only there may be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only there may be" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where you want to emphasize that something is possible or exists only in a specific place or situation. Example: "In this rare case, only there may be a chance for reconciliation."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even though the Transportation Department can penalize airlines for not providing wheelchairs, Ms. Rosenberg said that requesting one means only "there may be a better possibility you will get" one.

The New York Times - Travel

By using data from the trial which uses West Midlands' practices only, there may be limits to the generalisability of the results of the trial.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

By using data from the cohort that uses Thames Valley practices only, there may be limits to the generalisability of the results of the study.

BMJ Open

However, in assessments that rely on reported responses only, there may be more reporting bias in addition to random errors, depending on the objective and purpose of the assessment.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

You may have only one car, but there may be a solution that allows everyone to do what he wants to do next Friday night.

WikiHow

Update: Google says that most of the deals are going to be U.S.-only (sorry world!) but there may be some app specials outside the U.S. Stay tuned.

TechCrunch

"We are only aware of one, but there may be more," Hoffman said.

The New York Times - Sports

As always, Minaya is on the lookout for pitching, but there may be only one member of an underwhelming crop of free agents that he may seriously consider.

The New York Times - Sports

There is some evidence that in parts of the open sea that differ only slightly in salinity there may be a varying cephalopod fauna.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today they only need 60, so there may be lessons of value in the past struggle for the 1964 legislation.

Huffington Post

There may be no direct air services, only connecting flights through distant hub airports, and the only other way to get there may be a long drive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only there may be", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific condition or limitation you are emphasizing. This phrase works best when highlighting a unique exception or a very specific set of circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "only there may be" when a simpler expression of possibility would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal. Consider whether "there may be" or "it's possible" conveys your meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only there may be" functions as a restrictive modifier, emphasizing that a possibility exists solely under specific circumstances. As suggested by Ludwig AI, its use is infrequent, suggesting that simpler alternatives might often be preferred.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only there may be" serves to restrict the possibility of something to very specific conditions. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not standard in written English, and it's usage could cause confusion. While grammatically acceptable, it is relatively rare and can sometimes be replaced by simpler alternatives. Its primary function is to add emphasis to a conditional possibility, often found in news, scientific writing, and general discussions where precision is valued. Using alternatives such as "only in that case might there be" or "it's only possible that there is" can sometimes provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only in that case might there be

Rephrases to emphasize a specific condition or situation under which something is possible.

solely under those circumstances could there be

Highlights exclusivity and the restrictive nature of the condition.

it's only possible that there is

Directly states the possibility, focusing on the limited nature of it.

just in that instance might one find

Emphasizes the rarity and specific timing of the potential occurrence.

merely then could exist

Focuses on temporal limitation, indicating that something can only happen at a certain time.

in that isolated situation can you expect

Emphasizes the exceptional and uncommon nature of the situation.

exclusively at that location could it occur

Focuses on the spatial limitation, highlighting a specific place.

that alone allows the chance for

Stresses that a specific factor is the only thing enabling the possibility.

if and only if that occurs will it happen

Uses a strong conditional statement to emphasize the necessity of the condition.

under no other condition can it be

Highlights the absolute necessity of a specific prerequisite.

FAQs

How can I use "only there may be" in a sentence?

This phrase emphasizes that something is possible or exists only in a specific situation. For example, "In this rare case, "only there may be" a chance for reconciliation."

What can I say instead of "only there may be"?

You can use alternatives like "only in that case might there be", "solely under those circumstances could there be", or "it's only possible that there is" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "only there may be"?

While not the most common phrasing, ""only there may be"" is grammatically correct. However, consider whether it is the clearest or most concise way to express your intended meaning.

What is the difference between "only there may be" and "there may only be"?

The phrase ""only there may be"" emphasizes a specific condition or situation where something is possible. "There may only be" focuses on the limited quantity or number of something.