can only be achieved

USAGE SUMMARY

"can only be achieved" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is possible but difficult to attain, often due to certain limitations or circumstances. Example: "Becoming a top athlete can only be achieved through years of dedicated training and a strong mental mindset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These things can only be achieved by national governments.

The Guardian

But reform can only be achieved from inside.

The Guardian

This can only be achieved through what housing professionals do.

The Guardian

A sustainable recovery can only be achieved by decreasing inequality.

The Guardian

These behaviours can only be achieved because cubozoans have vision.

University of California, Berkeley

And that can only be achieved by ending the occupation and recognising our people's rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the kind of effect that can only be achieved in a musical.

The Guardian

That can only be achieved if the party accepts the electorate as it is.

The Guardian

The need for airport expansion in the south east can only be achieved by expanding Heathrow.

The Guardian

That can only be achieved by working with allies who share our aims across the continent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Purification, Hofmannsthal's text troublingly implies, can only be achieved through more violence.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can only be achieved" to clearly state that a specific outcome depends on fulfilling certain conditions or following a particular course of action. This helps set expectations and clarifies the requirements for success.

Common error

While "can only be achieved" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem indirect and less engaging. Consider restructuring the sentence to emphasize the actor or agent performing the action for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can only be achieved" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the necessary conditions for a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used. It highlights that an outcome is possible, but contingent upon certain actions or requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can only be achieved" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction that expresses the necessary conditions for attaining a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and proper usage. It's most common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of exclusivity or necessity. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice, and to consider stronger, more direct phrasing when appropriate. Alternatives like "is only possible through" or "requires" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. As highlighted by the analysis, using this phrase helps to clarify expectations and define the precise steps required for success in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is only possible through

Highlights the necessary means for something to be possible.

is exclusively attainable

Focuses on the exclusivity of attainment.

is solely accomplished

Emphasizes that something is accomplished by a single method or action.

is uniquely realized

Highlights the unique aspect of the realization.

is exclusively gained

Focuses on how something is exclusively obtained or acquired.

is necessarily attained

Stresses the necessity of attainment.

is strictly obtained

Indicates a strict or limited way of obtaining something.

is solely fulfilled

Emphasizes fulfillment through a single means.

requires specific measures

Indicates that certain actions are required to achieve something.

hinges exclusively on

Focuses on the reliance of something on a single factor.

FAQs

How can I use "can only be achieved" in a sentence?

Use "can only be achieved" to indicate that a specific result is possible but dependent on certain conditions or actions. For example, "True understanding "can only be achieved" through empathy and open-mindedness."

What are some alternatives to "can only be achieved"?

Alternatives include "is only possible through", "requires", or "depends solely on". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "can only be achieved"?

While "can only be achieved" is in the passive voice, consider using the active voice for stronger emphasis when appropriate. For example, instead of "Success "can only be achieved" through hard work", you could say "You can only achieve success through hard work."

What does "can only be achieved" imply?

It implies that there are specific prerequisites or conditions that must be met in order to attain a particular goal or outcome. It highlights the necessary steps or factors for success.