only partially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only partially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not complete or whole. For example, "I only partially understood the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only partially.

Independent

(I'm only partially kidding).

The New Yorker

But only partially.

The Guardian

Yes, but only partially.

The New Yorker

He was only partially correct.

The Economist

Name only partially preserved.

Harvard University

Only partially cleared.

Harvard University

That's only partially true.

The Washington Post

Some were only partially preserved.

The New York Times - Arts

He was only partially joking.

The New Yorker

That is only partially true.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only partially", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'whole' or complete state would be. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding of the degree to which something is achieved or true.

Common error

Avoid using "only partially" when a more precise term is available. If you know the specific percentage or portion, use that instead of relying on the vagueness of "only partially".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only partially" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which an action, state, or quality is realized. As evidenced by Ludwig, it indicates something is not complete or whole. The Examples show that it frequently modifies verbs or adjectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only partially" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that something is not fully complete or realized. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse communication styles. When writing, remember that while there are many alternative ways to express the same idea, consider the context to ensure clarity and precision when using "only partially".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partly

A simple and common synonym indicating a degree of completion less than whole.

in part

A shorter and more direct way of saying something is true or complete to some degree.

not fully

Focuses on the absence of full completion or realization.

not entirely

Highlights the lack of completeness, suggesting the opposite of 'entirely' is true.

to some degree

Indicates that an action or state exists, but it's constrained to some level.

to a limited extent

Emphasizes the restricted degree of something being achieved.

somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree, implying it is neither fully nor insignificantly.

up to a point

Suggests that something is true or effective only to a certain limit or threshold.

in some respects

Highlights that completeness is applicable to certain aspects or details, but not all.

on a limited scale

It is a related but different alternative that means to an extent that is less comprehensive or complete.

FAQs

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

You can use "only partially" to indicate that something is not complete or whole. For example, "I "only partially understood" the instructions" or "The project was "only partially funded"".

What are some alternatives to using "only partially"?

Alternatives to "only partially" include "partly", "in part", "to a limited extent", or "somewhat", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "partially only" instead of "only partially"?

While "partially only" might be understood, "only partially" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrasing. "Only partially" emphasizes the limitation or incompleteness more directly.

What is the difference between "only partially" and "almost completely"?

"Only partially" means something is far from complete, whereas "almost completely" means something is very near to being finished or whole. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum.