valid only for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'valid only for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something has a limited time period of validity or is applicable to a specific situation or individual. For example: "This coupon is valid only for purchases made during the month of May."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These findings are valid only for unchoked micro channel flows.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

(2004) [6], which is valid only for rectangular sections.

Engineering Structures

Some correlations or methods were valid only for limited refrigerants.

Proceedings of the Twentieth International Cryogenic Engineering Conference (ICEC20)

The theoretical analysis is valid only for geometrically simple structures.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Note that this fitting relation is valid only for ∆E > ћωq.

Nature

(2) The permit is valid only for the calendar year of issue.

Cornell University

Form 8233 is valid only for the calendar year in which it is filed.

Yale University

Admission to Berkeley Engineering is valid only for the term in which the applicant is admitted.

University of California, Berkeley

The one-day license is valid only for a single event.

University of California, Berkeley

Thus, existing design correlations are often valid only for one of the boiling regimes.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

The calculated capacities are valid only for a certain failure pattern.

Design, Fabrication and Economy of Welded Structures International Conference Proceedings, 2008

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "valid only for", ensure the condition or limitation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the exact date range, group, or situation to which the validity applies.

Common error

Avoid using "valid only for" without specifying the exact conditions or scope. Saying 'This rule is valid only for certain cases' is vague. Instead, state precisely which cases are included.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valid only for" functions as a restrictive modifier, limiting the scope or applicability of a statement. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts to define conditions or constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

Academia

22%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "valid only for" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to impose restrictions or specify conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's applicable across a range of domains, most notably in science, academia, and news, where precision is essential. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to explicitly state the conditions or scope to which the validity applies. Alternatives such as "restricted to" or "limited to" may be employed for semantic variation. Remember to avoid vagueness and clearly define what the phrase limits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applicable solely to

Emphasizes that something applies exclusively to a specific case.

restricted to

Highlights a boundary or constraint on what is allowed or included.

limited to

Indicates a specific scope or quantity that cannot be exceeded.

exclusively for

Stresses that something is intended for a particular group or purpose and no other.

solely for

Similar to 'exclusively for', but with a stronger emphasis on uniqueness.

only applicable to

Inverts the structure while maintaining the core meaning of conditional applicability.

in effect only for

Focuses on the duration or time period during which something is valid.

conditional on

Highlights the dependence of validity on a particular condition being met.

subject to

Indicates that something is contingent upon certain terms or limitations.

permissible only with

Emphasizes that permission or allowance is granted only under specific circumstances.

FAQs

How do I use "valid only for" in a sentence?

You can use "valid only for" to specify the limited applicability of a rule, offer, or condition. For instance, "This ticket is "valid only for" the 3 PM showing".

What are some alternatives to "valid only for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "restricted to", "limited to", or "applicable solely to", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "valid just for" instead of "valid only for"?

While "valid just for" might be used informally, ""valid only for"" is generally considered more formal and precise in written English.

What's the difference between "valid for" and "valid only for"?

"Valid for" indicates general validity, while ""valid only for"" specifies that validity is limited to certain conditions or situations, adding a restrictive element.