the only thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the only thing' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a singular thing or event that is the only one of its kind. For example: "The only thing I need to do tonight is finish my homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the only thing.

The New York Times

That's the only thing.

The New Yorker

It's the only thing"..

The New Yorker

The only thing there….

The New Yorker

They're the only thing left!

The New Yorker

That was the only thing".

The New York Times

Winning is the only thing?

The New York Times

It's the only thing.

The Guardian - Music

The only thing missing is the championship.

The New York Times - Sports

The only thing missing was Daisy.

The New Yorker

The only thing missing was luck.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a singular focus, use "the only thing" to clearly communicate that no other factors are relevant. For instance, "The only thing that matters now is finishing the project."

Common error

Avoid using "the only thing" when referring to multiple items or concepts. It should always be followed by a singular noun or a clause that implies a singular focus. Instead of saying "The only thing are the problems", rephrase it as "The only problem is..." or "The only things are the issues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only thing" functions as a determiner phrase, highlighting a single element as uniquely important or relevant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used. Examples include "The only thing missing is luck" and "The only thing that matters is trust".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability. It serves to highlight a singular, essential element, often to the exclusion of others, and finds frequent usage across news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately with singular nouns and avoid misusing it to refer to multiple items. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate a singular focus in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only aspect to consider

Explicitly frames the element as the only one warranting attention.

the most important factor

Highlights the primary influence or consideration.

the one and only matter

Adds emphasis to the singularity and importance of the subject.

the only item of concern

Specifies that the "thing" is something causing worry or attention.

the sole concern

Replaces "thing" with a more specific noun emphasizing worry or care.

the crucial element

Focuses on the essential or necessary component.

all that matters

Simplifies the phrasing to emphasize ultimate significance.

the main point

Shifts focus to the central idea or argument.

the single aspect

Highlights a particular feature or element.

the solitary item

Emphasizes the isolation or lack of alternatives.

FAQs

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

Use "the only thing" to emphasize a single aspect or consideration. For example, "The only thing that matters is finishing the task on time."

What are some alternatives to "the only thing"?

You can use alternatives like "the sole concern", "all that matters", or "the most important factor" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the only thing are"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "The only thing" is singular and should be followed by a singular verb, such as "is" or "was". The correct phrase would be: "The only thing is".

What's the difference between "the only thing" and "the main thing"?

"The only thing" implies there are no other relevant considerations, while "the main thing" suggests it's the most important among others. If there are other important considerations, but one is more important, use "the main thing". If nothing else is relevant, use "the only thing".