the only drawback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the only drawback' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has only one negative aspect. For example, "The hotel had great amenities, but the only drawback was the uncomfortable beds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only drawback is its length.

The Economist

The only drawback involves Teddy the terrier.

The New York Times

That is not the only drawback.

The Economist

What is the only drawback for fans?

The Guardian - Sport

"That's the only drawback," Mr. Reid said.

The New York Times

Here's the only drawback: The housing is outrageously expensive.

The Washington Post

The only drawback is that the restaurant could not grow.

The New York Times

Tough, chewy samosa skins are the only drawback.

The New York Times - Food

The only drawback was the lack of indoor parking.

The New York Times

The duck was not the only drawback at Aquavit.

The New York Times - Food

The only drawback: the tart had drowned in the sauce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only drawback", ensure that you have already established the positive aspects of the subject to provide a balanced view. This helps maintain objectivity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "the only drawback". Ensure it genuinely is the only negative aspect, not merely the most obvious or easily articulated one. A thorough evaluation prevents undermining your argument's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only drawback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or complement of a sentence. It introduces a single, specific disadvantage or negative aspect, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic & Scientific

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig AI, "the only drawback" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for pinpointing the single negative aspect of something. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to provide a balanced view. Related phrases include "the sole disadvantage" and "the single limitation". When using "the only drawback", ensure that it is truly the only issue, and avoid exaggerating its significance. Be mindful of context to maintain credibility, and use it to introduce a tempering point after establishing positive attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole disadvantage

Replaces 'drawback' with 'disadvantage' and 'only' with 'sole', emphasizing the singularity of the negative aspect.

the solitary downside

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the negative aspect using 'solitary' and 'downside'.

the single limitation

Substitutes 'drawback' with 'limitation', highlighting a restrictive aspect.

the single failing

Substitutes 'drawback' with 'failing', underscoring a weakness or fault.

the one negative aspect

Replaces 'drawback' with a more explicit description of a negative attribute.

but one deficiency

Uses 'deficiency' to describe a lack or inadequacy as the sole issue.

the only problem

Uses the more general term 'problem' instead of 'drawback'.

the sole imperfection

Replaces 'drawback' with 'imperfection', focusing on a flaw or defect.

the main con

Uses the informal term 'con' to indicate a disadvantage.

just one catch

Employs the idiomatic expression 'catch' to mean a hidden disadvantage.

FAQs

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

Use "the only drawback" to introduce the single negative point about something that is otherwise positive. For example, "The new phone has excellent features; "the only drawback" is its high price."

What are some alternatives to saying "the only drawback"?

You can use alternatives like "the sole disadvantage", "the single limitation", or "the one negative aspect" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the only drawback is..."?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "the only drawback" functions as the subject of the sentence, and "is" serves as the verb, followed by the specific drawback.

What's the difference between "the only drawback" and "a drawback"?

"The only drawback" indicates there is specifically one negative aspect, while "a drawback" suggests there may be multiple negative aspects, but this is one of them.