but only then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain condition must be met before something else can happen. Example: "You can borrow my car, but only then if you promise to return it by 6 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But only then.

The New York Times

Then, but only then, you can do some progressive things".

The New Yorker

"If that conclusion is justified, the whole-life order is appropriate, but only then".

The Guardian

Our earnings should grow if we achieve excellence in investing... but only then".

The New York Times

But only then, these economists say, would politicians learn that it was in their own interest to be fiscally responsible.

The New York Times

And mainly, the catches are made by receivers who in the moment demand a formal introduction to the public at large — but only then, never again.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But Offspring was only then discovering what it was.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sometimes he was exquisitely kind to Greta — especially in sex, but not only then.

The New Yorker

But perhaps only then would the rest of us finally be able to love them.

The New York Times

"Only then".

The New York Times

On snow globes: "When you shook them they were whipped with a white explosion but then, only then, you could imagine the life within".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but only then", ensure the preceding statement clearly establishes the condition that must be fulfilled. The logical connection between the two parts of the sentence should be immediately apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "but only then" when a simpler, more direct conjunction like "if" or "when" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only then" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking two clauses to express a conditional relationship. It indicates that the action or state described in the second clause is contingent upon the fulfillment of the condition stated or implied in the first clause. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but only then" serves as a conditional conjunction, establishing a clear prerequisite for a subsequent action or event. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage and broad applicability across diverse sources, including news, science, and general knowledge platforms. While grammatically sound and commonly employed, it's crucial to avoid overusing the phrase and to ensure that the condition it introduces is logically connected to the preceding statement, and clearly define. Alternatives like "only at that point" or "not until then" can provide stylistic variation. "But only then" is thus a valuable tool for conveying precise conditional relationships in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only at that point

Emphasizes a specific moment as the prerequisite.

just in that case

Highlights a specific scenario where something applies.

and only if that happens

Explicitly states the conditional nature.

but not until then

Implies a delay or postponement until a condition is met.

but solely in that situation

Focuses on a particular situation as the only valid one.

solely under those circumstances

Adds a more formal and restrictive tone.

but only following that

Highlights the sequential aspect of the condition.

exclusively on that condition

Stresses the exclusivity of the condition.

yet only upon that event

Adds a touch of formality and anticipation.

but uniquely in such an instance

Emphasizes the unique and specific nature of the circumstance.

FAQs

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

Use "but only then" to express a condition that must be met before something else can occur. For example, "You can have dessert, but only then if you finish your vegetables."

What are some alternatives to "but only then"?

Alternatives include "only at that point", "just in that case", or "not until then", depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "but only then" is less common and can sometimes sound awkward. It's generally better to include it within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow.

What's the difference between "but only then" and "but even then"?

"But only then" indicates a strict condition that must be satisfied, whereas "but even then" suggests that something is unlikely or surprising, even after a certain condition has been met.