it only shows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only shows" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is the only thing that can be observed or perceived in a certain situation. Here are some examples: 1. "I tried to repair the car, but it only shows how little I know about engines." 2. "Her constant lateness only shows her lack of consideration for others." 3. "The empty shelves in the store only show the high demand for toilet paper." 4. "His refusal to apologize only shows his stubbornness." 5. "The beautiful sunset only shows the vastness of the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It only shows what a cowardly, deferential youth I was.

The Guardian - Books

First, it only shows the frequency of terrorist attacks and attempted attacks, not severity.

The Washington Post

It only shows that more activity goes hand-in-hand with greater happiness.

The New York Times - Health

It only shows how traumatic narratives sometimes come out in fits and starts.

The Guardian

It only shows one moment, and has no obligation to explain the bigger picture behind it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It only shows the game in a good way – the skills' improvement and the fitness".

The Guardian - Sport

It only shows recent transactions made using Pingit rather than all your transactions.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It only showed, they said, how complex and often contradictory he was.

The New York Times

My atlas was no help – it only showed the roads looping above me.

The Guardian - Travel

Previously a teaser was released, however, it only showed Murray looking grimly out a window onto the NY skyline.

Independent

Before, it only showed relative share of the top five URL shorteners.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it only shows" to concisely indicate the primary or sole outcome or implication of a situation or action. Be mindful that it often carries a slightly negative or limiting connotation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid relying heavily on "it only shows" in formal or academic writing. More precise verbs such as 'demonstrates', 'indicates', or 'reveals' can add clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only shows" functions as a declarative statement that introduces an interpretation or consequence derived from a preceding observation or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it asserts that something demonstrates or reveals a particular aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only shows" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to highlight a specific conclusion or implication derived from a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a demonstrative or revealing function. While versatile, it's advisable to use more precise verbs in formal writing. Related alternatives include "it merely indicates" and "it simply reveals". Remember that using ","it only shows"" may carry a slightly negative or limiting implication, so choose it carefully to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it just demonstrates

Uses "demonstrates" instead of "shows", highlighting the act of proving or illustrating something.

it conclusively proves

Substitutes "shows" with "proves", indicating that something provides definitive evidence of a particular fact.

it clearly illustrates

Substitutes "shows" with "illustrates", emphasizing the act of making something clear or understandable.

it simply reveals

Substitutes "shows" with "reveals", implying a disclosure or uncovering of something.

it purely exemplifies

Uses "exemplifies" instead of "shows", suggesting that something serves as a prime example of a particular quality.

it merely indicates

Replaces "shows" with "indicates", suggesting a slightly weaker form of demonstration.

it unambiguously denotes

Replaces "shows" with "denotes", highlighting that something serves as a clear marker or identifier of something else.

it solely reflects

Replaces "shows" with "reflects", indicating that something mirrors or represents a particular aspect.

it exclusively signifies

Replaces "shows" with "signifies", highlighting that something is a symbol or indication of something else.

it plainly suggests

Uses "suggests" instead of "shows", implying that something hints at or indicates a particular conclusion.

FAQs

What does "it only shows" mean?

The phrase "it only shows" means that something demonstrates or reveals a specific aspect, often highlighting a limitation, consequence, or underlying truth.

What can I say instead of "it only shows"?

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

Is "it only shows" formal or informal?

The phrase "it only shows" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both everyday conversation and many types of writing. However, in highly formal or academic contexts, more precise synonyms may be preferred.

How do I use "it only shows" in a sentence?

You can use "it only shows" to connect a cause or action to its specific result or implication. For example, "His refusal to apologize, it only shows his arrogance."