only further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only further" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to add emphasis to a statement or argument, indicating that there is no other option or outcome. Example: "The recent budget cuts will only further exacerbate the economic crisis facing our country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The changes also alienated Democrats only further.

Independent

Naturally, that brings her only further humiliation.

The Guardian - Film

That only further infuriated his bosses.

The New York Times

Lower prices, of course, only further increase demand.

The New York Times

Continuing to hold him only further alienates the international community".

The Guardian

And the delay will only further highlight Mr. Obama's support.

The New York Times

This will only further demoralize a once noble vocation.

The New York Times

This serves no one, and only further obscures the truth.

The New York Times

"This would only further exacerbate respiratory illnesses in the city".

The New York Times

Vouchers only further segregate and stratify our public schools".

The New York Times

Mr. Anderson's departure leaves the museum only further short-staffed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only further" to emphasize the inevitable consequence or intensification of an action or situation. This adds a stronger sense of impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "only further" when a simple additive conjunction like "also" or "in addition" would be more appropriate. "Only further" implies a direct causal relationship and increased intensity, which may not always be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only further" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the verb it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically emphasizes the degree to which an action will affect a situation, usually negatively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only further" functions as an adverbial modifier used to emphasize the intensification of an action or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in contexts where a negative outcome or consequence is being highlighted. Common in News & Media, "only further" is appropriate for formal writing. The frequency of use is 'Very common'. While semantically similar phrases such as "merely add to" or "simply exacerbate" exist, "only further" uniquely communicates both causality and increased intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely add to

Replaces "only further" with a focus on the act of adding to something, rather than intensifying it.

simply exacerbate

Emphasizes the worsening of a situation without additional actions.

just contribute to

Highlights the contribution to an existing issue, minimizing the degree of impact.

do nothing but

This alternative phrase is adding the meaning of 'nothing else will happen'.

exclusively increase

Focuses on the aspect of increase, but it adds a restrictive focus.

solely amplify

Highlights the amplification, reducing the progression implied.

merely worsen

Underlines the negative effect without further progression.

do nothing except

Similar to "do nothing but", but with a slightly different nuance.

serve to escalate

Focuses on the escalation of a situation, rather than its progression.

tend to aggravate

Indicates a tendency to worsen a situation, rather than a definitive action.

FAQs

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

Use "only further" to intensify a statement, indicating something will worsen or escalate an existing situation. For example, "The new regulations will "only further" complicate the process."

What phrases are similar to "only further"?

Similar phrases include "merely add to", "simply exacerbate", or "just contribute to". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "only further" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "only further" is appropriate for formal writing. It can effectively add emphasis and clarity to your arguments in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "only further" and "also"?

"Only further" implies intensification and a direct causal relationship. "Also" simply adds information without suggesting the same degree of impact. "This action will "only further" complicate matters" suggests a worsening situation, while "This action will also complicate matters" merely adds a complication.