only remaining

USAGE SUMMARY

"only remaining" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is the sole remaining thing. For example: With all the other players injured, I am the only remaining member of the team left able to play.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Easy money is the only remaining suspect.

The Economist

The only remaining questions involve details.

The New York Times

The only remaining question is: how much?

The Guardian

That leaves David Durante as the only remaining alternate.

The New York Times - Sports

"So our son is his only remaining child?" "Yes".

The New Yorker

The only remaining task was to record the music.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It then only remained to remove Oldenbarnevelt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People only remain famous for one or two meetings.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only one remaining?

The New York Times

Consequently, the only option remaining is diplomacy.

The Guardian

There were only three remaining patients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only remaining" to emphasize scarcity or the finality of something in a series or group. For example, "This is the only remaining copy of the original manuscript."

Common error

Avoid using redundant language around "only remaining". Phrases like "the only remaining one left" are repetitive and can be simplified to just "the only remaining one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only remaining" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, specifying that it is the single element left from a previous group. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage across varied contexts. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only remaining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that serves to emphasize the singularity and finality of an entity. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and informal writing. To ensure clarity and avoid redundancy, it's best practice to use the phrase concisely, avoiding repetitive language. Given its prevalence and versatility, mastering the use of "only remaining" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single remaining

Stresses the singularity and continuation of the subject.

sole survivor

Focuses on the individual or entity that has survived when all others have perished or ceased to exist.

last vestige

Emphasizes that something is the final trace or indication of something that is disappearing or has disappeared.

final remnant

Highlights that something is the last piece or portion of what once existed.

ultimate remaining

Highlights the supremacy and continuation of the subject.

just left

Focuses on the item that was left after all others have been taken away or destroyed.

alone left

Focuses on the solitude and the act of being left behind, without anyone else.

simply survives

Emphasizes the simplicity of survival after others did not survive.

uniquely continues

Highlights the unique nature and ongoing existence of the object.

barely existing

Indicates a state of minimal existence where survival is the only thing happening.

FAQs

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

You can use "only remaining" to emphasize that something is the last or sole element. For example, "This photograph is the "only remaining" evidence of their visit".

What are some alternatives to "only remaining"?

Alternatives include "sole survivor", "last vestige", or "final remnant", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the only remaining one left"?

While understandable, "the only remaining one left" is redundant. It's better to simplify it to "the "only remaining" one" or "the last one left".

What is the difference between "only remaining" and "last"?

"Only remaining" emphasizes that there were others before, and this is the sole survivor. "Last" simply indicates the final item in a sequence or group, without necessarily implying previous existence. For example: "He is the "only remaining" player from the 2000 team" versus "He is the last player to join the team".