since only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the cause or reason for an event, or to introduce a phrase that explains why something is the case. Example sentence: Since only a few people responded to the survey, we cannot draw any meaningful conclusions.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And animal testing isn't possible since only humans produce it.

The New York Times

It has been bouncing around ever since, only fitfully visible.

The New York Times

That seems unfair, since only one is a sport.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since only, hence we have (2.20).

Boundary Value Problems

Binding is specific, since only tRNAAsp can dissociate the complex.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Since only universals are definable, substantial forms are universals.

SEP

Contradiction is not presented, since only one instance was annotated.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The proposed adaptive controller is implementable in practice since only measurable outputs have been used.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The design thereof is however quite complex since only a few dye classes show these properties.

Dyes and Pigments

Synergistic effect was found since only together they were able to accelerate recovery.

Brain Research

Since only solenoids are used, both surface μ+ and cloud μ− are extracted simultaneously.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "since only", ensure the limitation you are stating is clear and directly relevant to the cause-and-effect relationship you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "since only" when you intend to refer to a time frame. "Since" indicating time can often be replaced with "from" or "after", whereas "since only" is causal and limiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since only" functions as a causal connector, introducing a clause that explains a reason or cause while emphasizing a limiting factor. This connector is used to provide an explanation for why something is the case, given a specific constraint or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since only" functions as a causal connector, presenting a reason or cause alongside a limiting factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related content, where clear explanations and justifications are essential. When using "since only", ensure that the limiting condition is clearly stated and relevant to the causal relationship. Alternatives such as "because only" or "as only" can provide similar meanings while varying sentence structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

because only

Replaces "since" with "because", maintaining the causal relationship and limiting condition.

as only

Substitutes "since" with "as", keeping the sense of causality and restriction.

given that only

Adds a more formal tone by using "given that" instead of "since", while retaining the limiting aspect.

seeing as only

Uses a more conversational tone with "seeing as", maintaining the causal and limiting elements.

considering that only

Offers a more deliberative tone using "considering that", while still conveying the limited cause.

inasmuch as only

Presents a formal alternative using "inasmuch as", emphasizing the extent of the limiting factor.

due to the fact that only

Replaces "since" with a more verbose "due to the fact that", stressing the cause.

on account of only

Provides a more direct replacement for "since", maintaining causality.

by virtue of only

Uses "by virtue of" to indicate that something is a consequence of a specific limitation.

the reason being only

Emphasizes the explanation for something by stating "the reason being".

FAQs

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

Use "since only" to introduce a reason that includes a limiting condition. For example, "Since only a few tickets are left, you should buy them now."

What's a good alternative to "since only"?

Consider using "because only" or "as only" to convey a similar meaning while varying your sentence structure.

Is "since only" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "since only" can be used in formal writing. However, for a more elevated tone, you might consider phrases like "given that only" or "inasmuch as only".

How does "since only" differ from "only since"?

"Since only" implies a causal relationship with a limitation, whereas "only since" specifies a starting point in time. For example, "Since only one person volunteered, we canceled the event" versus "I've known her only since last year".