it only remains

USAGE SUMMARY

'it only remains' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that once something has been done, there is nothing else that needs to be done. For example, "We have filled out the paperwork, it only remains for us to sign the documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given that magnesium is safe and inexpensive, and that there is now good evidence to support its routine use in the severest cases, it only remains for the optimal dose and duration of therapy to be established.

Critical Care

Now it only remains to use the definition of subgaussianity, that is take, and optimize over.

Princeton University

It only remains to add that the plaintiff in error had his day in court and opportunity to be heard.

Cornell University

The judge concluded: "It only remains for me to express my hope that Ashya makes a good recovery.

The Guardian

The destruction seems total, and it only remains to be seen what — if any — among the innumerable artworks within can be salvaged.

The Washington Post

It only remains to be hoped that this extraordinary upheaval will provoke reflection in people's minds and not a fatal intoxication once all is over.

Independent

On that note, and in a spirit of co-operation, it only remains to invite you to post your own thoughts on what Survivors teaches us.

The Guardian

Now it only remains to see whether Norman and co can get to Merkin before he stuffs and mounts his victims.

The Guardian - Books

It only remains to be seen how long it will be before the Tar Heels are asked to lean back and open wide.

The New York Times

It only remains to be seen if Osborne declares his half-hour one-to-one with Sir John in his quarterly ministerial declaration of meetings with external organisations.

The Guardian

This led to last week's parade of Glencore directors buying shares – in which it only remains for Fischer to cough up.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to create a sense of closure, signaling that the end of a process or discussion is near. This can be particularly effective in reports, presentations, or formal correspondence.

Common error

Avoid using "it only remains" when there are multiple outstanding tasks or significant complexities still involved. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, especially if the 'remaining' action is not as straightforward as implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only remains" functions as a transitional phrase, often used to signal the conclusion of a process or argument. It introduces the final step or action needed to complete something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only remains" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to signal the final step in a process. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively communicates what is left to be done. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. To enhance clarity, ensure the context explicitly states the completed actions. Alternatives like "all that's left is" offer stylistic variations. Use "it only remains" judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact, particularly when simplicity is overstated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all that's left is

This alternative emphasizes the completion of previous steps and the singularity of the remaining task.

the only thing left to do is

This phrase highlights the exclusivity of the remaining action, suggesting nothing else needs attention.

it just remains to

By using "just", it conveys a sense of simplicity and that the final task is straightforward.

the sole remaining task is

This alternative stresses the unique and solitary nature of the outstanding task.

now all that is needed is

This phrase focuses on current needs and the minimal action required to fulfill them.

the final step involves

It pinpoints that process and this can be seen as part of it to successfully finalize it.

what's left is to

A more informal way to express that something needs to be done to end a process.

we still have to

The use of the verb "have" focus on the feeling of obligation.

it now behoves us to

The use of "behoves" shows a strong feeling of responsability.

one final thing to

This is a succinct manner to specify something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it only remains" to indicate the final step after a series of actions. For example, "We have gathered all the data; "it only remains to" analyze it."

What's a more formal way to say "it only remains"?

A more formal alternative is "all that's left is", which maintains a similar meaning but sounds more sophisticated in professional settings.

Is "it only remains for me to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it only remains for me to" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "The decision has been made; "it only remains for me to" inform the team."

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

"It only remains" and "it just remains" are very similar. The inclusion of "just" can add a slight emphasis on the simplicity or ease of the remaining task.