this is but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is but" can be used in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something else is also true, in addition to what you just said. For example: "She is a brilliant pianist, this is but one of her many talents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is but a distant nightmare.

Independent

This is but a minute sampling.

The New York Times

This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Yale University

This is but a tiny fraction of aid flows.

The Economist

"This is but one step in a long process".

The New York Times

This is but the tip of Serwotka's truth-tinkering.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is but one aspect of a policy that many local organisations term "state-sponsored amnesia".

The Economist

This is but the first of many linguistic challenges that await.

The New Yorker

This is but one example of a problem that could be exacerbated by Sanders's proposed legislation.

The Washington Post

This is but the latest example of the Star's poor journalistic track record under Desmond's ownership.

The Guardian

This is but 90 days.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is but" to introduce a qualification or limitation to a statement, indicating that there is more to consider beyond what has been initially presented. It adds nuance and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this is but" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or affected. Opt for simpler phrasing like "this is just" or "this is only" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is but" functions as a qualifier or limiter. It indicates that what is being mentioned is not the whole picture or the complete extent of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly used to introduce a partial aspect or example.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is but" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that acts as a qualifier, adding nuance to statements by suggesting that there's more to the story. It commonly appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, the phrase leans toward formality and should be used judiciously in casual settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness, and provides many examples. Alternatives like "this is only" or "this is merely" can be used for similar effects in more informal settings. Remember to consider the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate tone when using "this is but".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is only

Replaces "but" with "only", focusing on the limited aspect of something.

this is merely

Uses "merely" instead of "but" to downplay the significance of something.

this is just

Employs "just" to indicate that something is simply one part or example.

this represents only

More formal, uses "represents only" to show something is a partial representation.

this constitutes only

Uses "constitutes only" to convey that something forms just a small part of a whole.

this is solely

Replaces "but" with "solely" to focus on uniqueness or single point.

this is simply

Employs "simply" to highlight the straightforwardness of it being a single element.

this is exclusively

Uses "exclusively" to suggest the focus lies solely on a single aspect.

this is uniquely

Replaces "but" with "uniquely" to signify uniqueness and singular nature.

this is singularly

More formal, uses "singularly" to emphasize the individual aspect of something.

FAQs

What does "this is but" mean?

"This is but" is a phrase used to indicate that something is only a small part or example of something larger or more significant. It suggests a limitation or qualification.

How can I use "this is but" in a sentence?

You can use "this is but" to introduce a statement that qualifies or limits a previous statement. For example, "This is but one example of the many challenges we face."

What are some alternatives to "this is but"?

Alternatives to "this is but" include "this is only", "this is merely", or "this is just", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this is but" formal or informal?

"This is but" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "this is just" or "this is only". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing which phrase to use.