only according to

USAGE SUMMARY

"only according to" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is true or valid only based on a certain perspective or source. Example: Only according to the latest research, high doses of vitamin C can help boost immunity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, electoral democracies function only according to one principle, which is electoral incentive.

The Guardian

The GST was never intended to be shared by states only according to population size.

The Guardian - Business

But to assess Italia 90 only according to those parameters is to miss all the virtues that gave it meaning.

The Guardian - Sport

In order to reproduce, actual sexual intercourse may become necessary, but only according to the following parameters.

The New Yorker

Even Totti's wife-to-be, Ilary Blasi, 23, is allowed to visit him only according to a strict schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

A friend gave me a list of places that accept them, but only according to obscure schedules.

The New York Times

Likewise, the two Canadian fellows here are not only, according to community standards, dreamboats but also competent winter sportsmen.

The New Yorker

He avoided committing himself to any views about what the world was really like and acted only according to appearances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An additional 12 states, New York included, required H.I.V. education only, according to a policy paper published by the institute.

The New York Times

None of his teammates who were asked can remember Hernandez complimenting opposing hitters by name, referring to them only according to their vulnerabilities.

The New York Times - Sports

Since Orpheus performed at Lincoln Center in 2005, several concerts have been standing room only, according to Joe Lisella of Allendale, the group's president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only according to", ensure the source or condition you are referencing is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This makes the statement more precise and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "only according to" when the information is widely accepted or has multiple sources. Overusing this phrase can weaken your argument by implying that the information is not generally reliable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only according to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a restrictive condition or specifies the source of information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it limits the scope of a statement, making it valid only from a certain perspective or source.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only according to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to restrict the validity of a statement to a specific source or condition. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific domains. When employing "only according to", clarify the reference point to maintain clarity. Alternative phrases include "solely based on", "merely on the basis of", and "purely as a function of". Avoiding overuse and ensuring precise references will enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely based on

Emphasizes exclusivity in the basis for something, making it slightly stronger than "only according to".

exclusively determined by

Similar to "solely based on", but with a stronger emphasis on the cause-and-effect relationship.

merely on the basis of

Highlights the simplicity or lack of other factors influencing a decision or statement.

depending entirely on

Emphasizes the complete reliance on a single factor or source.

purely as a function of

Suggests a mathematical or direct relationship where something is determined entirely by something else.

just by virtue of

Indicates that something is true or valid simply because of a particular quality or characteristic.

conditional on

Focuses on the dependence of something on a specific condition being met.

as per

A more concise and formal way of saying "according to", often used in instructions or reports.

in accordance with

Implies compliance or agreement with a set of rules, standards, or guidelines.

limited to

Highlights the restricted scope or application of something.

FAQs

How can I use "only according to" in a sentence?

Use "only according to" to limit the scope of a statement or attribute it to a specific source. For instance, "Only according to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow" indicates that the prediction comes solely from that forecast.

What are some alternatives to "only according to"?

You can use alternatives like "solely based on", "merely on the basis of", or "purely as a function of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "according to only" instead of "only according to"?

While the meaning might be understood, "only according to" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted phrasing. "According to only" can sound awkward and is less common.

What's the difference between "only according to" and "according to"?

"Only according to" emphasizes that the information is exclusively from a specific source, while "according to" simply attributes the information to a source without necessarily implying exclusivity.