the only thing is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the only thing is' is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to express that there is one particular issue or obstacle that must be considered or overcome. For example, "The only thing is, the project is already two weeks behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The only thing is, it didn't exist".

The New York Times

The only thing is the ball's huge.

The Guardian - Sport

The only thing is -- the stairs".

The New York Times

"The only thing is to pull triggers".

The New York Times - Magazine

The only thing is my age.

The New York Times - Sports

But the only thing is negative.

The New York Times - Sports

The only thing is, that's not always true.

The New York Times

The only thing is what you think of yourself.

The New York Times - Sports

"The only thing is work," Ms. Downs said.

The New York Times

But the only thing is, I was really putting well.

The New York Times - Sports

The only thing is to show up and do something.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only thing is" to introduce a specific detail or exception that qualifies a previous statement or plan. This helps to manage expectations and add nuance.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the only thing is". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only thing is" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a qualification, limitation, or specific detail that affects the preceding statement. Ludwig AI provides many examples that confirm this usage, showcasing its role in adding nuance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only thing is" serves as a crucial transitional phrase, introducing a specific caveat or condition that impacts a prior statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. When writing, it's best used to add nuance and manage expectations, but overuse can lead to redundancy. Alternatives include phrases like "the main issue is" or "the catch is". Therefore, use "the only thing is" judiciously to enhance clarity and provide context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The sole issue is

Focuses on the singularity of the problem.

The real issue is

Emphasizes the underlying or true problem.

The single catch is

Highlights a hidden condition or unexpected drawback.

The main problem is

Emphasizes the importance of the issue.

The primary concern is

Indicates the most significant worry or consideration.

The difficulty lies in

Pinpoints where the trouble originates.

The limitation is

Draws attention to a specific constraint.

The reservation is

Expresses a doubt or qualification.

The sticking point is

Highlights the major obstacle.

The hitch is

Implies a minor, yet potentially disruptive, issue.

FAQs

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

Use "the only thing is" to introduce a qualification, limitation, or potential problem related to a prior statement. For example, "The plan sounds great, the only thing is, we need more funding."

What are some alternatives to using "the only thing is"?

You can use alternatives such as "the main issue", "the problem is", or "the catch is" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the only thing is"?

Yes, it is grammatically acceptable. It functions as a transitional phrase introducing a contrasting or qualifying point.

What's the difference between "the only thing is" and "however"?

"The only thing is" introduces a specific concern or limitation, while "however" generally introduces a contrasting statement or idea. The former is often more focused and specific than the latter.