this is only possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "This is only possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is only achievable or attainable. For example: "Acquiring a college degree while working full-time is no easy feat, but this is only possible with hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is only possible with your presence.

Independent

This is only possible as a friendly deal," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

Currently, this is only possible in exceptional cases.

The Guardian

All of this is only possible because our plans are backed by a strong economy".

The Guardian

And this is only possible, I think, because it's Merkel — because she's so nice and quiet".

The New Yorker

This is only possible because the owner has installed two small uninterruptible power supply batteries.

The Guardian

This is only possible because local authorities have statutory responsibility for social care.

The Guardian

I also believe that all this is only possible in an aspirational economy.

The Guardian

Currently this is only possible on sites of over 150 homes.

The Guardian - Business

This is only possible in the Full model with transcriptional interference.

Nature

This is only possible because they have been able to perpetuate their ethos.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is only possible", clearly state the condition or factor that enables the possibility to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this is only possible" without specifying why it's possible. A vague statement lacks clarity and leaves the reader wondering about the enabling factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is only possible" functions as an affirmative declaration of conditional possibility. It asserts that a particular outcome or state is attainable, but exclusively under specific conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is only possible" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile expression used to indicate that a certain outcome is contingent upon specific conditions or factors. As Ludwig AI validates, its structure adheres to standard English grammar rules. The phrase appears most frequently in news, science, and business contexts, suggesting its broad applicability across different communication registers. When employing "this is only possible", it's essential to clearly articulate the enabling conditions to avoid ambiguity and ensure the message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this can only happen

Emphasizes the occurrence of an event, adding an implication of conditionality.

this is achievable only

Focuses on the attainability of something, placing "only" after the verb.

this is exclusively possible

Highlights the uniqueness of the condition making something possible.

this is solely possible

Similar to "exclusively possible", emphasizing the single condition.

this is contingent upon

Shifts the focus to the condition that makes something possible.

this requires

States the necessity of something for a specific outcome.

this depends on

Indicates that the outcome is reliant on certain factors.

this is conditional on

Formally states the dependence on a specific condition.

only under these circumstances

Highlights specific conditions required.

it is only possible in this case

Narrows down the scenario in which something can occur.

FAQs

How can I use "this is only possible" in a sentence?

Use "this is only possible" to indicate that a certain outcome or event can occur, but only under specific circumstances or conditions. For example, "Achieving our sales goals this quarter "this is only possible" with a dedicated marketing campaign".

What does "this is only possible" mean?

It means that a particular result or situation can happen or be achieved, but only if certain conditions are met or if specific requirements are satisfied.

Which is correct, "this is only possible" or "this is possible only"?

"This is only possible" is the more common and natural-sounding construction. "This is possible only" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What are some alternatives to "this is only possible"?

Alternatives include "this can only happen", "this requires", or "this depends on", depending on the context.