was only one example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was only one example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific instance that illustrates a broader point or concept. Example: "The study highlighted various methods of teaching, and the new interactive approach was only one example of how educators can engage students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Pornography was only one example of the chasm between their life experiences.

The New Yorker

Semipalatinsk was only one example of how Russian and U.S. scientists cooperated to make the world safer.

Stanford University

Mr. Lauersdorf's lawyer, Gary Phelan, said the swastika was only one example of his client being "harassed" by Mr. Whitcomb.

The New York Times

The 1792 stock market crash was only one example, but market surveillance is now a well-established principle to prevent manipulators from taking over a market.

Yale University

E3G's Nick Mabey told me yesterday that shale gas was only one example of natural resources which could be open to over-exploitation because of ISDSs.

The Guardian

Aurangzeb tried hard to convert Hindus into Muslims and instituted various policies in that direction, of which taxing the non-Muslims was only one example.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

BCIs focusing on motor neuroprosthetics are only one example of the possible functions of BCIs.

Harvard University

Today, indigenous content is on the rise and 'Raupatu' is only one example.

Vice

The above code is only one example of an algorithm that implements the DCT transformation on an N x N matrix.

Stanford University

But the selling of Xcacel is only one example of legally questionable development "that has been going on for years," Mr. Lichtinger said.

The New York Times

This is only one example of how the company seems to have been tone deaf on EX.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was only one example", ensure that the broader context or pattern is clearly explained or implied. This provides readers with the necessary framework to understand the significance of the example.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "was only one example" is the sole or primary reason for a phenomenon. The phrase suggests that there are other contributing factors, so ensure you acknowledge them to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was only one example" serves as an appositive or adjectival phrase, providing additional information about a noun. It highlights that a particular instance is just one of many possible illustrations or occurrences of a broader phenomenon. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was only one example" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for illustrating a broader point with a specific instance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most commonly found in news, academic, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. The phrase is effective for providing concrete evidence and supporting arguments. While it's a valuable tool, it's important to avoid overstating the significance of the example or implying it's the sole reason for a phenomenon. Alternatives include "was just one instance" and "was merely one case".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was just one instance

Replaces "only" with "just", emphasizing the singular nature of the example.

was merely one case

Substitutes "only" with "merely" and "example" with "case", softening the emphasis.

was a single illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration", highlighting its illustrative role.

exemplified only one instance

Uses "exemplified" to indicate that the instance serves as a prime example.

represented just one aspect

Focuses on the aspect being represented rather than the example itself.

served as one particular instance

Adds emphasis on the particularity of the instance.

was but one demonstration

Uses "but" to further emphasize that it's one in many and uses "demonstration" instead of "example".

was a lone demonstration

Replaces "example" with "demonstration", highlighting its illustrative role.

highlighted a sole occurrence

Emphasizes the singularity of the occurrence.

was uniquely one situation

Replaces "example" with "situation", changing the semantic.

FAQs

How can I use "was only one example" in a sentence?

Use "was only one example" to show that a specific instance is representative of a broader trend or pattern. For example, "The rise in remote work "was only one example" of how technology is transforming the workplace."

What can I say instead of "was only one example"?

You can use alternatives like "was just one instance", "was merely one case", or "was a single illustration" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was only one example" or "is only one example"?

The choice between "was only one example" and "is only one example" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "was" for past events or situations and "is" for present or ongoing situations. For instance, "The 2008 financial crisis "was only one example" of systemic risk in the banking sector," versus "The current economic downturn "is only one example" of the challenges facing developing nations."

What's the difference between "was only one example" and "was just an example"?

"Was only one example" suggests that there are other similar examples, while "was just an example" can imply that it's a singular or isolated instance used for illustration. The former emphasizes representativeness, the latter emphasizes illustration.