only remains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only remains" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is the only thing that is left or still exists. Example: After the fire, the old building was completely destroyed; only remains of the foundation were left standing. In this sentence, "only remains" is used to describe the small amount of the building that is still standing after the fire. It emphasizes that everything else has been destroyed.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only remains of these temples are postholes.

Britannica

Now it only remains to use the definition of subgaussianity, that is take, and optimize over.

Princeton University

Given our disposition of the case, this issue only remains to be resolved on remand.

Cornell University

Yet, he not only remains in prison but has, at times, been deliberately denied psychiatric care.

The Guardian

The only remains of the "Eden" camp were some old fire pits and more bones.

The New Yorker

Like mile markers, brick chimneys spike up from foundations, the only remains of expensive homes.

The Washington Post

For now, Oracle not only remains in pole position, but has the more compelling vision.

The Economist

Fergus becomes obsessed with Dil, or perhaps he only remains obsessed with Jody.

Independent

Normally, a power of attorney only remains effective as long as the principal is alive and competant to make decisions.

Cornell University

It only remains to add that the plaintiff in error had his day in court and opportunity to be heard.

Cornell University

As a result, indirection overhead only remains in the generated code if it is required by reconfiguration in the model.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only remains" to clearly indicate that nothing else exists or continues, emphasizing the singularity of the subject.

Common error

Avoid embedding "only remains" within overly complex sentence structures. Keep the sentence simple and direct for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only remains" functions as a verbal phrase that typically modifies a noun, indicating that the specified noun is the sole entity or aspect that is left. It asserts a state of continuation or survival, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only remains" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression that effectively conveys the idea of something being the sole entity or aspect that persists. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various domains, including science, news, and academia. When using "only remains", consider alternative phrases like "solely remains" or "just remains" for nuanced expression. While generally neutral in register, maintaining clarity in sentence structure is key to leveraging its impact. Avoid overly complex sentences to ensure the emphasis on what "only remains" is clear and impactful. This phrase is very common, with a wide range of applications, especially in academic writing and news reporting, as indicated by the frequent authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely remains

Synonymous, emphasizing exclusivity and the absence of anything else.

nothing else remains

This phrase clearly states the absence of anything else, adding emphasis.

just remains

This alternative conveys a sense of simplicity or straightforwardness in what is left.

simply remains

Similar to 'just remains', this emphasizes the lack of complexity.

alone remains

This alternative emphasizes the solitude or lack of companionship of what's left.

all that's left is

This alternative shifts the focus to the entirety of what remains, often implying a conclusion or summary.

merely remains

This alternative highlights the insignificance or simplicity of what is left.

only survives

Emphasizes the idea that something has overcome challenges to stay in existence.

only persists

This alternative emphasizes the continuation or endurance of what's left.

only lingers

This alternative conveys a sense of something remaining for an extended period, perhaps unwantedly.

FAQs

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

Use "only remains" to indicate that something is the single element or aspect that persists or exists. For example: "After the storm, "only remains" the shell of the building".

What are some alternatives to using "only remains"?

Alternatives include phrases like "solely remains", "just remains", or "nothing else remains", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "only remain" instead of "only remains"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "only remains" for singular subjects (e.g., "the memory only remains"), and "only remain" for plural subjects (e.g., "the memories only remain").

What's the difference between "only remains" and "still remains"?

"Only remains" emphasizes that nothing else is present or continuing, while "still remains" indicates that something continues to exist despite other changes or expectations. For example, "His determination "still remains" strong" suggests persistence, while ""only remains" dust" suggests everything else is gone.