only like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that something is true or applicable in a particular manner or condition. Example: "I can only accept the proposal if it is structured only like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Oh, you only like that because it has the only dirty word in the book," Dr. Moran said, grinning.

The New York Times

"Obviously, it's not only like that," he continued.

The New York Times

"It's only like that on that one floor," said Claudette Bourque, who was a nurse in the building before becoming account manager for the long-term-care program, which is paid for by Medicaid.

The New York Times

"It was not only, like, 'That's what I want to do,' but 'That's who I am.'" This was followed by the realisation that she couldn't be, since, "That's not what [my family] perceived me to be.

Independent

I'd say set is only like that 78percentt of the time.

Huffington Post

You don't make it a closed conversation -- that it is only like this, or only like that".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Only it wasn't quite like that.

The New Yorker

I'm hardly the only person to like that book.

Princeton University

But he's really been the only one like that.

The Guardian - Books

But maybe that represented something; we were not the only family like that.

The Guardian - Books

Don't think I'm the only one like that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only like that" to clearly specify a particular condition or manner, avoiding ambiguity. Ensure the context makes it clear what "that" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "only like that" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands what "that" refers to in the context to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only like that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a condition or manner. It limits the action or state to a particular way of being, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only like that" serves to specify a particular condition or manner. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase, highlighting its common occurrence in news and media, academia, and wiki contexts. When writing, ensure that the reference of "that" is clear to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, remember that more formal alternatives exist, such as "exclusively in that manner", if a professional tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply like that

Emphasizes the ease or uncomplicated nature of something being in that specific manner.

just like that

Highlights the suddenness or unexpectedness of something occurring in that particular way.

merely like that

Underscores the insignificance or bare minimum nature of something being in that state.

alone like that

Focuses on the isolation or singularity of something existing in that specific form.

exclusively like that

Stresses that something exists only in that manner and no other.

uniquely like that

Highlights the distinctive and unparalleled nature of something existing in that way.

solely like that

Similar to exclusively, but with a stronger sense of being the single way.

particularly like that

Emphasizes a specific preference or condition under which something is true.

specifically like that

Indicates a precise and defined manner in which something occurs.

precisely like that

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of something being in that way.

FAQs

How can I use "only like that" in a sentence?

Use "only like that" to indicate that something is acceptable or possible under specific conditions. For example, "I can "only accept the proposal" if it is structured "only like that".

What's a more formal alternative to "only like that"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "exclusively in that manner" or "solely under those conditions" to convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "only like this" instead of "only like that"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "only like this" refers to the present or immediate context, whereas "only like that" refers to a previously mentioned or understood context. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific situation.

What's the difference between "only like that" and "just like that"?

"Only like that" specifies a condition or manner, while "just like that" often implies suddenness or ease. For example, "It didn't happen just like that; it was "only like that" after years of hard work".