there will only be

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "there will only be" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used when making a prediction or giving an indication of how things will happen in the future. For example: “There will only be one way to find out the truth.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But in the end there will only be one: reminiscences from the war".

The New York Times - Books

And if you've practiced OUT LOUD there will only be minor stumbles anyway.

Huffington Post

There will only be worse times.

The New Yorker

There will only be Mitt Romney.

The New York Times

But there will only be a handful".

The New York Times

There will only be the fullness of love.

The New Yorker

Until then, there will only be one true winner.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a shame that, on 6 May, there will only be one winner in Islington South.

Independent

But after that, there will only be about five seconds of anticipation until — spoiler alert!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In a small genome however, there will only be a small number of sites of each type.

Biology Direct

But everyone knows there will only be one name that matters.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there will only be" to clearly communicate a limitation or single outcome in a future scenario. This phrase is effective in setting expectations and emphasizing scarcity or exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "there will only be" excessively, especially when other more concise expressions can convey the same meaning. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there will only be" functions as a future tense existential clause. It asserts the existence of something limited to a singular or restricted quantity in the future. Ludwig identifies numerous examples demonstrating its use in predictions and limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there will only be" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate a future limitation or singular outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, remember to employ it to clearly communicate restrictions, while avoiding overuse for stylistic reasons. Consider alternatives like "there shall only be" or "the only option is" to add variety to your writing. Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide you in its proper and effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there shall only be

Emphasizes a more formal or authoritative tone while conveying the same limitation.

there can only be

Indicates possibility or necessity, suggesting a constraint on available options.

there's only going to be

Uses a more colloquial and predictive tone for a single future outcome.

only remains

Highlights the finality of what is left or available, focusing on the existing state.

the sole outcome will be

Stresses the exclusivity of the result.

the only option is

Expresses a lack of alternatives, presenting a single course of action.

nothing else will happen but

Highlights a single and limited consequence. Is more emphatic.

just one will exist

Points out the singular existence of something in the future.

only one of them is possible

Highlights that a decision or choice is singular by it's nature.

in the end, expect just one

Uses an informal, predictive tone, preparing for a singular result.

FAQs

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

Use "there will only be" to indicate that a specific situation is limited to one outcome or a certain quantity. For example, "After the cuts, there will only be five employees left in the department".

What phrases are similar to "there will only be"?

Alternatives include "there shall only be", "there can only be", or "the only option is" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "there will only be"?

While grammatically correct, "there will only be" might not always be the most concise option. Consider whether simpler constructions like "only X will happen" could express the same idea more effectively.

What's the difference between "there will only be" and "there will be only"?

"There will only be" is the standard and more common phrasing. "There will be only" is grammatically correct but sounds less natural and can be perceived as slightly awkward in modern English. Sticking with "there will only be" is generally advisable.