only usable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only usable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be used exclusively or is limited to a specific purpose. Example: "This software is only usable on devices that meet the minimum system requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

CONS: The only usable lawn is to the front and side of the house.

The New York Times

Suddenly, all the data coming from the accelerometer was no longer only usable by Apple; third party developers had their time to shine.

The Guardian - Tech

Berners-Lee's protocol which is not only usable but also elegant spread fast, initially across universities and then into the public.

The New Yorker

"It was at its best at over 5,000 r.p.m. and most of its performance was really only usable on the track".

The New York Times

America's only usable analogy, Pearl Harbour, December 7 , 1941 is on everyone's lips, on the streets and in the news studios.

The Guardian

With a starting price of $349, and only usable alongside an iPhone, it is unlikely to be a product with mass appeal.

The Economist

Berners-Lee's protocol — which is not only usable but also elegant — spread fast, initially across universities and then into the public.

The New Yorker

"The only usable past, the only history of that period that they adopted for the image of the future was the heroic chapter of resistance".

The New York Times

For the actors, the shoot was intense both because of unforeseen circumstances (one day the rain washed out the only usable road) and because of the beauty and strangeness of their surroundings.

The New York Times

The only usable system delivered by DMI was an archive and ordering system that was slower than the 40-year-old process it was intended to replace, with just 163 staff and a running cost of £3m a year, four times the £780,000 annual cost of its archaic predecessor.

The Guardian

So the question is, how do you design so it doesn't look like it is for or is only usable by someone with a specialized need?" Richard C. Duncan, the senior project manager for the Center for Universal Design, said: "Most people think U.D. is a term that is synonym with accessible design.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the limitations of a tool or technology, use "only usable" to clearly specify the conditions under which it can be effectively employed. For example, "This software is "only usable" on devices that meet the minimum system requirements".

Common error

Avoid using "only usable" when the item in question has utility beyond its primary purpose, even if it's less effective. Instead, acknowledge the other uses before specifying what it's best suited for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only usable" functions as a modifier that specifies the limited circumstances or purposes for which something is fit for use. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and appropriate usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only usable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is limited in its application or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples across varied contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. When using "only usable", ensure that the limitations you are describing are accurate and that you are not overstating the restrictions. Consider alternatives like "exclusively usable" or "solely functional" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively usable

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of usability.

usable exclusively

Rearranges the phrase for a slight variation in emphasis.

solely functional

Highlights the functional aspect as the only relevant one.

uniquely suitable

Emphasizes the unique suitability for a particular purpose.

specifically designed for

Focuses on the design aspect and its intended use.

restricted to

Indicates a limitation in the scope of usability.

particularly useful

Suggests that the item in question has limited utility beyond its specific role, and nothing else.

limited in application

Highlights the limitations of the usability.

designed for single-use

Focuses on the design aspect and its intent.

operational only under

Highlights operational restrictions or conditional use.

FAQs

How to use "only usable" in a sentence?

You can use "only usable" to specify when something can exclusively or effectively be used, such as: "This feature is "only usable" after you upgrade your account."

What can I say instead of "only usable"?

You can use alternatives like "exclusively usable", "solely functional", or "specifically designed for" depending on the context.

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

While "usable only" might be understood, "only usable" is generally the preferred and more grammatically conventional order in English.

What's the difference between "only usable" and "partially usable"?

"Only usable" suggests something is exclusively for a specific purpose or under specific conditions. "Partially usable" implies it can be used, but with some limitations or reduced effectiveness.