Use of "X can be Y only if Z are"
Example:
Your conclusion can be withdrawn only if your prior papers are.
Is repeating the verb at the end required? Like:
Your conclusion can be withdrawn only if your prior papers are withdrawn.
One suggestion would be to replace "are" with "can", but this seems to change the meaning:
Your conclusion can be withdrawn only if your prior papers can.
The repetition of “withdrawn” is not required in a more or less casual context.
But: ”Your prior papers may be published in the Annals. Your conclusion can be withdrawn only if your prior papers are.” Now it’s confusing — if they “are” what? Published? Withdrawn? You have to state which one it is.
To be clear and precise when every word counts, it is best to remove any doubts by repeating “withdrawn”.