it is only possible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only possible to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is not likely to happen, or is difficult to accomplish. Example: It is only possible to succeed in this challenging endeavor by working together.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The meaning of a painting no longer resides in its unique painted surface, which it is only possible to see in one place at a time".

Vice

As CDH oxidises its substrate at the C1 it is only possible to gain two electrons per substrate molecule.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

It is only possible to lose something that one owns.

The Guardian - Opinion

Limited resources mean that it is only possible to serve one job at a time.

European Journal of Operational Research

It is only possible to develop and host temporary exhibitions with this kind of external support.

The Guardian

It is only possible to collect 30,000 points within one collection period.

The Guardian - Money

It is only possible to do the job properly from behind the arras.

The Guardian

Maybe it is only possible to be frank if you are wearing a mask.

The Guardian - Film

Therefore it is only possible to speak of utilizing the bourgeois State organizations with the object of destroying them.

Cornell University

For the UK, it is only possible to compare 2006 and 2009 data, the OECD says [pdf].

The Guardian

But Gove rejected the "view that says it is only possible to rehabilitate if you dramatically reduce the prison population".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is only possible to", ensure the sentence clearly defines the limiting factors or conditions that make other options unfeasible.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only possible to" when there are other feasible, even if less desirable, options. This phrase should be reserved for situations where no alternative truly exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only possible to" functions as an adverbial phrase of limitation, specifying a restriction on the action or outcome that can occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is only possible to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a restriction or limitation on the possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable construction in written English. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in scientific, news, and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the constraints that make other options unfeasible, and avoid overstating the limitations when other alternatives, even if less desirable, exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is solely feasible to

Replaces "only possible" with "solely feasible", emphasizing the exclusive feasibility.

it is exclusively attainable to

Substitutes "only possible" with "exclusively attainable", highlighting that it can be acquired by no other means.

it is uniquely achievable to

Replaces "only possible" with "uniquely achievable", suggesting that there's something special or rare about the possibility.

it is merely within reach to

Substitutes "only possible" with "merely within reach", implying that the outcome is just barely achievable.

it is simply viable to

Replaces "only possible" with "simply viable", suggesting a basic level of feasibility but no more.

the sole way to

This alternative shifts the structure to focus on the method, highlighting that there's only one way to accomplish something.

the single option to

Changes the structure to emphasize that there is a single choice or alternative.

it can only happen if

This alternative rephrases the idea as a conditional statement.

that's the only option for

This alternative emphasizes the lack of other alternatives.

it boils down to

This alternative implies that after analysis, there remains only one possibility or option.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is only possible to" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, you can replace "it is only possible to" with more sophisticated alternatives such as "it is solely feasible to", or "it is exclusively attainable to" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is only possible if"?

Yes, "it is only possible if" is grammatically correct. It introduces a condition that must be met for something to be possible. For instance, "It is only possible to succeed if you persevere."

What's the difference between "it is possible to" and "it is only possible to"?

"It is possible to" indicates that something can be done, whereas "it is only possible to" implies that there are constraints or limitations, making it the sole feasible option. The latter is more restrictive.

When should I use "it is only possible to" instead of "it is impossible to"?

Use "it is only possible to" when one specific action or outcome is feasible but other options are not. Use "it is impossible to" when there are no feasible options at all.