complex sentence / time clause · neutral
Only when + clause, + clause
Means 'only at the time when X happens, Y happens'; used to emphasise timing; inversion may follow if the 'Only when' clause is fronted.
Examples
“Only when the experiment was repeated did we trust the results.”
“Only when students feel supported do they take more risks in learning.”
“Only when the funding is secure will construction begin.”
Band 8 sentence
“Only when governments coordinate investment across regions will broad-based economic recovery become possible.”
Collocations
- Only when + clause + did/will + subject + V
Common mistakes
When only the experiment was repeated did we trust the results.→Only when the experiment was repeated did we trust the results.
Only when the funding is secure, construction will begin.→Only when the funding is secure will construction begin.
Say it for a higher band
5When + clause, + clause→6Only when + clause, clause (no inversion)→7+Only when + clause, + clause (with inversion when required)
Synonyms
It was not until + time/point + that + clause
Easily confused
Only if + clause
“Only if the evidence is strong will the court convict the defendant.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Complex sentences
Learn it with its set