could only be exercised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could only be exercised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular action or right is limited to a specific condition or circumstance. Example: "The option to withdraw funds could only be exercised under certain conditions outlined in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This option could only be exercised when the subjects were consistent in definition between the two years.

The Guardian

The power could only be exercised if it was reasonable in the circumstances to do so, and for the purpose for which the legislation was enacted, namely to protect children from the risks of anti-social behaviour by others and to prevent them engaging in anti-social behaviour themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

The power of proscribing organisations in Hong Kong could only be exercised if the secretary for security reasonably believed, in conformity with the standards of the international covenant on civil and political rights, that it was necessary in the interests of national security, public safety or public order to ban that organisation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although the AET concept is similar to optimal exercise time, note that the calculation does not represent τ, as Bermudan options can only be exercised in a certain discrete time period before expiration at T. However, the AET could be a good approximation of the franchisor deferment of exercising the real options.

Financial Innovation

This "exercise of power", he claimed, could only be understood as being "exercised socially".

The Guardian

When I first heard about "The Soloist," I thought that the movie, though based on a true story, could only be an embarrassing exercise in high-mindedness.

The New Yorker

"Thus one (decimal) penny in 1750 would have had greater purchasing power than a pound in 1998," it noted, stressing that such an exercise could only be "very approximate".

BBC

"Until now, weather forecast sponsorship could only be used as a brand awareness exercise," said RAM head of media Kelly Farrington.

The Guardian

In this exercise, each numeric rank could only be assigned to one attribute.

BMC Health Services Research

And the mismatch hypothesis is particularly attractive, since the required blood gas changes during exercise need only involve PaCO2 and could only be of a few mmHg.

BioMed Research International

"It could only be Morris".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could only be exercised", ensure that the conditions or limitations are clearly stated immediately following the phrase to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The right to appeal could only be exercised within 30 days of the decision".

Common error

Avoid using "could only be exercised" without specifying the conditions or circumstances. Saying "the option could only be exercised" leaves the reader wondering when it actually can be used. Always clarify the specific conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could only be exercised" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a conditional possibility. It specifies that the action of 'exercising' something (like a right or power) is limited by certain prerequisites or conditions. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could only be exercised" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to express conditional possibilities and limitations on the application of a right, power, or action. It is most commonly found in news media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure that the limiting conditions are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "could exclusively be applied" or "could solely be implemented" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could exclusively be applied

Replaces "only" with "exclusively", emphasizing the sole nature of the condition. Slight change in formality.

could solely be implemented

Substitutes "only" with "solely" and "exercised" with "implemented", altering the action's description but retaining the restriction.

was permitted exclusively

Changes the verb to "permitted" and uses "exclusively" for emphasis, shifting from action to permission.

was allowed only under conditions

Rephrases to specify allowance under conditions, making the restriction explicit.

could be enacted only if

Focuses on the enactment of something, specifying a necessary condition.

could operate only when

Replaces "exercised" with "operate", indicating a functional constraint dependent on a condition.

was restricted to

Emphasizes the restriction aspect, simplifying the phrase and directly stating the limitation.

could be used solely for

Focuses on the purpose and limitation of use, narrowing the action's applicability.

could be invoked only in cases of

Highlights the invocation of something under specific circumstances, emphasizing situational constraints.

was contingent upon

States that something is dependent or conditional upon another factor, suggesting a more indirect link.

FAQs

How can I use "could only be exercised" in a sentence?

Use "could only be exercised" to indicate that a right, option, or ability is limited to specific conditions or circumstances. For example, "That power could only be exercised if it was reasonable in the circumstances to do so".

What are some alternatives to "could only be exercised"?

Alternatives include "could exclusively be applied", "could solely be implemented", or "was permitted exclusively", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "could only be exercised" or "was restricted to"?

"Could only be exercised" is generally more formal. "Was restricted to" is a more direct and less nuanced way of expressing a limitation.

What's the difference between "could only be exercised" and "could not be exercised"?

"Could only be exercised" indicates there are specific conditions under which something is permissible, while "could not be exercised" means it's completely prohibited or impossible. They have opposite meanings.