there is only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is only" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that there are no other possible alternatives, outcomes, or choices. For example: There is only one way to solve this puzzle - think of all the components and how they fit together.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is only science.

Independent

There is only "I".

The New York Times - Books

There is only you.

The New Yorker

There is only Zen".

The New York Times - Sports

There is only damage control.

The New York Times

There is only one Hahvahd.

The New Yorker

There is only a whole.

The New York Times

"There is only one God.

The New York Times

There is only the work".

The New York Times

Now there is only water.

The New York Times

There is only liberal treachery.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is only" to clearly and directly communicate that no other options or possibilities exist. This phrase is effective when setting boundaries or emphasizing a single course of action.

Common error

Avoid using "there is only" when multiple factors influence a situation, as it can oversimplify the reality. Choose more nuanced language that acknowledges the different considerations involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is only" functions as an existential quantifier followed by a limiting adverb. It asserts the existence of something while simultaneously restricting the possibilities to just that one thing. Ludwig examples support this by showcasing the phrase's use in various contexts to emphasize singularity or exclusivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is only" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote exclusivity or limitation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively communicates the existence of a single possibility, option, or entity, excluding all others. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse in overly complex scenarios, as it can oversimplify nuanced details. Employing alternatives like "there exists just" or "nothing more than" can provide greater precision and semantic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there exists just

Emphasizes the bare existence of something with no alternatives.

there remains solely

Highlights what is left or continues to exist, specifying it's the only thing.

all that exists is

Focuses on the entirety of existence being limited to a specific element.

nothing more than

Indicates a strict upper limit, conveying simplicity and lack of additional components.

solely

A single word to express the same meaning.

exclusively

Emphasizes something is only available to a specific entity or purpose.

merely

Downplays what exists or is happening.

just

Indicates simplicity or lack of elaboration.

purely

Focuses on the essence or nature of something without external influence.

simply

Indicates a straightforward explanation with no complexity.

FAQs

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

Use "there is only" to emphasize a single option, choice, or outcome. For example, "After considering all the evidence, "there is only" one conclusion we can draw".

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

You can use alternatives like "there exists just", "there remains solely", or "nothing more than" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "there is only" or "there are only"?

The correct form depends on the noun that follows. Use "there is only" for singular nouns (e.g., ""there is only" one option") and "there are only" for plural nouns (e.g., "there are only two choices").

What is the difference between "there is only" and "there is just"?

"There is only" emphasizes exclusivity, implying nothing else exists or is possible. "There is just" can sometimes soften the exclusivity and imply simplicity or sufficiency, but it depends on context.