

Colloquial phrase suggesting widespread occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "it is only human" to express that a certain behavior or feeling is natural and common. For example, "It is only human to make mistakes when learning a new skill."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is natural", "it is understandable", or "that's human nature depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it's only human nature" instead of "it is only human"?

Yes, "it's only human nature" is a correct and common alternative. It emphasizes that the behavior is inherent to human beings.

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

"It is only human" refers to inherent human qualities or behaviors, while "it is only humane" refers to actions that show compassion or kindness. They have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.