complex sentence / inversion · formal

Only by + V-ing + can + subject + V

Band 6-7speakingtask2

Emphatic structure meaning 'only by doing X can Y happen'; uses inversion (auxiliary before subject).

Examples

“Only by studying consistently can students hope to get a high score in IELTS.”

“Only by engaging local communities can a policy be successful in the long term.”

“Only by reducing emissions can we slow down climate change.”

Band 8 sentence

“Only by involving stakeholders throughout the planning process can urban regeneration projects avoid social displacement and succeed sustainably.”

Collocations

  • Only by + V-ing + can + someone + achieve/ensure/solve

Common mistakes

Only by studying hard you can pass the exam.→Only by studying hard can you pass the exam.

Only studying hard can you pass the exam.→Only by studying hard can you pass the exam.

Say it for a higher band

5By + V-ing + subject + V→6Only by + V-ing + subject + V (no inversion)→7+Only by + V-ing + can + subject + V

Synonyms

Only if + clause

Easily confused

Only if + clause

“Only if you submit the form on time will your application be considered.”

Related words

By the time + clause, clauseWhether + clause (or not)So + adjective + that + clauseEven if + clause, clauseSuch + (a/an) + noun + that + clauseIf + past perfect, would have + past participleOn the one hand + clause; on the other hand + clauseGiven that + clause, + clause

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Complex sentences

Learn it with its set