and only then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and only then" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will happen after a specific condition or event has occurred. Example: "You need to complete the application form, and only then will you be considered for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And only then, proceeding.

Harvard Business Review

And only then, his pen.

The New York Times

Then, and only then, should you Google.

The Washington Post

And only then was it renewed.

The Guardian - Film

And only then move to Melbourne.

The Guardian - Books

Then, and only then, will it have much to say.

University of California, Berkeley

Thou shalt spilt your PDFs, and only then OCR them!

Columbia University

Then, and only then, could Obama purchase her leafy greens.

The Washington Post

Then — and only then — will the customer always be right.

Harvard Business Review

Then and only then, it is said, did Ceausescu weep.

The New York Times - Arts

Then and only then should we decide how to respond.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and only then" to clearly indicate a strict temporal sequence, where the second action is entirely dependent on the completion of the first. For example: 'Complete the safety checks, and only then should you start the engine.'

Common error

Avoid using "and only then" when a simple 'then' or 'after that' suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily emphatic or repetitive. For example, instead of 'He finished his homework, and only then he went to bed' use 'He finished his homework, then he went to bed'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and only then" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating a specific point in time or sequence after a preceding event or condition has been satisfied. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes the temporal relationship and the dependence of one action on another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and only then" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a strict temporal sequence where the second event is contingent upon the first. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse, as simpler alternatives like "only then" or "after that" may suffice in certain situations. The phrase is particularly effective for emphasizing conditionality and creating a sense of anticipation. Top authoritative sources from Ludwig's examples include The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only then

Shorter version, omitting "and" for brevity.

after that

Simple and direct way to express sequence.

following that

Similar to "after that", but can imply a closer connection.

and not until then

Highlights that something will happen when a specific time arrives.

subsequently

More formal, implying a logical sequence.

only at that time

Emphasizes that something can occur solely on a particular occasion.

thereafter

Indicates time sequence, often used in formal writing.

not before that

Focuses on the condition of time and highlights that nothing can happen before.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment in time when something occurs.

upon that

Expressing immediately after something has happened.

FAQs

How can I use "and only then" in a sentence?

Use "and only then" to emphasize that a specific action or event can occur solely after another condition has been met. For instance: "You must pass the exam, and only then will you receive your certification."

What phrases are similar to "and only then"?

Alternatives include "only then", "subsequently", or "after that", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "and only then"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "And only then..." can sometimes sound awkward or overly emphatic. Consider revising the sentence structure for better flow. Alternatively, you could use "only then" to start the sentence.

What's the difference between "and only then" and "only after"?

"And only then" emphasizes the sequence of events, highlighting that the second action depends on the first. "Only after" focuses more on the time elapsed or the condition that must be fulfilled before the second event can occur. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can subtly shift the emphasis.