the only

USAGE SUMMARY

"the only" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is the only thing of its kind, usually to emphasize that there are no other options or alternatives. For example, "The only thing that matters is that everyone is safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the only thing.

The New York Times

The only damper?

The New York Times

That's the only change.

The New York Times

The only model.

The New York Times - Sports

The only upside?

The New Yorker

That's the only advantage".

The New York Times - Sports

The only clue?

The Guardian - Music

That's the only thing.

The New Yorker

The only prerequisite?

Independent

It's the only explanation.

Independent

He's the only one".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only" to clearly indicate that there are no other alternatives or options available. This can add emphasis and precision to your writing.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "the only" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "sole", "single", or rephrasing the sentence to avoid overemphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only" functions as a determiner modifying a noun. It serves to specify that the noun it modifies is unique or exclusive, indicating that there are no other entities of the same kind. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in examples like "That's "the only change"" or "It's "the only explanation"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only" functions as a determiner to emphasize uniqueness or exclusivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its usage is widespread, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "sole" or "single" for variety. Remember to use "the only" to specify that there are no other alternatives, adding precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole

Replaces "only" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing singularity.

the single

Highlights that there is just one of something, often emphasizing its isolation.

the one and only

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness and special nature of something.

the exclusive

Implies a limited access or availability, emphasizing selectiveness.

the just

Emphasizes the limitation to that specific thing and nothing more.

the very

Highlights that something is precisely what is needed or expected, often the only suitable option.

the unique

Focuses on the distinctiveness of something, highlighting its one-of-a-kind nature.

the exceptional

Implies superior quality or rarity, suggesting it's the only one of its kind due to its excellence.

the merely

Highlights the simplicity or lack of additional elements, suggesting it's just that and nothing else.

the simply

Emphasizes ease or lack of complication, implying it's the only option because of its straightforwardness.

FAQs

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

Use "the only" to specify that there is just one of something. For example, "That's "the only way" to solve this problem" or "She is "the only person" who understands me".

What are some alternatives to using "the only"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sole", "single", "just", or rephrase the sentence to emphasize the uniqueness without explicitly using "the only".

Is it grammatically correct to use "the only" followed by a singular or plural noun?

It depends on what you are trying to express. "The only" can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun, depending on whether you are referring to a single entity or multiple entities that are considered as one group. For example, "He is "the only child"" (singular) or "Those are "the only options"" (plural).

What's the difference between using "the only" and "only" in a sentence?

The inclusion of "the" before "only" often adds emphasis and specificity. "The only" typically points to a specific item or concept that is unique, whereas "only" can be more general. For example, "That's "the only solution"" versus "Only solutions that are cost-effective will be considered".