TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

only then vs only if

Both 'only then' and 'only if' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Only then' is used to indicate that something will happen or be true at a particular time or in a particular situation. 'Only if' is used to introduce a condition that must be satisfied for something else to happen.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 765 views

only then

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something will happen or be true at a particular time or in a particular situation.

Use 'only then' to emphasize that a particular outcome will occur or be true at a specific time or under specific circumstances.

Examples:

I can go to the party only then.
Only then will you understand the true meaning of the book.

Show examples from the web [+]

Because only then can you really answer the question for yourself.
And only then can my client continue to grieve.
Because only then will you and I obey.
Yes, only then will he stop working.
It was only then that we began to notice problems.
Then, and only then, can real austerity packages work.
Because only then, were we able to actually see the truth.
I'll give you a name, but only then.
It was only then l knew what l'd done.
Parliament should first guarantee democracy and independence in European countries, and only then issue condemnations and reprimands to others.
It will only then be possible to further elaborate on this measure.
And only then did they hug your father.
And only then will we let you go.
The First Risen must be destroyed, only then can the Second Resurrection occur.
Then and only then can the proper adjustments be made.
And, only then, we have the definite proposal from the Commission.
The fourth step is that only then should international adoptions be considered.
After all, only then can we truly make this leading role a reality.
And only then does our noble friend realize that the prey can fight back.
You see, only then will she be truly saved.

Alternatives:

at that time
at that moment
at that point
at that juncture
at that stage

only if

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a condition that must be satisfied for something else to happen.

Use 'only if' to indicate that a particular condition must be met for a certain outcome to occur.

Examples:

I will go to the party only if you come with me.
You can have dessert only if you finish your dinner.

Show examples from the web [+]

Reintegration is possible only if victims are recognised as such.
Democracy is compatible with national sovereignty only if we restrict globalization.
Please use our service only if you agree.
Adults admitted only if accompanied by a child.
This information is managed only if activated by dedicated monitoring procedures.
Minors are admitted only if accompanied by parents or relatives.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFERS package is valid only if requested when booking.
You install a Worthington 1000 only if you've got something big to guard.
That's only if you die before February 1st.
We could get married only if...
That's only if the energy is stopped.
They said they would spare me only if I delivered Kirill to them.
They're worthwhile only if there is a reasonable chance for success.
But follow only if ye be men of valour.
That's only if he completes the job.
Well, only if you're a conspiracy theorist.
Suicide is meaningful only if committed in good health
The robot reacts... only if politely addressed.
We can't lose either, only if we quit.
You'll speak only if you already agree.

Alternatives:

if and only if
only in the case that
only on the condition that
only under the circumstances that
only provided that

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!