possible only because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible only because" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when a particular outcome or event is possible only due to something mentioned previously. For example: "Customers can now purchase our products online, which is possible only because of the advances in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reciprocal understanding mother-child relationship is possible only because of the continual dialogue between faces".

The New Yorker

"But I don't think that's possible, only because there's so much more competition this summer.

The New York Times

Dr. Kato said the surgery was possible only because of the hospital's experience with transplants.

The New York Times - Health

But her happiness was possible only because the rest of us were miserable.

The New Yorker

"This was possible only because we rehearsed it quite thoroughly before we began shooting".

The New York Times

The Philharmonie's prices are possible only because the institution is publicly subsidized.

The New Yorker

The price was made possible only because its subject's extraordinary popularity guarantees a substantial market.

The New York Times - Arts

The lightheartedness of the day was possible only because of Clemens -- again.

The New York Times - Sports

The Grand Guignol is possible only because the Petit Guignol exists.

The New Yorker

This deal is possible only because there are many Republicans who really hate the defense cuts.

The Washington Post

The ex-mayor's cultural apostasy is possible only because Democrats gave up the fight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possible only because", ensure that the causal relationship is clear and direct. Avoid using it in situations where multiple factors contribute to the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "possible only because" when other contributing factors exist. This phrase implies a single, indispensable cause, so ensure its accuracy to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible only because" functions as a causal connector, linking an outcome or event to its sole enabling condition. Ludwig and its examples show its common use in attributing specific results to particular preconditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible only because" serves as a causal connector, emphasizing that a specific condition is the sole enabler of an outcome. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, as supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. Using this phrase correctly involves ensuring that the stated condition is indeed the exclusive reason for the possibility, avoiding overstatement and maintaining credibility. Remember, according to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is frequently found in neutral contexts, highlighting clear and direct causal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent solely upon

Emphasizes the dependence on a single factor.

exclusively enabled by

Highlights enablement and exclusivity.

solely attributable to

Focuses on attribution to a single cause.

exclusively a result of

States that the outcome is only due to a single reason.

achieved purely through

Highlights that something is accomplished only through one factor.

dependent solely on

Underscores the reliance on a single condition.

exclusively contingent on

Highlights that the condition is dependent only on one element.

derives solely from

Emphasizes that something originates solely from one source.

enabled exclusively through

Highlights that something is enabled only through one element.

predicated entirely on

Stresses the absolute foundation on a single element.

FAQs

How do I use "possible only because" in a sentence?

Use "possible only because" to indicate that a particular outcome or event is exclusively enabled by a specific condition or factor. For example, "The project's success was possible only because of the team's dedication".

What can I say instead of "possible only because"?

You can use alternatives like "contingent solely upon", "exclusively enabled by", or "solely attributable to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "possible due to" instead of "possible only because"?

While "possible due to" indicates a causal relationship, it doesn't emphasize the exclusivity implied by "possible only because". "Possible due to" suggests a contributing factor, whereas "possible only because" highlights a single, indispensable cause.

Which is more emphatic: "possible because" or "possible only because"?

"Possible only because" is more emphatic. The inclusion of "only" underscores that the stated reason is the sole factor enabling the possibility, whereas "possible because" allows for other contributing factors.