only more powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only more powerful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is more powerful than the other, with an emphasis on the exclusivity of that power. Example: "This new engine is not just efficient; it is only more powerful than its predecessor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The proposed supercomputer would be not only more powerful but hundreds of times more power efficient than any other supercomputer, making such calculations cost effective.

MIT Technology Review

So, says Mrs Inoguchi, "Mr Koizumi's influence will in time become only more powerful".

The Economist

And yet the myth, wicked as it was, grew only more powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Simple math suggests that the A.N.C. is growing only more powerful.

The New York Times

For the first few years of his fame Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, exerted a gravitational pull on pop and was impossible to emulate, making him only more powerful.

The New York Times - Arts

The chances are that they secretly or unconsciously believe in a God who is just another inhabitant of the universe, only more powerful than anyone else.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Their voices are not only getting louder, but more powerful.

HuffPost

Our devices will become not only vastly more powerful, but also more natural and will eventually disappear altogether.

Forbes

We stamp our feet but China only becomes more powerful.

Huffington Post

A new vision for labor-management cooperation must include not only a more powerful board, but also a less partisan one, with members who are independent and neutral experts.

The New York Times

Then in 2006 came the Nintendo Wii, only slightly more powerful than 2001's Gamecube, but boasting a motion controller resembling a TV remote and games such as Wii Sports, which could be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only more powerful", ensure that the comparison is clear and the context highlights the specific advantage gained by the increase in power. For example, "The updated software is not just new; it's "only more powerful" in its ability to analyze complex datasets."

Common error

Avoid using "only more powerful" when the increase in power is not the sole or primary benefit. If there are other significant improvements, use a broader comparative phrase like "significantly more powerful" to avoid downplaying other enhancements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only more powerful" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, emphasizing that the sole or primary difference between two entities is the degree of power. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English and compare two things. For example, quantum computers are not "only more powerful" than anything built to date.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only more powerful" is a grammatically correct comparative phrase used to emphasize that the exclusive or primary difference between two things is the level of power. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for informative contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and that the increase in power is, indeed, the main differentiator. Alternatives such as "merely more potent" or "simply more influential" may be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely more potent

Replaces "only" with "merely", indicating a simple increase in power without additional implications.

simply more influential

Substitutes "powerful" with "influential", shifting the focus from raw strength to the capacity to affect others.

just more effective

Replaces "powerful" with "effective", emphasizing the outcome or result of the increased ability.

solely more dominant

Substitutes "powerful" with "dominant", highlighting the control or supremacy achieved.

exclusively more robust

Replaces "only" with "exclusively" and "powerful" with "robust", suggesting a unique and strengthened attribute.

increasingly formidable

Shifts the focus to a gradual growth in power or strength, using "formidable" to describe the result.

progressively more commanding

Similar to "increasingly formidable", this highlights a continuous increase in control or authority.

remarkably more vigorous

Replaces "powerful" with "vigorous" and adding "remarkably" to showcase the high level of impact.

noticeably more compelling

Replaces "powerful" with "compelling" and adding "noticeably" to emphasize that the increase in power is appreciable.

distinctly more impactful

Replaces "powerful" with "impactful" and adding "distinctly" to emphasize that the power is easily distinguishable.

FAQs

How can I use "only more powerful" in a sentence?

Use "only more powerful" to emphasize that the primary or sole difference between two things is the level of power. For instance, "The new engine isn't fuel-efficient, it's "only more powerful" than the previous one".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "only more powerful"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "merely more potent", "simply more influential", or "just more effective".

When is it appropriate to use "only more powerful" instead of "significantly more powerful"?

"Only more powerful" is best when the increase in power is the exclusive or most important distinction. "Significantly more powerful" is suitable when there are other notable differences as well.

Is "only more powerful" grammatically correct?

Yes, "only more powerful" is grammatically correct. It follows standard comparative structure and is listed as grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI. It's used to describe something that is exclusively or primarily increased in power compared to something else.