they can only

USAGE SUMMARY

"they can only" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of different ways, depending on the context and meaning you want to convey. Here are a few possible examples: 1. "They can only do so much to fix the problem." (meaning: their ability to fix the problem is limited) 2. "They can only hope for the best." (meaning: their only option is to hope for a positive outcome) 3. "They can only dream of what it would be like to win the lottery." (meaning: their only possibility of experiencing winning the lottery is through their imagination) 4. "They can only succeed if they work hard and stay determined." (meaning: their success is dependent on their hard work and determination) Overall, "they can only" is a phrase that can be used to express limitation, restriction, or necessity in a sentence. It can be used in both formal and informal writing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can only muse.

The New Yorker

They can only hope.

The Economist

They can only win".

The New York Times

They can only trade picks.

The New York Times - Sports

They can only speculate.

The New York Times

"They can only do so much.

The New York Times

He expects they can only help.

The New York Times - Sports

They can only give you answers".

The New York Times

They can only see the worst situations.

The New York Times

At present, they can only be suspended.

Independent

But they can only do so much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they can only", ensure the context clearly establishes who "they" refers to and what limitation is being imposed.

Common error

Avoid using "they can only" when the subjects actually have other options or capabilities, as it can create a misleading impression of absolute restriction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they can only" functions as a modal verb phrase that indicates a restriction or limitation on the actions or possibilities available to the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they can only" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express limitations or restrictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to and to avoid overstating the limitations. Consider alternatives like "they are limited to" or "their sole option is to" for enhanced precision. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "they can only" to convey constraints in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are restricted to

Highlights the imposed limitation, akin to "they can only", focusing on the boundary set.

they have no choice but to

Emphasizes a lack of alternatives, akin to "they can only", but stresses compulsion.

they are limited to

Indicates a restriction, similar to "they can only", but uses a passive voice construction.

they can do nothing else but

Highlights the absence of other actions, akin to "they can only", but uses a more emphatic phrasing.

they are confined to

Implies a narrower scope of action compared to "they can only", suggesting containment.

their sole option is to

Highlights exclusivity in choices, similar to "they can only", while emphasizing lack of alternatives.

their only recourse is to

Emphasizes a last resort action, similar to "they can only", while highlighting the lack of better options.

they are able to solely

Emphasizes exclusivity of action, similar to "they can only", but highlights capability.

they must exclusively

Stresses the necessity and exclusivity, similar to "they can only", focusing on obligation.

they are permitted to only

Focuses on permission aspect, similar to "they can only", while stressing authorization.

FAQs

How can I use "they can only" in a sentence?

Use "they can only" to indicate a limitation or restriction on the actions or possibilities available to a particular group. For example, "They can only succeed if they work together".

What are some alternatives to "they can only"?

You can use alternatives like "they are limited to", "they are restricted to", or "their sole option is to" depending on the context.

Is it always clear who "they" refers to when using "they can only"?

No, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity on who "they" refers to. If ambiguous, rephrase to explicitly name the subject.

Can "they can only" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "they can only" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "they are confined to" for added precision in formal contexts.