Only if

conjunction

Used to express that something can happen or be true only when another specific condition is met.

You can go to the party only if you finish your homework.
Visual representation of "only if" - Used to express that something can happen or be true only when another specific condition is met.

Often appears as...

  • only if you
  • only if i
conjunction

Used to express a necessary condition in terms of a sufficient condition.

A set of axioms is consistent if and only if there is no contradiction derived from these axioms.
Visual representation of "only if" - Used to express a necessary condition in terms of a sufficient condition.

Often appears as...

  • if and only if
  • only if there

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

conjunction

Used to express that something can happen or be true only when another specific condition is met.

You can go to the party only if you finish your homework.
Visual representation of "only if" - Used to express that something can happen or be true only when another specific condition is met.

Often appears as...

  • only if you
  • only if i
conjunction

Used to express a necessary condition in terms of a sufficient condition.

A set of axioms is consistent if and only if there is no contradiction derived from these axioms.
Visual representation of "only if" - Used to express a necessary condition in terms of a sufficient condition.

Often appears as...

  • if and only if
  • only if there

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "only if"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Conditional Permission

Indicates permission is granted only when a specific requirement is fulfilled.

Illustration for Conditional Permission
You may have dessert only if you eat your vegetables.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implicit Limits

Highlights a single situation where an action or event is allowed, excluding other possibilities.

Illustration for Implicit Limits
I'll lend you the book only if you return it next week.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis on Condition

Accentuates the importance of the condition that must be met for the result to occur.

Illustration for Emphasis on Condition
He'll agree to the deal only if the terms are favorable.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Conditional Permission

Indicates permission is granted only when a specific requirement is fulfilled.

Illustration for Conditional Permission
You may have dessert only if you eat your vegetables.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implicit Limits

Highlights a single situation where an action or event is allowed, excluding other possibilities.

Illustration for Implicit Limits
I'll lend you the book only if you return it next week.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis on Condition

Accentuates the importance of the condition that must be met for the result to occur.

Illustration for Emphasis on Condition
He'll agree to the deal only if the terms are favorable.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Conditional Permission

Indicates permission is granted only when a specific requirement is fulfilled.

Illustration for Conditional Permission
You may have dessert only if you eat your vegetables.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implicit Limits

Highlights a single situation where an action or event is allowed, excluding other possibilities.

Illustration for Implicit Limits
I'll lend you the book only if you return it next week.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis on Condition

Accentuates the importance of the condition that must be met for the result to occur.

Illustration for Emphasis on Condition
He'll agree to the deal only if the terms are favorable.
Visual representation of the word "Only if"

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