is only viable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is only viable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the only feasible or practical option available in a given context. Example: "In this situation, the proposed solution is only viable if we secure additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The SDF is only viable because the YPG is its backbone," he said.

The Guardian

Our analysis shows that plasmonics is only viable for either short links, or with hybridization.

Nature

Therefore, a one-stage process is only viable when the conversion can be kept at 100%.

Catalysis Today

But drug decriminalisation or legalisation is only viable if there is a global consensus, according to the Colombian president.

The Guardian

And, says Mr Peterside, "if someone comes to me with a project that is only viable because of an import ban, I'm reluctant to finance him.

The Economist

The deep-sea oil is only viable at today's price "if we make an effort to reduce costs," says Eduardo Braga, the new energy minister.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

These new approaches are only viable because of widespread UK support for a more rigorous regime.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Ampex VRX-1000 cost US$50,000 (around A$620K in today's terms), and was only viable for major TV networks.

The Guardian

The recovery should bring some "normalisation of interest rates", and reduce forbearance (as firms who are only viable in a low interest rate environment go to the wall).

The Guardian - Business

The deposits, some of the largest in the world, were only viable for development when natural gas prices surpassed $2.50 per million British thermal units.

The New York Times

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Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only viable", clearly state the conditions or factors that make it viable. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is only viable" when there are other reasonable alternatives. Overstating viability can weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only viable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject and indicating a condition for its feasibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is only viable" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something's feasibility depends on specific conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and business. When employing this phrase, it is important to clearly state the conditions that make something viable to avoid overstating its feasibility. Related phrases include "is solely practical" and "is exclusively feasible". The phrase functions as a predicate adjective and serves to express a conditional dependency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is solely practical

Replaces 'viable' with 'practical', emphasizing the usefulness and feasibility of something as the only option.

is exclusively feasible

Substitutes 'viable' with 'feasible', highlighting that something is the only possible or achievable option.

is uniquely workable

Replaces 'viable' with 'workable', stressing that something is the only option that can successfully function or operate.

is conditionally effective

Highlights that effectiveness depends on specific conditions, replacing 'viable' with a focus on conditional success.

is solely achievable under circumstances

Emphasizes that something can only be achieved in specific conditions. Replaces 'viable' with an emphasis on conditional success.

is uniquely attainable in situation

Replaces 'viable' with 'attainable', stressing the possibility of achieving something only in a particular scenario.

is merely sustainable

Changes the focus to sustainability, implying that something can only continue to exist or function under specific conditions.

is just maintainable

Highlights the maintenance aspect, suggesting that something can only be kept in its current state under certain conditions.

is dependent on

This alternative focuses on the reliance of something on specific factors for its success or feasibility.

hinges entirely on

This emphasizes that something's success is completely reliant on another factor.

FAQs

How can I use "is only viable" in a sentence?

Use "is only viable" to indicate that a solution or option is feasible only under specific circumstances. For instance, "The project "is only viable" with significant investment".

What phrases are similar to "is only viable"?

Similar phrases include "is solely practical", "is exclusively feasible", or "is uniquely workable", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is only viable" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular option or solution depends heavily on certain conditions being met. If those conditions aren't present, the option isn't feasible.

What's the difference between "is only viable" and "is feasible"?

"Is feasible" implies that something is possible or practical. "Is only viable", on the other hand, suggests that something's possibility is contingent upon specific conditions, making it a more restrictive statement.