we can only do this vs we only can do this

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'We can only do this' is the more common and natural way to express the limitation of being able to do only one thing. 'We only can do this' is less common but still grammatically correct, and it may be used for emphasis or to create a specific rhythm in speech.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 188 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a limitation or restriction on what can be done.

"we can only do this "

This phrase is used to indicate that there is only one thing that can be done in a particular situation. It emphasizes the restriction or limitation.

Examples:

We can only do this once.
We can only do this if we have the right tools.
We can only do this together.
We can only do this in the morning.
We can only do this with your help.

Show examples from the web [+]

In order to connect, we have to communicate effectively and we can only do this in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and trust.
If we want to carry on guaranteeing safe food, and perhaps even safer food, if we want to win back the people's trust, then we can only do this by meeting these conditions and by tightening up controls.
We can only do this with a lot of help from our digital friends.
We can only do this using the modest means at our disposal, namely a motion for a resolution.
But we can only do this when we have the financial regulation changed.
I think that this clearly indicates the Hungarian Presidency's approach to this issue, yet we can only do this in a balanced way and by considering all aspects.
But I need to underline that we can only do this if there is a firm and a fixed-term commitment to restructuring, because the problem is also that of over-capacity.
Therefore, Rinpoche felt it narrow-minded to think that we can only do this type of retreat if we have three months or more of free time.
We are also bound not to delay its adaptation; we are bound not to delay putting it into action; and we can only do this if we work together.
We must identify mechanisms - even gradual mechanisms - to avoid sanctions - I have almost finished, Mr President - but we can only do this if we respect the legality of the clauses and written agreements that the EU has signed.
For this reason, our approach is to intervene on behalf of human rights, the peace process and, of course, the al-Kurd family, but we can only do this as part of a dialogue with both parties and not by unilaterally taking sides.
We have achieved a great deal, but we still have a long way to go; and we can only do this if all of us - women and men - work together.
The Council must consider, together with Parliament and the Commission - for we can only do this together - how we should jointly present this great historic enlargement project to the public, because, as you rightly said, there really is a lack of trust.
We can only do this by working across EU countries which have an interest in maritime policy.
We can only do this once a day.
We can only do this once and then it is done permanently.
We can only do this if Member States work together, if we copy good practice from one country to another, if we do not repeat the mistakes that have been made in the past.
The commercial managing director Bernd Apfelbeck from Weidemann is excited about the survey: Getting and keeping the best employees - we can only do this continuously if we promote, accelerate and also reward good performances by our employees.

Alternatives:

We can do this only.
We can do only this.
We can do this just once.
We can do this only with your permission.
We can do this only if you agree.

This phrase is also correct, but it is less common in everyday usage. It may be used for emphasis or to create a specific rhythm in speech.

"we only can do this"

This phrase is used to emphasize the restriction or limitation of being able to do only one thing in a particular situation. It is less common than 'We can only do this.'

Examples:

We only can do this if we work together.
We only can do this with your support.
We only can do this once.
We only can do this in the evening.
We only can do this if you agree.

Show examples from the web [+]

we only can do this
We can only do several behaviors right now.
We can only do what we believe is right.
We can only do it while we have the sceptre here.
We can only do our best.
Then we can only do one thing.
We can only do that if you help us.
We can only do it till seven.
We can only do our best, brother.
Control of migration flows is therefore necessary, and we can only do that together.
But we can only do this when we have the financial regulation changed.
So we must cover these possibilities and we can only do so through global cooperation.
Control of migration flows is therefore necessary, and we can only do that together.
We can only do this by working across EU countries which have an interest in maritime policy.
We can only do this once a day.
We can only do those photographs have dreamed before.
On the origin of this symptom we can only do hypotheses.
We can only do this with a lot of help from our digital friends.
Two, we can only do things that normal Mode readers can do.
I think that now that we've bound the circle, we can only do collective magic.
Then we can only do one thing.

Alternatives:

We can only do this.
We can do this only.
We can do only this.
We only have the ability to do this.
We can only accomplish this task.

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we can only do this vs we only can do this