this is only because

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is only because" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to explain a specific reason or cause for something, often citing a single factor as the main reason. Example: This recent wave of protests is only because of the government's failure to address the issue of police brutality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is only because I am concerned about Dave Lamb's health.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this is only because we've forgotten Prince Charles, Camilla and Tampaxgate.

The Guardian

Later stories may appear less savage, but this is only because Mackay has grown more subtle.

The Guardian - Books

This is only because the EU countries are reluctant to do more.

The Guardian

But this is only because they skillfully established some distance between their views and those of the president.

The Washington Post

But this is only because films themselves impinge on so many of our sensory and cognitive systems.

The Guardian - Books

In private, Clinton strategists suggest this is only because the Republicans have not yet begun to attack Sanders' socialist record.

The Guardian

Simone looks as she always did, although she says this is only because I never saw her, not really.

The New Yorker

If the price failed to match the lower estimate, this is only because it was pegged at an unrealistic level.

The New York Times - Arts

But this is only because an Independence Party candidate in Minnesota, Rob Hahn, flamed out in the primary.

The New York Times

But this is ONLY because eating high carb AND high fat (a Standard American Diet – SAD) is a dietary disaster by comparison.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "this is only because" strategically within your sentence to maintain clarity and flow. It often works best following the statement that requires explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "this is only because" when multiple factors contribute to a situation. Instead, acknowledge other contributing factors to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is only because" functions as a causal connector, linking a statement to its primary cause or reason. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and used to explain a specific reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is only because" serves as a causal connector, primarily used to introduce the main reason behind a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's a versatile phrase found in various contexts, but most commonly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, writers should use it judiciously, ensuring the reason provided is indeed the primary one to avoid oversimplification. Related phrases offer more nuanced alternatives for different levels of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is simply because

Replaces "only" with "simply", slightly emphasizing the straightforward nature of the reason.

this is solely due to

Emphasizes that the stated reason is the exclusive cause.

it's merely because

Uses "merely" to downplay the significance of the reason.

the reason for this is that

Offers a more formal and explicit structure for stating the cause.

it's all because

Informal phrasing that puts emphasis on the reason.

this results from

A more concise way of indicating causation.

this is attributable to

Introduces a more formal tone, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

this stems from the fact that

Highlights the origin or root cause of the situation.

the explanation lies in the fact that

Highlights where the reason can be found.

this can be explained by the fact that

Focuses on the explanation aspect, implying a logical reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "this is only because" in a sentence?

Use "this is only because" to introduce the primary reason for a situation. For example, "The project was delayed, this is only because of unforeseen technical difficulties".

What phrases are similar to "this is only because"?

You can use alternatives like "this is simply because", "the reason for this is that", or "this is attributable to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "this is only because" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is only because" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider more sophisticated alternatives like "this is attributable to" or "this stems from the fact that" for a more refined tone.

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

"This is only because" implies that the stated reason is the sole or primary factor. "This is because" is a more general statement and does not necessarily exclude other contributing factors.