could only be vs only could be

Both "could only be" and "only could be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Could only be" is more commonly used and indicates a limitation or restriction, while "only could be" emphasizes the word that follows it.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 346 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"could only be"

This phrase is used to indicate a limitation or restriction on what something could be.

Examples:

The answer could only be one of these two options.
She could only be reached by email.

Show examples from the web [+]

My inspiration could only be Ennio Falco.
And that image, I concluded, could only be death.
With an intense charismatic flavor that could only be cyanide.
This authorisation could only be provisional and would be subject to a Union control procedure.
The choice could only be the best.
So guitar strumming could only be regarded as knapsu.
And our skit could only be described as raggedy-awesome.
You could only be telling the truth.
The kind that could only be caused by nitrometh.
I-it could only be worse if you were banng katy.
I could only be so lucky to die in such company.
Those could only be the hands of one person.
There could only be one reason why.
The coracoid process could only be exposed if the arm was raised.
I could only be faithful to my heart.
Which is why Mel and I could only be friends.
I always said that conflict could only be postponed.
It could only be that he's telling the truth.
Sorry it could only be nine today.
I could only be friends with you if you believed in...

Alternatives:

could be only
only could
could only
only be able to
only able to be

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It emphasizes the word that follows it.

"only could be"

This phrase is used to emphasize the word that follows it, indicating exclusivity or singularity.

Examples:

Only she could be the one to solve the problem.
Only the red car could be the culprit.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your Honor, the time code of the embedding on this new block of Bitcoins - embedding that only could be put there by Bitcoin's inventor - was at exactly the same moment
ALICIA: The time code of the embedding on this new block of Bitcoins, embedding that only could be put there by Bitcoin's inventor, was at exactly the same moment Mr. Stack was in court yesterday.
Senator McCain went to Syria in an attempt to prove that weapons delivery to "moderate rebels" only could be easily controlled.
The crowd fell silent; only could be heard the voices of the gamblers vainly offering two to one.
If it gets into the hands of our enemies, it not only could be a serious problem for U.S. security interests, but it'll set our program back at least five years.
Now, Carlo realized quickly that the coupons not only could be exchanged for stamps, but they could also be sold for cash.
The second race, however, was more solid, and not only could be, but actually was, destroyed by water.
Virgins in white and adorned with crowns of gold, who only could be married by a king, kept the flame constantly burning in the sanctuary.
Time could not be reserved, and only could be done is to cherish and commemorate all the past lifetime.
«Three things only could be done with money: to keep it in business, to spend it, or to save it.
The esoteric face is perhaps found in that part of his work that, out of the limited frame of religion, has comprised far greater proportions and only could be understood by his disciples or by knowledgeable beings in esoteric teachings.
Because of a certain increase in costs, the program of 100 planes envisaged in the beginning could not be respected, so that the two other flotillas only could be formed (14 F and 17 F).
After all we are like America in 1920s. High supply of culture and low demand. If we only could be as good as Americans were in 1920s to use marketing for our purposes we could create a new need.
We'd give all our toes and feathers if our lives only could be so exciting, wouldn't we, Clara?
Notes that in India a substantial and growing middle class is emerging, a group which not only could be seen as a positive target for certain trade products, but also and above all is receptive to European culture;
Only could be the dog's lost his mojo.
In another instance the Court states that it only could be the case under the provisions in dispute of the Trade Mark Agreement that the appellant charges the price of the collection and recovery service for sales packaging which is not part of its system.
Therefore, only whites could be racists.
So guitar strumming could only be regarded as knapsu.
My inspiration could only be Ennio Falco.

Alternatives:

could be only
only be able to
could only
only able to be
able to be only

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could only be vs only could be

"could only be"

"only could be"

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