only that it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only that it" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clause that adds important information to the previous statement. Here is an example: "The new employee's performance was satisfactory, but only that it lacked attention to detail." In this sentence, the phrase "only that it" introduces the specific aspect of the performance that was lacking. Another example could be: "The concert was enjoyable, but only that it ended too soon." In this case, the phrase "only that it" introduces the one negative aspect of an otherwise positive experience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's not saying when, only that "it will happen".

Los Angeles Times

The government gave no reason for the climbdown - saying only that it was reconsidering its policies.

BBC

Not only that, it prepares and organises its findings in a presentation.

European Journal of Futures Research

It has said only that it will invest in its core businesses.

Forbes

Intel says only that it won't speculate what its investments or Convera might contribute this year.

Forbes

Not only that, it was silent!

The New York Times

Only that it is to be lived".

The New York Times - Books

Not only that, it included amphetamines, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Or only that it is uniquely barefaced?

The New Yorker

"Only that it was next to the bed!" he said.

The New Yorker

The agency said only that it was reviewing such proposals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only that it" to introduce a single, key limitation or clarification to a statement to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "only that it" excessively in close succession, as it can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure with synonyms like "except that" or "merely that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only that it" functions as a connector or conjunctive phrase. It introduces a limitation, qualification, or exception to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms this based on the frequent examples where it introduces a condition or constraint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only that it" is a common conjunctive phrase used to introduce a qualification or limitation to a previous statement. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider related phrases like "except that it" or "merely that it" for varied expression. Use "only that it" when you need to introduce a single, key limitation or clarification to a statement to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except that it

Focuses on the exception to what was previously stated.

but only that it

Adds emphasis to the limitation being introduced.

merely that it

Emphasizes the simplicity or insignificance of the qualification.

just that it

Indicates a simple reason or explanation.

simply that it

Highlights the straightforward nature of the added information.

solely that it

Stresses the exclusive nature of the condition.

save that it

Introduces a condition that is the only exception.

other than that it

Indicates something is acceptable besides the stated point.

with the exception that it

Highlights the condition as an exception to a general rule.

apart from that it

Introduces an element that is separate from the main topic.

FAQs

How can I use "only that it" in a sentence?

Use "only that it" to introduce a qualification or exception to a previous statement. For example, "The movie was great, "only that it" was too long."

What are some alternatives to "only that it"?

You can use alternatives like "except that it", "but only that it", or "merely that it" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "just that it" instead of "only that it"?

Yes, "just that it" can be used as a substitute for "only that it", especially when pointing out a simple reason or explanation.

What's the difference between "only that it" and "provided that it"?

"Only that it" introduces a limitation, while "provided that it" sets a condition that must be met. They have different meanings and uses.