this is only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is limited or not comprehensive, often preceding a clarification or a specific point. Example: "This is only a preliminary report, and further analysis will be conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is only happening now".

The New York Times

This is only a guess.

The New York Times

This is only a dream.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is only more so".

The New York Times

This is only partly true.

The New York Times

"This is only day one.

Independent

This is only narrowly true.

The New York Times

This is only half right.

Independent

Perhaps this is only fair.

The Economist

"This is only the Apocalypse".

The New Yorker

This is only proper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is only" to set expectations or clarify the scope of a statement, ensuring your audience understands the limitations or context.

Common error

Avoid using "this is only" when the subject is actually highly significant; doing so can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is only" functions as a qualifier, limiting or restricting the scope of a statement. As seen in Ludwig, it often precedes a clarification or specific detail, indicating that the preceding statement is not comprehensive or exhaustive. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is only" serves as a qualifier to indicate limitations or context. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's frequently found in news articles, wikis, and business communication. Its primary function is to set boundaries on statements and manage expectations. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential to understate significance and ensure clarity. Related alternatives include "this is merely", "this is simply", and "this is just". It is a versatile phrase for setting scope and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is merely

Replaces "only" with "merely" to soften the limitation.

this is simply

Substitutes "only" with "simply" to emphasize the basic or uncomplicated nature of something.

this is just

Uses "just" instead of "only" to convey a similar sense of restriction or limitation.

this is solely

Replaces "only" with "solely" to stress that something is exclusively the case.

this is partially

Emphasizes that something is true to some extent, but not entirely.

this is but

Uses "but" to convey a sense of insignificance or limitation, similar to "only".

this is exclusively

Highlights that something applies to one particular case and no others.

this represents just

Replaces "only" indicating that something represent a small part.

this is one of

This is one choice among a list of other options, for example.

this includes just

Expresses that something includes a small part, for example.

FAQs

How to use "this is only" in a sentence?

Use "this is only" to indicate that something is limited, preliminary, or part of a larger whole. For example, "This is only a suggestion; feel free to modify it."

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

You can use alternatives like "this is merely", "this is simply", or "this is just" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "this is only" or "this only is"?

"This is only" is the correct and standard phrasing. "This only is" is grammatically awkward and rarely used.

What's the difference between "this is only" and "this is all"?

"This is only" indicates a limitation or a part of something larger, while "this is all" suggests a complete quantity or the entirety of something.