the only thing required

USAGE SUMMARY

"the only thing required" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to indicate that there is only one specific thing that is needed or necessary. For example: - "The only thing required for this job is a bachelor's degree." - "The only thing required to enter the competition is a completed entry form." - "When moving to the new apartment, the only thing required is a security deposit." - "To make this recipe, the only thing required is a food processor." - "The only thing required for success is hard work and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The only thing required from the parents was time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only thing required is that people learn how to look after their dogs".

The New York Times

"He signed a contract, and that was the only thing required".

The New York Times

§ 6. 'The only thing required in this bill is contained in the amendment that I have offered, that there shall be apportioned to each State its share of the water.

Cornell University

The only thing required for a pet to fly with its owner instead of riding as cargo was documentation (like a letter from a doctor) saying the person needed emotional support from an animal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Metropolitan Hilarion is an accomplished composer who has been to Italy for gala performances of his works.So if personal chemistry were the only thing required to get the Orthodox and Catholics breathing in sync, the way ahead might be clear.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

These are the only things required to be connected to the computer in order to use it.

WikiHow

A flight attendant once told me that babies are the only thing not required to be strapped in or strapped down for take off and landing.

Huffington Post

Master this one technique and you have learned dozens of "recipes". The only thing it requires is a certain amount of minding — getting the vegetables perfectly done (cooked through but not mushy) requires paying attention.

Los Angeles Times

The only thing Khoruts requires of donors is that they be free of digestive maladies and communicable diseases.

The Guardian

The only thing it requires is that you will have a house where the kids come to visit," he said, "and the adults are not too suspicious".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only thing required", ensure the context clearly specifies what that single requirement is to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the only thing required" without clearly specifying what that 'thing' is. For example, instead of saying "the only thing required is effort", be specific: "the only thing required is a completed application form submitted by the deadline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only thing required" functions as a determiner phrase that identifies and emphasizes a single, necessary condition or element. It is often used to simplify a situation by highlighting the core prerequisite. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only thing required" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that highlights a single, essential condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and analysis shows it frequently appears in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts. The phrase is versatile, maintaining a neutral register suitable for a wide range of communication styles. When using "the only thing required", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the specific requirement is to avoid any ambiguity. This phrase effectively simplifies complex situations by pinpointing the core prerequisite.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole requirement

Replaces "thing required" with a more formal term for requirement and "only" with "sole", indicating exclusiveness.

the single necessity

Substitutes "thing required" with "necessity" implying something indispensable, and "only" with "single" to show uniqueness.

all that is needed

Uses a different grammatical structure to convey that nothing else is necessary.

the essential element

Focuses on identifying the key component that is indispensable.

the crucial aspect

Highlights the importance of a particular aspect that is needed.

just what is necessary

Emphasizes that no more than the stated item is needed.

what is strictly needed

Adds an element of stringency to the requirement.

that's all it takes

An idiom expressing the simplicity of what is needed.

the bare minimum needed

Indicates that only the most basic requirement is sufficient.

nothing more is necessary

Explicitly states the exclusion of additional requirements.

FAQs

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

Use "the only thing required" to emphasize a single, essential condition or element. For example, "The only thing required to pass the test is a score of 70% or higher." Ensure the context clearly defines this sole requirement.

What's a formal alternative to "the only thing required"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "the sole requirement" or "the single necessity". These alternatives maintain the emphasis on a single, indispensable element while sounding more professional.

Is it correct to say "the only thing that is required" instead of "the only thing required"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and essentially interchangeable. However, "the only thing required" is often more concise and direct. The longer version, "the only thing that is required", may be used for added emphasis or clarity in certain contexts.

What are common mistakes when using "the only thing required"?

A common mistake is failing to clearly specify what the sole requirement actually is. To avoid this, always follow the phrase with a precise and unambiguous definition of the required element. For instance, instead of just saying "the only thing required is preparation", specify what that preparation entails.