に限ったことではない

“It is not limited to … / It is not only a problem of …” → Used to state that a situation, problem, tendency, or phenomenon is not exclusive to one specific case, but also applies to others.

N1

Meaning

“It is not limited to … / It is not only a problem of …” → Used to state that a situation, problem, tendency, or phenomenon is not exclusive to one specific case, but also applies to others.

Formation

Noun + に限ったことではない

Explanation

に限ったことではない is used when the speaker wants to correct or expand a viewpoint by saying:

  • “This issue doesn’t apply only to X”

  • “X is just one example; the same thing happens elsewhere too”

The speaker shifts the focus:

  • from a specific case

  • to a broader, general situation

It is commonly used in:

  • social commentary

  • analytical writing

  • explanations of trends

  • JLPT N1 reading passages

The tone is:

  • objective

  • explanatory

  • non-emotional

💡 Core nuance:
“X is not the only one affected; this is a wider issue.”