can only be obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can only be obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is exclusive or limited to a specific method or source of acquisition. Example: "This rare artifact can only be obtained through a special auction held once a year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However it can only be obtained explicitly for spherical containers.

Thin-Walled Structures

Fulfilling enjoyment can only be obtained with a certain amount of discomfort and sparseness".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In such cases, data can only be obtained by statistical methods.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

Therefore, resolutions higher than 10-12 bit can only be obtained with proper calibration.

Procedia Engineering

This information can only be obtained through establishing suitable hydrological monitoring networks.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A-B-C

Conversely, the highest IEQ ratings can only be obtained by simultaneously optimizing the different attributes.

Energy Procedia

But it also creates a monopoly — as individual papers can only be obtained from the publisher who holds the copyright.

University of California, Berkeley

Transparent hybrid materials can only be obtained when the ratio of H2O/Si is below 5.

Polymer

Currently, parental orders can only be obtained after the birth of the child and upon an application to court by the intended parents.

The Guardian - Tech

However, meaningful results can only be obtained from animals whose physiology is preserved during the process of microscopy.

Methods

Some fighters are console-exclusive or can only be obtained by pre-ordering, at least for a little while.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can only be obtained", ensure the condition or method required for obtainment is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "This data "can only be obtained" through rigorous statistical analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "can only be obtained" without specifying how or under what circumstances it's possible to obtain something. The phrase implies a specific requirement that should be explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can only be obtained" functions as a restrictive modifier, indicating that something is accessible or achievable through a specific, limited means or condition. As noted by Ludwig AI, this is a common and grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can only be obtained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that specifies the exclusive means to acquire something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal writing. It is essential to clearly state the conditions for obtainment to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is exclusively available" or "is solely procurable" can be used for variety. When using this phrase, ensure that the necessary conditions are clearly articulated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is exclusively attainable

Replaces "can only be obtained" with a stronger emphasis on exclusivity and attainability.

is solely procurable

Substitutes "can only be obtained" to highlight the single source or means of procurement.

is exclusively acquired

Emphasizes that something is obtained solely through a particular method.

is uniquely derived

Highlights that something originates from a specific source, making it distinct.

is obtainable solely

Rearranges the sentence to emphasize the exclusivity of the method or source of obtainment.

can exclusively be accessed

Focuses on the exclusive accessibility rather than the obtainment.

may only be secured

Indicates that securing something is limited to a specific process or means.

is exclusively available

Highlights the limited availability of something.

is confined to

Expresses that something is restricted to a particular source or method.

is limited to

Indicates that something is restricted to a specific scope or source.

FAQs

How do you use "can only be obtained" in a sentence?

Use "can only be obtained" to specify the unique or limited way to acquire something. For instance, "Access to this information "can only be obtained" with a valid subscription".

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

Alternatives include "is exclusively available", "is solely procurable", or "is exclusively attainable", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be only obtained"?

While understandable, "can only be obtained" is the more grammatically standard and commonly used phrasing. "Can be only obtained" sounds awkward and is less frequently used.

What does it mean when something "can only be obtained" through a specific method?

It means that particular item or result is exclusively available or achievable through that designated method, and no other means are sufficient. For example, a specific research outcome "can only be obtained" through randomized controlled trials.