only valid

USAGE SUMMARY

"only valid" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is the only thing that is considered valid or true in a particular situation. Examples: - The coupon is only valid for purchases made in-store. - Your license will be considered only valid if it is not expired. - The contract states that a signature from both parties is the only valid form of agreement. - The study concluded that the results were only valid for individuals between the ages of 18-25.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The only valid option is civil disobedience.

The Guardian - Opinion

For now, consider only valid accesses.

Stanford University

It's only valid for those two lines.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ideas are only valid if they fit into media schedules.

The Guardian - Arts

But, suddenly, The Times owns the only valid opinion.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet we regard elections as the only valid method.

The Guardian

But it was only valid Nov. 17, he objected.

The New York Times

A performance is, she said, "only valid in that moment".

The New York Times

(This package is only valid for Sunday through Tuesday arrivals).

The New York Times - Travel

(Our police permit is only valid until noon).

The New Yorker

Test scores are only valid for five years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only valid", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for validity to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what makes something "valid" in the given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "only valid" without specifying the scope or conditions under which it applies. This can lead to misinterpretations. Instead of saying "That's the only valid approach", specify "That's the "only valid approach" given our current resources and timeline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only valid" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, specifying that the noun is the sole acceptable or legitimate option. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase emphasizes exclusivity in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only valid" is a commonly used adjective phrase that serves to restrict options and emphasize exclusivity. Grammatically sound, this phrase is used across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase highlights what is legitimate or acceptable, making it a powerful tool for precision in writing. The key is to ensure the criteria for validity are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. By understanding the nuances of "only valid", writers can use it effectively to convey specificity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely legitimate

Emphasizes the single, legitimate option.

exclusively authorized

Highlights authorization as the sole condition.

uniquely permissible

Stresses the singular allowance of something.

justifiable alone

Highlights that only something is defensible.

strictly acceptable

Focuses on a narrow margin of acceptance.

certainly effective

Focuses on the effectiveness of something

genuinely admissible

Focuses on the real, true admissibility of something.

truly applicable

Focuses on how something is really true and applicable.

absolutely sound

Stresses the completeness and soundness of something.

singularly correct

Focuses on the correct and singular characteristic of something.

FAQs

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

Use "only valid" to emphasize that something is the sole acceptable or legitimate option in a particular situation. For example, "This coupon is "only valid" for purchases made before December 31st."

What are some alternatives to saying "only valid"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "solely legitimate", "exclusively authorized", or "uniquely permissible" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the only valid" or "only valid"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the "only valid"" is used when referring to a specific item or option that is valid, while "only valid" can be used more generally to describe a category of valid items.

What's the difference between "only valid" and "merely acceptable"?

"Only valid" suggests something meets the necessary criteria and is legitimate, while "merely acceptable" implies something just barely meets the requirements and might not be ideal.