nobody but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nobody but" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that only one person or group is involved in a particular situation or action. Example: "Nobody but John could have solved the complex math problem." In this sentence, the phrase "nobody but" emphasizes that only John was capable of solving the math problem. Another example: "I trust nobody but my closest friends with my deepest secrets." Here, the phrase "nobody but" emphasizes that only the speaker's closest friends can be trusted with their secrets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's nobody but us".

The New Yorker

"Nobody but me.

The New Yorker

Nobody but himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

My cussin' don't hurt nobody but me.

The New Yorker

Nobody but Sticky, that is.

The New York Times

"I blame nobody but myself," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nobody but the black and the poor.

The New Yorker

Nobody but we ourselves can gives us stress.

Harvard University

Nobody but family was allowed upstairs.

The New York Times

Nobody, but nobody, imagined "Beverly Hills 90210".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nobody but two telephone operators get paid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being exclusively referred to when using "nobody but" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "nobody but" when you intend to imply that multiple people or entities are involved. It strictly limits the action or attribute to the one specified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nobody but" functions as an exclusive determiner, emphasizing that the following noun or pronoun is the only one to which a particular action, characteristic, or situation applies. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nobody but" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize exclusivity, indicating that only one specific entity is involved in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts, suggesting a broad applicability across different registers. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly defines who or what is being exclusively referred to. Alternatives like "only" or "no one except" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase is versatile and widely understood, making it a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only

This alternative directly replaces the entire phrase with a single word implying exclusivity.

no one except

This phrase explicitly excludes everyone else, focusing on the single exception.

none other than

This alternative adds a tone of surprise or emphasis to the exclusivity.

solely

This word conveys that something is done by or belongs to only one person or group.

exclusively

This alternative emphasizes that something is restricted to a particular person, group, or area.

just

A shorter, more informal way to express the same exclusivity.

merely

This suggests that something is limited to only one thing or person and nothing more.

simply

This alternative emphasizes the uncomplicated nature of the exclusivity.

uniquely

This highlights that something is distinctively associated with a specific entity.

particularly

This indicates that something applies to one person or thing more than others.

FAQs

How can I use "nobody but" in a sentence?

Use "nobody but" to emphasize that only a specific person or group is involved in something. For example, "Nobody but me knows what happened."

What's a synonym for "nobody but"?

Alternatives include "only", "no one except", or "none other than". The choice depends on the desired tone and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "nobody but me"?

Yes, "nobody but me" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to emphasize that only you are involved or affected by something.

What's the difference between "nobody but" and "nothing but"?

"Nobody but" refers to people, emphasizing that only a certain person or group is involved. "Nothing but" refers to things, emphasizing that only a particular thing or type of thing is present. They are not interchangeable.