the only remaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only remaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is the only one left of its kind. For example: "When I walked through the empty field there was only one tree left; it was the only remaining sign of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It remains the only remaining state institution which all Russians attend.

European Journal of Futures Research

Easy money is the only remaining suspect.

The Economist

The only remaining questions involve details.

The New York Times

The only remaining question is: how much?

The Guardian

That leaves David Durante as the only remaining alternate.

The New York Times - Sports

The only remaining task was to record the music.

The New Yorker

This is the only remaining festive reference from here.

The Guardian - Sport

The only remaining option appears to be trade.

The Guardian

The only remaining all-male colleges were the religious ones.

The Guardian

The only remaining detail was how to pay for it.

The Washington Post

The only remaining question — who will pay for it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only remaining", ensure the context makes it clear what the original set or group was. This provides necessary context for the statement to be fully understood.

Common error

Avoid using "the only remaining" if there's ambiguity about the original quantity or scope. Without clear context, it can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only remaining" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying and limiting the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It highlights a singular entity that persists while others have ceased to exist or are no longer available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only remaining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to highlight the singular and last-of-its-kind status of a subject, emphasizing scarcity or uniqueness. Related phrases like "the sole remaining" and "the last remaining" offer similar meanings, while minor adjustments in phrasing can subtly shift the emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the original scope to prevent misinterpretation. As such, "the only remaining" serves as a powerful way to emphasize the uniqueness or finality of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole remaining

Replaces "only" with "sole" emphasizing uniqueness and singleness.

the last remaining

Substitutes "only" with "last", focusing on the finality of what is left.

the single remaining

Emphasizes the one item left with "single".

the solitary remaining

Uses "solitary" to highlight the isolated nature of what remains.

the one remaining

Directly states that it is "one" item left.

the only one that remains

Rephrases to focus on the action of remaining, adding a relative clause.

the only survivor

Implies a context where others have ceased to exist or function, using "survivor".

the sole survivor

Combines "sole" with "survivor" for emphasis on both uniqueness and survival.

nothing else remains

Shifts the focus to the absence of anything else, rather than the presence of the remaining item.

all others are gone

Highlights the absence of others, implying that one is left.

FAQs

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

Use "the only remaining" to specify the last one of something that still exists. For example, "This antique shop is the only remaining one in the town."

What phrases are similar to "the only remaining"?

Similar phrases include "the sole remaining", "the last remaining", or "the single remaining", all indicating the last one of something.

Is there a difference between "the only remaining" and "the last remaining"?

While both are similar, "the last remaining" emphasizes the finality or end of something, while "the only remaining" simply states there is only one left. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the finality or just the singularity.

Can I use "the only remaining" when referring to abstract concepts?

Yes, you can. For instance, "Honesty seems to be the only remaining value in this corrupt system." This usage extends beyond physical objects to abstract concepts or qualities.