only communicating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only communicating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that the action being discussed is limited to communication without any additional actions or interactions. Example: "In this situation, we are only communicating through email to ensure a clear record of our discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

By only communicating their perceived context, the communicated data volume is reduced.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"How do they spend months only communicating by phone with an I.T. contractor?" she said in an interview.

The New Yorker

Nor does it seem to stop at "totally into each other" or "madly in love", either, nor even "watching boxsets and only communicating in grunts".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He reportedly took pains to keep himself anonymous, going online through Tor and only communicating through the Silk Road chat system.

The Guardian - Tech

Another said it is only communicating by email and that this is causing problems, while it is also rejecting a higher-than average number of customers.

The Guardian - Money

There is also the danger of thinking you are only communicating with a few friends, then finding your comments all over the Internet".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

You can be excluded from all sorts of communication and you can only communicate to the extent that people let you in".

The Guardian

To make a real impact in the lay community, scientists have to not only communicate, but do so effectively.

Science Magazine

Note that an agent can only communicate with its immediate neighboring agents in this communication topology.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

We only communicate with the doctors".

The New York Times

But the complaints only communicate weakness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only communicating", ensure the context clearly defines the means and purpose of the communication to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the channel or method being used (e.g., "only communicating by email").

Common error

Avoid using "only communicating" when the context implies other forms of interaction are also taking place. This phrase specifically restricts the activity to communication alone, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only communicating" functions as a restrictive modifier, specifying that the action is limited solely to communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to emphasize this limitation, as shown in examples where data volume is reduced or methods are specified.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only communicating" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the exclusive act of communication, with no other interactions involved, as supported by Ludwig AI. It's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear and accurately reflects the limited nature of the interaction. Alternative phrases like "merely communicating" or "solely communicating" can be used for subtle variations in emphasis. Proper application involves clear boundaries and specific methods of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely communicating

Replaces "only" with "merely", emphasizing the limited nature of the communication.

just communicating

Substitutes "only" with "just", indicating a simple act of communication without additional actions.

solely communicating

Replaces "only" with "solely", highlighting that communication is the exclusive activity.

exclusively communicating

Similar to "solely communicating", but with a stronger emphasis on the exclusivity of the communication.

limited to communicating

Uses a passive construction to emphasize the restriction to communication.

confined to communicating

Similar to "limited to communicating", suggesting a constraint on the mode of interaction.

restricted to communicating

Highlights a formal restriction or limitation on the type of interaction.

communicating and nothing else

Expands the phrase to explicitly state that no other actions are taking place besides communicating.

simply put, communicating

Adds an introductory phrase to emphasize the simplicity and directness of the communication.

communicating in a limited way

Focuses on the constrained manner in which communication is occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "only communicating" to emphasize that the interaction is limited to just communication, such as, "Due to the sensitive nature of the information, we are "only communicating" via encrypted channels".

What are some alternatives to "only communicating"?

Alternatives include phrases like "merely communicating", "just communicating", or "solely communicating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only communicating"?

Yes, "only communicating" is grammatically correct when used to specify that the action is restricted to communication alone. For example, "They are "only communicating" through written reports".

What is the difference between "only communicating" and "primarily communicating"?

"Only communicating" means there are no other forms of interaction besides communication. "Primarily communicating" implies that communication is the main method, but other interactions may also occur. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize exclusivity or preference.