only done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has been completed or achieved, often in a context where exclusivity or limitation is implied. Example: "This task can only be done by someone with the right expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've only done one," he said.

The New York Times

I have only done this once before".

The New York Times

I've only done it once.

The New York Times - Travel

We've only done almost two months now.

The Guardian - Sport

I've only done 60 miles since September".

The Guardian

But I've still only done 32 pages.

The Guardian

"We've only done two tunes," he chuckled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I've only done it freelance so far," he said.

The New Yorker

"We only done close family," Kimbrough had told me earlier.

The New York Times - Magazine

But there is no complete, only done enough.

The New York Times

I've only done this because it's West Ham, my roots".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only done" to emphasize a single instance or limitation in the execution of a task or activity. For clarity, ensure the context clearly specifies what was exclusively completed.

Common error

Avoid using "only done" when the intent is to express a habitual action or a broader range of activities. In such cases, consider using phrases like "usually done" or "commonly practiced" to convey a more accurate meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only done" functions primarily as a modifier, typically used to limit or specify the extent or frequency of an action. Ludwig AI shows it is used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for emphasizing the limited or singular nature of an action or activity. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a modifier across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While versatile, attention should be paid to the specific intent, ensuring it accurately reflects the limited scope of the action. Consider alternatives, such as "merely completed" or "solely performed", for nuanced expression. Using it effectively means clearly specifying what has been exclusively completed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely completed

Emphasizes the simplicity or lack of additional effort involved.

solely performed

Highlights exclusivity; that the action was carried out by only one entity.

just finished

Indicates recent completion, with a focus on the timing.

simply executed

Stresses the straightforward nature of the action without complications.

barely accomplished

Conveys a sense of difficulty or marginal success in achieving the action.

exclusively finalized

Highlights that something was brought to an end uniquely, shutting out other options.

uniquely achieved

Implies a specific method was used that only allows one party or means to get something done.

partially fulfilled

Indicates that the deed was only started, not completely realized.

preliminarily processed

Suggests the performance was just the first step toward further phases.

initially addressed

Highlights that something was engaged but probably not followed through on.

FAQs

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

The phrase "only done" is used to emphasize that something has been completed or performed in a limited or exclusive manner. For example, "I've "only done" this once before."

What can I say instead of "only done"?

Alternatives to "only done" include "merely completed", "solely performed", or "just finished", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "only done" or "just done"?

Both "only done" and "just done" can be correct, but they carry slightly different meanings. "Only done" emphasizes limitation, while "just done" indicates recent completion. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning in your context.

What's the difference between "only done" and "exclusively completed"?

"Only done" is a more common and versatile phrase. "Exclusively completed" is more formal and emphasizes that something was finalized in a unique or singular manner, shutting out other possibilities.