only then will we be able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only then will we be able" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence such as "Only then will we be able to move forward with our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Only then will we be able to breathe easier.

The New York Times

"Only then will we be able to discuss political measures".

The New York Times

Only then will we be able to prove that we can overcome evil.

The New York Times

"Only then will we be able to make progress through political channels".

The New York Times

Only then will we be able to ensure the rights of every child.

The Guardian

Only then will we be able to begin resuscitating the dream.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Then -- and only then -- will we be able to understand that racism and discrimination not only limit our possibilities as a nation, but diminish our capacity to achieve the greatness that so many sacrificed their lives to see.

Huffington Post

Only then, he said, "will we be able to monitor the rate of woodland expansion accurately".

Independent

Only then will we truly be able to address the major data gaps that exist.

The Guardian

Only then we will be able to more fully understand the ecosystem of Lake Untersee, and only then will we fully understand the significance of what we're seeing.

The New York Times

When we are all able to come together under science and rationality, only then will we see real bipartisan progress.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "only then will we be able", ensure that the condition preceding it is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. This construction emphasizes the necessity of the preceding action for the subsequent ability.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "only then will we be able" without fully establishing the 'then'. Make sure the preceding context makes it absolutely clear what 'then' refers to; otherwise, the sentence will lack impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only then will we be able" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a necessary condition for a subsequent action to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct structure to emphasize conditionality. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only then will we be able" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to highlight conditionality across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and the provided examples from Ludwig reveal its presence in news, science, and business contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity in specifying the preceding condition is crucial for effective communication. It serves to emphasize the necessity of fulfilling a requirement before a certain action becomes feasible or achievable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only at that point will we be capable

Replaces "then" with "at that point" and "able" with "capable", changing the wording while preserving the core meaning.

solely after that will we manage to

Substitutes "only then" with "solely after that" and "be able" with "manage to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

just then will we have the capacity to

Replaces "only then" with "just then" and "be able" with "have the capacity to", emphasizing the availability of resources or abilities.

not until then can we

Simplifies the structure, using "not until then" to highlight the conditionality more directly.

only following that will we be empowered to

Emphasizes the enabling aspect, replacing "able" with "empowered" to suggest a gaining of authority or power.

once that happens, we can

Provides a more casual alternative, shifting from a formal structure to a simpler cause-and-effect expression.

subsequently, we will have the means to

Offers a slightly more detached and analytical perspective, focusing on acquiring the necessary resources.

thereafter, it will be possible for us to

Introduces a degree of formality and distance, emphasizing the possibility rather than direct ability.

that is the only way we can

Restructures the phrase to highlight exclusivity, emphasizing that no other method will suffice.

in the event that we do that, we are going to

Adds a level of planning, showing intent.

FAQs

How to use "only then will we be able" in a sentence?

Use "only then will we be able" to emphasize a condition that must be met before a certain action becomes possible. For example, "Only after the data is analyzed will we be able to draw meaningful conclusions."

What can I say instead of "only then will we be able"?

You can use alternatives like "solely after that", "not until then", or "just then" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "only then will we be able" or "then we will be able"?

"Only then will we be able" is more formal due to its inverted sentence structure, which places emphasis on the condition. "Then we will be able" is a more straightforward, less emphatic construction.

What is the difference between "only then will we be able" and "only then can we"?

While similar, "only then will we be able" implies a broader range of possibilities or actions that become available. "Only then can we" is a more direct statement of immediate ability or permission.