only some

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only some" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a portion, but not all, of a group or category is being referred to. Example: "Only some of the participants completed the survey, which may affect the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, only some did.

The Economist

Only some.

The New York Times

Only some had blankets.

The New York Times - Health

But only some.

The New York Times - Sports

Only some sticky residue remained.

The New York Times

"We have only some blankets".

The New York Times

Only some businesses reported blockades.

The Economist

Carr had only some idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Nowadays only some do.

The Guardian

Only some work.

The Guardian

Only some wars.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only some", ensure the context clearly indicates what larger group is being partially referenced. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "only some" when the actual proportion is known and significantly small or large. Instead of saying "Only some students failed the test", when only 1% failed, a more accurate phrase would be, "Very few students failed the test".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only some" functions as a determiner and quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a limited or restricted quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to specify that not all members of a group or category are being referred to, focusing on a partial selection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only some" serves to restrict a statement, indicating that it applies to a portion, but not the entirety, of a group. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently across a range of sources from news media and academic papers to encyclopedias and wikis, making it a common expression in English writing. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context clearly defines the scope being referenced, and be mindful not to use it if the proportion is already precisely known. It's a simple and effective way to limit scope when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some but not all

Explicitly states the partial nature of the selection, emphasizing the exclusion of the remainder.

not all

Focuses on the exclusion of a part from the whole, offering a direct contrast to universality.

just a few

Emphasizes the small number or quantity involved, suggesting even fewer than "only some".

a minority of

Highlights that the portion being referred to is less than half of the total.

only a fraction

Similar to "a small fraction", but emphasizes the insignificance of the portion.

a limited number

Stresses that the quantity is restricted, implying that there could be more but there aren't.

a small fraction

Indicates that the part being referred to is a tiny proportion of the whole.

merely a portion

Underscores the fact that only a part, and perhaps a small part, is being considered.

certain segments

Highlights that specific parts or groups are being referred to, implying a degree of selection.

a select few

Implies that those included are chosen or special in some way, contrasting with the excluded.

FAQs

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

You can use "only some" to indicate that a part, but not the entirety, of a group is being referred to. For example, "Only some of the students passed the exam".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "only some"?

Alternatives to "only some" include phrases like "just a few", "a minority of", or "not all" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "only some" instead of "some"?

Use "only some" when it's important to emphasize that not all members of a group are included. "Some" is more general, while "only some" highlights the exclusion of the rest.

Is "only some" formal or informal language?

"Only some" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows for broad applicability across various writing styles.