It is only possible if vs It is possible only if

The phrases are both acceptable and commonplace in English. They have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. The placement of 'only' before or after 'possible' does not change the overall meaning of the sentence.

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Last updated: April 02, 2025 • 4724 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"It is only possible if"

This phrase is used to emphasize that a certain condition must be met for something to be possible. 'Only' is placed before 'possible' to stress the limitation or exclusivity of the condition.

Alternatives:

it is possible only if

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"It is possible only if"

This phrase is used to emphasize that a certain condition must be met for something to be possible. 'Only' is placed before 'if' to stress the limitation or exclusivity of the condition.

Show examples from the web [+]

We must constantly emphasize that the resumption of development cooperation, much less its expansion, is only possible if the Government of Togo meets these requirements.
Reintegration is possible only if victims are recognised as such.
And that is possible only if US Treasury rates are higher than they are now.
That is possible only if you raise the hurdles on the route from committee to plenary.
However, this is possible only if relevant international rules provide for that.
Efficient safety investigation is possible only if important pieces of evidence are duly preserved.
Security of investment in the emerging markets is possible only if ecological sustainability and human rights are also assured, not if they are suppressed.
But this is possible only if I am fecundated by an initiate of my same pyramidal sign.
As I already said, this is possible only if the referendum is cancelled.
2. Appropriation is possible only if:
And that is possible only if the negotiating texts are opened to public scrutiny.
But that is possible only if, this time, the "big bazooka" really is put in place.
Fair, free world trade is possible only if rules are in place that are binding and are observed by all parties without exception.
In my view, a sufficient reduction in warming is possible only if we succeed in setting up a global market in carbon.
We would like to resolve them within a few years, and that is possible only if we join forces.
It is quite clear that mutual recognition is possible only if we lay down the minimum conditions under which this recognition is binding.
This is possible only if we, and also our national counterparts, manage to make a good job of putting across the message that the past is valued for what it is worth, so that people do not shy away from underlining the EU's long-term interests.
In today's German press, your colleague, Neelie Kroes, the Commissioner for Competition, says that State aid in the automobile sector is possible only if this aid is channelled towards the development of innovative and environmentally friendly products.
Future enlargements will be possible only if Europe makes every individual more prosperous.
However, success will be possible only if all Member States exercising their powers collaborate on this large-scale coordinated approach.

Alternatives:

it is only possible if

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It is only possible if vs It is possible only if

"It is only possible if"

"It is possible only if"

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