only a compilation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a compilation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is merely a collection or aggregation of information rather than an original work or creation. Example: "This report is only a compilation of existing research and does not include any new findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She learned that her record company, Concord Jazz, would not be putting out a new CD of hers this year, only a compilation of her past work.

The New York Times - Arts

This was followed in 2011 by (on digital only) A Compilation of Scott Weiland Cover Songs, including versions of songs by Radiohead, New York Dolls, the Stone Roses and others.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Other Broadway work included The Mad Woman of Central Park West (1979), a solo musical show for Phyllis Newman to which she contributed alongside Leonard Bernstein, Sondheim, Charnin, Barry Manilow, John Kander and Fred Ebb (it ran for three months only) and a compilation cabaret of her songs by Richard Maltby Jr, Hey, Love (1993).

The Guardian

Brian was a standout, and even though we only make a compilation DVD of the finalists' poems, we made an exception and put his rendition of Gil Scott-Heron's "Whitey on the Moon" (along with his personal response) on it, too.

Huffington Post

Indeed, when using either one of the first two published high-throughput yeast protein interaction data sets [ 6, 9] alone, it is not possible to find a significant correlation between the number of interactors and evolutionary rate; it is only through a compilation of several data sets that a significant relationship emerges for yeast.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, only a simple compilation game titled Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection was released instead.

Wikipedia

In this sense, teleconsultation is "a hybrid affair" [ 15] as it only appears as a compilation of human action and teleconsultation technologies: the latter encompasses a script that frames social action, roles and identities, but end-users will co-design the telecare services as well [ 16, 17].

BMC Medical Ethics

Elbow have this year released only a B-sides compilation, Dead in the Boot, from which they play nothing tonight, yet still the demand for tickets was such that they added a Wembley Arena gig a few nights prior to this O2 show.

The Guardian - Music

This book is a compilation not only of her work but of all the information available on Marburg and Ebola viruses.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Recorded in 2005, after playing together only once, the album is a compilation of their favourite improvisations recorded over a few bleary Brooklyn-winter weeks.

Vice

Furtado said in her diary on her official website that she recorded a remix of "Maneater" with rapper Lil Wayne; it was only released as part of a compilation album, Timbaland's Remix & Soundtrack Collection, she also used the instrumental of the song during many television performances of "Maneater".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a compilation" to clearly indicate that something is a collection of existing material, rather than original work. This helps manage expectations about the content.

Common error

Avoid using "only a compilation" when the work actually contains significant original analysis or contributions. Ensure your description accurately reflects the content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a compilation" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating the nature or quality of something. It specifies that the subject is merely a collection of existing elements, emphasizing a lack of originality or independent creation. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a compilation" serves to describe something that is merely a collection, lacking originality. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing in diverse fields like news, science, and general knowledge. While it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, clarity on whether work contains new ideas is always appreciated. The phrase frequency is rare, highlighting the importance of making every single appearance count.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a collection

Emphasizes the lack of originality or independent creation, similar to "only a compilation".

nothing but a collection

Underscores the lack of anything beyond a simple collection.

a mere collection

Emphasizes that the collection is basic or unexceptional.

simply an aggregation

Highlights the gathering aspect without implying depth or innovation.

a basic aggregation

Highlights the rudimentary nature of the gathering.

just a collection

A more casual way of saying something is a collection.

no more than a summary

Focuses on the summarization aspect, indicating a lack of new content.

barely a synthesis

Suggests a minimal level of integration or original thought.

purely an assembly

Focuses on the act of assembling elements, without added value.

just an assortment

Implies a random gathering without a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "only a compilation" in a sentence?

You can use "only a compilation" to describe something that consists merely of collected materials without new insights. For example, "This report is "only a compilation" of existing data."

What are some alternatives to saying "only a compilation"?

Alternatives include "merely a collection", "simply an aggregation", or "just a collection". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it negative to describe something as "only a compilation"?

It can be, depending on the context. It suggests a lack of originality. However, if accuracy is important, it's better to be truthful. If originality is expected but not present, then yes, it carries a negative connotation.

When should I use "only a compilation" instead of "summary"?

"Summary" implies a condensed version of something, while "only a compilation" indicates a collection of different elements. Use "only a compilation" when describing something that gathers various pieces without necessarily shortening them.