only more so

USAGE SUMMARY

"only more so" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used to express an increase in the strength, intensity, or degree of something. For example: "Every day, the situation gets worse—only more so in the developing world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Only more so.

The New York Times

"This is only more so".

The New York Times

Something similar happens here, only more so.

The Guardian - Music

They stay themselves, only more so.

The New York Times - Arts

It's the same, only more so, today.

The Guardian - Opinion

The uncensored film is like the original, only more so.

The New York Times

This has always been so, only more so lately.

The New York Times - Magazine

The same with carbon offsets, only more so.

The New York Times

The same goes for Fleet Foxes, only more so.

The Guardian - Music

Like Busoni, Sorabji was born astride cultures -- only more so.

The New York Times - Arts

Imagine "The Larry Sanders Show" -- only more so.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only more so" to emphasize that a characteristic or situation is not just similar but intensified compared to something else. It adds a layer of escalation to your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "only more so" when simply stating a difference without intending to show an increase in intensity or degree. Ensure the context supports the idea of something being heightened or amplified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only more so" functions as an adverbial phrase used to intensify a comparison, indicating that something is true to a greater degree than something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples illustrate its role in emphasizing heightened states or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only more so" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to intensify comparisons and emphasize that something is true to a greater degree. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional writing. Use "only more so" to effectively highlight escalated characteristics and create a stronger impact on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more so

Adds emphasis to the increase in degree or intensity, similar to the original phrase. It's slightly more direct.

to an even greater extent

Replaces "only more so" with a more formal and explicit expression of increased degree.

still more so

Implies a continuation of an increasing trend, adding a temporal dimension.

all the more so

Emphasizes the reason or justification for the increased degree.

particularly so

Highlights the specific instance or aspect where the increase is most notable.

especially so

Similar to "particularly so", but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

more emphatically

Focuses on the manner in which something is expressed or demonstrated, rather than just the degree.

with greater intensity

Emphasizes the strength or force of the increased degree.

markedly more

Indicates a noticeable or significant increase.

to a higher degree

A more formal way of expressing an increase in level or measure.

FAQs

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

Use "only more so" to indicate that something is true to a greater extent than something else. For example, "The problem is complex, "only more so" in developing countries".

What are some alternatives to "only more so"?

Alternatives include "even more so", "to a greater extent", or "all the more so", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is "only more so" formal or informal?

"Only more so" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "to a greater degree" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What does "only more so" emphasize in a comparison?

"Only more so" emphasizes that the second element in a comparison not only shares a characteristic with the first but possesses it to a greater, more intense degree. It implies an amplification of the attribute being compared.