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Consder the sentence:
Only if the framework is intuitive(,) can we proceed with formalizing and exploring its variations.
Do we need a comma? Can we omit it?
Is the inverted word order correct here ('can we' vs. 'we can')?
References to established grammar sources are very welcome.
The inverted order of "can we" is correct in this instance. I unfortunately cannot say why, except that it sounds very wrong uninverted.
I also believe the comma should be here because this sentence is re-ordered and the comma marks the subordinate clause. The natural order with the main clause leading would read:
We can proceed with formalizing and exploring it variations only if the framework is intuitive.
And in this version, the order of "we can" is restored.
Here's my short and sweet answer: 1. No need for a comma. Otherwise, you would break the flow of your sentence. 2. The order is fine. This is called inversion. It happens when a clause begins with a negative word ("no", "not", "nowhere" et cetera) or phrases like "only" and "rarely". For details, take a look at this post.
Some usage examples:
Nowhere in the regulations does it say that I have to pay an additional fee if my calls are over 10 minutes long.
Rarely do you hear people say that to other people nowadays.
