no one but

USAGE SUMMARY

"no one but" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that nobody other than a certain group, individual, or thing is capable of something. For example: "No one but Marie could make a cake that tasted like heaven."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I became a man, dependent on no one but myself".

The New Yorker

No one but aliens can stay on top forever.

Huffington Post

No one but her.

The New Yorker

No one but us.

The New Yorker

No one but Melissa was surprised.

The New York Times

"I have no one but God".

Independent

There is no one but you.

The New York Times

No one but Joanie and our families.

The New Yorker

No one but Don Rickles.

The Washington Post

No one but you can help me..

Princeton University

He cares for no one but himself.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no one but" to clearly and emphatically specify the only person or group to whom something applies. This eliminates ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "no one but" when a simple 'only' suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural or overly dramatic, especially in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no one but" functions as an exclusive determiner, specifying that something applies solely to the person or entity mentioned and to no others. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It serves to limit or restrict an action, characteristic, or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no one but" is a versatile phrase used to express exclusivity, indicating that something applies solely to a specific person or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. While common across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media. When writing, consider alternatives like ""only"" or ""nobody else except"" to avoid overuse. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "no one but" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nobody else except

Emphasizes the exclusion of others with a slightly more informal tone.

only

A more concise and direct way of expressing exclusivity.

none other than

Adds a tone of importance or surprise to the exception.

exclusively

Highlights that something applies solely to the specified person or thing.

solely

Similar to 'exclusively', emphasizing the unique application.

just

A simpler and more casual way to indicate 'only'.

no person other than

More formal and emphasizes the human element.

with the exception of

Highlights that something is an exception to a general rule.

apart from

Indicates something is excluded or separate.

save for

A more archaic or literary way to indicate exception.

FAQs

How can I use "no one but" in a sentence?

Use "no one but" to indicate that something applies exclusively to a specific person or group. For example, "No one but the doctor knew the truth".

What's a synonym for "no one but"?

Alternatives for "no one but" include "only", "nobody else except", or "none other than".

Is it ever incorrect to use "no one but"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "no one but" can make your writing sound stilted. Consider using a simpler word like "only" if the emphasis isn't necessary.

What is the difference between saying "only" and "no one but"?

"Only" is a more general term for exclusivity. "No one but" is more emphatic and specific, highlighting that a certain thing is restricted to that person or group. "Only" is less restrictive in tone and is generally applicable to the sentence.