can be only vs only can be

Both "can be only" and "only can be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Can be only" is used to emphasize that something can exist or happen under specific conditions, while "only can be" is used to emphasize that something can be done or achieved in a particular way.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 6625 views

can be only

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something can exist or happen under specific conditions.

Use "can be only" to emphasize that something is possible or permissible under certain circumstances. It is often used to restrict or specify the conditions under which something can occur.

Examples:

This type of flower can be only found in tropical regions.
The event can be only attended by invitation.
The discount can be only applied to online purchases.
The password can be only reset by the administrator.
The project can be only completed by the end of the month.

Show examples from the web [+]

Movement can be only level 15.
But potential GDP can be only estimated, not observed.
There can be only a political solution to the problem.
According to a Judgement by psychologists, educationalists and rehabilitation professionals, the mentally retarded can be only treated with a psychological approach in a broad sense, also when there is an evident and demonstrable biological basic lesion, as for example Down's syndrome.
In the daylight, it can be only gunshots.
It can be only regenerated and revolutionized.
Cartia can be only a part of a treatment program that include diet, exercise and other medications.
Tissues damaged by the electricity die and turn brown, but can be only part of nodes.
This pattern can be only partly repeated in the eurozone, where both debt socialization and a return to normal risk assessment appear more difficult.
Clearly the calories of this artichoke quiche tell us that this can be only one-plate meal if we prepare it for our family menu.
That is, make room on the playing field can be only one way - by removing all chains of identical elements.
Coupled with the cool atmosphere and spectacular panorama, there can be only few comparable places in all Asia in which to play golf with such an environment.
A third consideration: enmity can be only apparent, but can hide a real friendship.
He's exquisite - so it can be only THAT;
The first step - according to the organizers - can be only that of an extended regularization, which is not taken into consideration by the new government bill Amato-Ferrero.
Any error can be only in the copies, not in the original manuscripts (L 82, 3).
There is and can be only one Little Miss.
You can be only a thief or a policeman.
With the exception of Microsoft products - these product keys can be only recovered.
Almond column can be only positioned between two bookcases complete of sides.

Alternatives:

can only be
can be found only
can be applied only
can be reset only
can be completed only

only can be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something can be done or achieved in a particular way.

Use "only can be" to emphasize that something can be accomplished or realized in a specific manner. It highlights the exclusivity or uniqueness of the way in which something can be done.