can only be vs It can only be

Both "can only be" and "it can only be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Can only be" is a more general form that can be used in various situations, while "it can only be" is more specific and often used when referring to a particular subject or situation.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 189 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can only be"

This phrase is used to express that something is the only possibility or option available.

Examples:

This key can only be used to open the front door.
The answer can only be found in the last chapter of the book.
The truth can only be revealed by the main character.
The solution can only be achieved through hard work.
The mistake can only be corrected by the original author.

Show examples from the web [+]

Thus, the prior distribution here can only be interpreted in the context of the likelihood. This point is in some sense mathematically obvious—after all, the ...
In the case of the former, it seems to me that the more natural word order -- 'there can only be one' -- has been changed for dramatic effect and to ...
Many translated example sentences containing "it can only be" – English-Dutch dictionary and search engine for English translations.
Hooks can only be called inside the body of a function component. There are three common reasons you might be seeing it: You might have mismatching versions ...
Nov 23, 2016 ... I have been recently corrected that this sentence. "The argument can only be zero." should ...
Nov 24, 2020 ... Free users or groups can only be subscribed to reports or dashboards backed by premium capacity ... I have a Power BI app and I need to add ...
Error using - Integers can only be combined with integers of the same class, or scalar doubles. Error in Code (line 27) data = data - repmat(mn,1,N);.
Dec 20, 2022 ... But this year, for the first time since we started naming countries of the year in 2013, the choice is obvious. It can only be Ukraine.
Feb 18, 2021 ... Getting "Workspaces can only be enabled in private projects" even for a private project #8580. Open. kaiyoma opened this issue on Feb 18, ...

Alternatives:

must be
is the only option
is the sole possibility
can solely be
is the exclusive choice

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"It can only be"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific subject or situation to emphasize that something is the only possibility or option available.

Examples:

In this case, it can only be a misunderstanding.
For this experiment, it can only be conducted in a controlled environment.
Given the evidence, it can only be the suspect who committed the crime.
In this context, it can only be interpreted as a sign of respect.
Based on the symptoms, it can only be a viral infection.

Show examples from the web [+]

Oct 26, 2013 ... The HAL 9000 Explanation: “It can only be attributable to human error” ... In 2001: A Space Odyssey, there is a problem aboard Discovery One. The ...
Dec 14, 2022 ... It can only be suspected in people who are at high risk due to repeated head trauma over the course of years during their sports or military ...

Alternatives:

it must be
it is the only option
it is the sole possibility
it can solely be
it is the exclusive choice

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can only be vs It can only be

"can only be"

"It can only be"

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