there are only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there are only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a limited quantity or number of something. Example: "There are only three days left until the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are only coups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are only interests.

The Economist

There are only people.

The New Yorker

(There are only eighty).

The New Yorker

There are only nine.

The Economist

There are only three solutions.

The Economist

"There are only odd eccentrics.

The New York Times

Fortunately, there are only two.

The New York Times

There are only 38 apartments.

The New York Times

"There are only grand sentiments".

The New York Times

There are only poor ones".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there are only" to clearly define limitations or exclusive conditions. This phrase helps set boundaries and manage expectations in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "there are only" multiple times in close proximity. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are only" primarily functions as a limiting quantifier. It specifies that the number or type of something is restricted. Ludwig AI shows this use in examples such as, "There are only three solutions."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there are only" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate limitations or exclusive conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to focus attention and manage expectations. While perfectly acceptable for formal writing, alternatives like "there exist solely" may sometimes be more fitting. Remember to vary your phrasing to avoid repetition and enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there exist solely

Replaces "are" with "exist" and "only" with "solely" to emphasize exclusivity.

there are just

Substitutes "only" with "just" for a more casual tone.

there are exclusively

Substitutes "only" with "exclusively" to underscore the absence of anything else.

there are simply

Replaces "only" with "simply" for a slightly less emphatic tone.

there are merely

Uses "merely" instead of "only" to downplay the significance or amount.

there remain solely

Uses "remain" to highlight the surviving elements, replacing "are" and "only" with "solely".

these are the only

Inverts the sentence structure, again emphasizing exclusivity by focusing on the listed items.

there are no more than

Emphasizes the upper limit of a quantity.

only these exist

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the exclusivity from a different angle.

there are but

An archaic substitute for "there are only".

FAQs

How can I use "there are only" in a sentence?

The phrase "there are only" is used to indicate a limited quantity or a set of exclusive conditions. For example, "There are only three apples left" indicates a limited quantity, while "There are only two options" indicates exclusive conditions.

What can I say instead of "there are only"?

You can use alternatives like "there exist solely", "there are just", or "there are simply" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "there are only" in formal writing?

The phrase "there are only" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly define limits or conditions. Ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document. In a formal setting you can also opt for "there exist solely" or "there are exclusively".

What's the difference between "there are only" and "there are just"?

While both phrases convey a sense of limitation, "there are only" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on exclusivity. "There are just" is often perceived as more casual or conversational.