only on its

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only on its" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a condition or limitation that applies solely to a particular subject or object. Example: "The project will be successful only on its completion by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only on its tax return would one describe it as a real estate business.

The New York Times

Inter Milan didn't identify who was involved, saying only on its Web site that it was "Chinese investors".

The New York Times

If it is forced to default, it may do so only on its domestic debt.

The Economist

Microsoft insisted that it would acquire Yahoo only on its own terms.

The New York Times

Only on its reissue in the 21st century did it find a substantial audience.

The Guardian - Books

Move the pawn only on its first move, forward along the file either one or two squares.

WikiHow

Iran had previously said that it would accept such an exchange only on its own territory.

The New York Times

SItn up for the best of VICE, delivered to your inbox daily.

Vice

Google is only on its second chief executive (and even he was the original one).

The Guardian - Tech

It vets every app, and its apps work only on its hardware.

The Economist

It wants to have the world in Beijing, but only on its own terms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only on its" to clearly state a singular condition or basis for something. This phrasing enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "only on its" in overly complex sentences where simpler constructions would improve readability. Break down complex ideas into shorter, more direct statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only on its" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. Ludwig AI shows its role in restricting the condition or basis of an action or state. It emphasizes a singular dependency, indicating that something is contingent solely on a particular attribute or condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only on its" serves to precisely specify a singular condition or basis, as validated by Ludwig AI's examples. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously in complex sentences to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "solely on its" or "exclusively on its" to add nuance, and always ensure the sentence structure is optimized for readability. Remember that the key is to express your unique idea, that's why you want to consider that it is not always interchangeable with all alternative and each of them may change slightly the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely on its

Emphasizes exclusivity and the absence of any other factor.

exclusively on its

Highlights that something depends entirely and uniquely on a specific aspect.

depending solely on its

Highlights the conditionality and singular dependence.

merely on its

Implies that something is based on something simple or minimal.

contingent only on its

Stresses that something is conditional and restricted to a single factor.

simply on its

Suggests that the basis is straightforward and uncomplicated.

just on its

Indicates something is based on a specific element.

restricted to its

Emphasizes limitation and confinement to a specific element.

confined to its

Expresses a strict limitation to a specific element or aspect.

limited to its

Suggests that something does not extend beyond a particular aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "only on its" in a sentence?

The phrase "only on its" is used to specify that something is dependent or conditional solely on a particular aspect. For instance, "The success of the project depends "only on its" timely completion."

What are some alternatives to "only on its"?

Alternatives include "solely on its", "exclusively on its", or "merely on its", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "only on its"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "only on its" is not common and may sound awkward. It is generally better to restructure the sentence for clarity.

What's the difference between "only on its" and "based on its"?

"Only on its" implies a singular condition, while "based on its" suggests that something is influenced by or derived from a particular aspect, but not necessarily exclusively. For example, unlike "only on its", "based on its" is not a singular condition.