was only possible because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was only possible because" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to explain the reason or cause for something happening. Example: The team's victory was only possible because they had trained tirelessly for months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This was only possible because he is a director himself.

The New Yorker

He also said that the success of the mission was only possible because of European cooperation.

The Guardian

"I think it was only possible because of the level of national and international outrage".

The New York Times

But that was only possible because Islamic politicians had their throats cut.

Independent

"This was only possible because one of our members is a mod (moderator) of Mumsnet.

Independent

The scale of the operation was only possible because Facebook has too much data about too many people.

Harvard University

This was only possible because of the strict cost regime at GEC, which set it apart from the crowd.

The Guardian

That was only possible because Doubleday Ireland, part of the international Transworld company, co-published the novel.

The Times

This was only possible because the Democrats and the Republicans worked closely together over the last two weeks".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That is only possible because of our founder.

The Guardian

It's only possible because of modern technology.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was only possible because", ensure that the clause following 'because' clearly and directly explains the enabling factor. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "was only possible because" with overly broad or unclear reasons. Ensure the causal link is specific and easily understood, rather than relying on general statements that lack explanatory power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was only possible because" functions as a causal connector, linking an outcome to its singular enabling cause. Ludwig's examples confirm this function, showing the phrase introducing the specific condition that allowed something to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science & Research

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was only possible because" functions as a causal connector, pinpointing the sole reason for a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase's neutral register and high frequency, especially in News & Media and Science & Research, underscore its utility across various professional contexts. For effective writing, ensure that the clause following "because" provides a clear, specific, and direct explanation of the enabling factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was achievable only through

Emphasizes the means by which something was accomplished, focusing on the enabling process.

was attainable solely because

Highlights that something was reached exclusively due to a specific reason or condition.

was exclusively enabled by

Underscores the unique factor that made something happen, showing it was the only cause.

depended entirely on

Focuses on the complete reliance of an outcome on a particular factor or circumstance.

hinged solely upon

Indicates that the result turned critically on one specific element or condition.

resulted specifically from

Clarifies that the outcome came directly and particularly from a given cause.

was contingent uniquely on

Highlights that the event's occurrence was uniquely conditional on a specific factor.

was uniquely predicated on

Focuses on the fact that an outcome was founded solely on a certain precondition.

was permitted solely due to

Emphasizes allowance based on a singular circumstance, showing the limiting condition.

stemmed exclusively from

Indicates the origin or derivation was purely from a particular cause or source.

FAQs

How can I use "was only possible because" in a sentence?

Use "was only possible because" to connect a result with its direct cause. For instance, "The project's success "was only possible because" of the team's dedication".

What are some alternatives to "was only possible because"?

Alternatives include "was achieved only through", "depended entirely on", or "resulted specifically from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was only possible because of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The addition of "of" simply introduces a noun phrase or pronoun, clarifying what "was only possible because" of. For example, "The discovery "was only possible because" of her research".

What's the difference between "was possible because" and "was only possible because"?

"Was possible because" indicates one of possibly many reasons, while ""was only possible because"" emphasizes that the stated reason was the sole enabling factor.