Metkagram
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B2–C1 · GFF · GFF003

Only by + -ing phrase + can + subject + bare infinitive

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Negation, inversion and focus”. Compare how English and German express negation, inversion and focus. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishOnly by + -ing phrase + can + subject + bare infinitive
DE · GermanNur indem + subordinate clause, + können + subject + infinitive

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Только сравнив обе версии, мы сможем найти различие.

EN · English

Only by comparing both versions can we find the difference.

DE · German

Nur indem wir beide Versionen vergleichen, können wir den Unterschied finden.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Только спросив, ты сможешь узнать, что ей нужно.

    EN · English

    Only by asking can you find out what she needs.

    DE · German

    Nur indem du fragst, kannst du herausfinden, was sie braucht.

  2. RU · Translation

    Только регулярно практикуясь, я смогу довести это до естественности.

    EN · English

    Only by practising regularly can I make this feel natural.

    DE · German

    Nur indem ich regelmäßig übe, kann ich erreichen, dass es sich natürlich anfühlt.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFF002Only after + -ing phrase + did + subject + bare infinitiveGFFGFF006Not only did + subject + bare infinitive, but + subject + also + past verbGFFGFF001Not until + past clause + did + subject + bare infinitiveGFFGFF004Under no circumstances + modal + subject + bare infinitive phraseGFF