Proper use of the word only

The word «only» is used often in common speech and in writing, but it can be used incorrectly. When it’s used incorrectly, the listener or reader is may have a hard time figuring out what was really meant by the speaker. Avoid this confusion by using the word “only” properly in every sentence.

Steps

Understanding the Word “Only”

1. Keep in mind “only” is a modifier. This means that it modifies what you are trying to say and acts as a descriptive word in your sentence. “Only” can have a strong presence in a sentence and can shift the meaning of a sentence drastically if it is used incorrectly.^[1] To create a clear sentence, you should place “only” next to the noun, subject, verb, or phrase you are trying to modify.
   • When the word “only” is misplaced in a sentence, it becomes a “misplaced modifier”. This means the modifier, for example “only”, is not placed beside the noun or other word it is trying to modify. This creates confusion on the part of the listener or reader because the sentence becomes awkward.^[1]
2. Be aware of the casual use of “only” in English. You may notice that in everyday speech, people tend to place “only” in the wrong place in a sentence, and often, you can get a general sense of what they are trying to say. As with some grammatical rules, it can feel awkward to use the proper placement of a modifier in a casual conversation. Sometimes, you do not need to use “only” correctly, and your listeners can still understand what you mean.^[2]
   • But it’s important to use the correct placement of “only” in your sentence when writing a formal letter, a paper, or a piece of writing for the general public to ensure you do not confuse your reader.
3. Understand the common misplacement of “only” in common speech. When we are talking in a conversation, we will often use “only” to indicate someone did only one thing. For example: “She only ate strawberries for dinner.”^[2][3]
   • In this sentence, the speaker likely means to say, she had strawberries for dinner and nothing else. The speaker is trying to modify “strawberries” when in fact “only” is misplaced and is modifying the verb “ate” in the sentence. So this means that the subject in the sentence, “she” does nothing else but eat strawberries for dinner. She doesn’t pick strawberries, she doesn’t prepare strawberries. She just eats them.
   • The correct placement of “only” in the sentence, based on the intended meaning, is: “She ate only strawberries for dinner.” The modifier, “only” is next to the noun it is modifying and is now grammatically correct. At first, it can feel awkward to say this sentence out loud. However, when you realize that the original sentence didn’t mean what you intended, the correctly constructed sentence will start to feel more comfortable.

Using the Word “Only” Correctly

1. Create examples of the different ways to use “only” in a sentence. The best way to get a sense of the proper use of the word “only” is to make your own example sentences and note what the “only” is modifying in each sentence.^[4]
   • For example, consider these five different placements of “only” in the same sentence:
   • “Only I like dancing at a party.”
   • “I only like dancing at a party.”
   • “I like only dancing at a party.”
   • “I like dancing only at a party.”
   • “I like dancing at only a party.”
2. Use «only» in front of a subject to modify the subject. For example: “Only I like dancing at a party.” In this sentence, “only” is modifying the subject “I”. You are telling someone that no one else likes to dance at a party, only you. ^[1]
   • You could view this sentence another way: “Only John danced at the party.” In this case, John was the only person who danced at the party, no one else. If this is your intended meaning, that John was the only dancer at the party, then you would place “only” at the beginning of the sentence so it modifies the subject, “John”.
3. Place “only” before the first verb in a sentence to modify the first verb. For example: “I only like dancing at a party.” In this sentence, “only” is modifying the verb “like”. So this sentence means that the “I” likes to do just one thing at a party: dance. The “I” doesn’t praise or put down dancing at a party, the “I” just likes it. This use for the actual meaning is kind of rare because it’s used to distinguish which verb is being referenced.

The third variant means that the person likes dancing and no other activities (talking, eating, etc) at a party.

In the fourth, «only» modifies «at», meaning no other preposition, such as «after» will do.
In the fifth sentence, «only» modifies «a party», meaning no other location or event, such as «in private» or «on stage».

1. • You could look at this placement in a different situation or setting. For example: “John only cooks meat for his family.” This sentence works if John is a vegetarian and does not buy, prepare, or eat meat. But when he is with his family, who are diehard meat eaters, he will cook meat for them. In this case, the modifier is correctly placed as the sentence indicates that John will only cook meat for his family, and not do anything else with the meat.
2. Use “only” in front of the second verb in a sentence to modify the second verb. For example: “I like only dancing at a party.” In this sentence, “only” is modifying “dancing”. This means that the “I” likes only one thing at a party: dancing. The speaker does not like talking, singing, chatting, or drinking in a party setting. The speaker likes dancing at a party and that is all, nothing else.
   • The use of “only” works better in a sentence that indicates the speaker only does one thing in a certain situation. For example: “I eat only vegetables.” This sentence is clear if you are a vegetarian and are telling someone about your diet. This means you consume vegetables and no meat or other food products.
3. Place “only” in front of the ending phrase in the sentence to modify the phrase. For example: “I like dancing only at a party.” In this example, “only” is modifying “at a party”. This indicates that the speaker likes to dance when she is at a party, and that she does not dance any other time or at any other type of event.^[3]
   • You can look at this use of “only” another way: “John drinks scotch only with his dad.” This sentence means that John drinks scotch with his dad and with no one else.
4. Adjust your use of “only” in your own writing. Now that you have looked at the four different ways “only” can be used in a sentence, note how you use “only” in your next essay, letter, or conversation.^[3]
   • Remember to always place “only” next to the item you want to modify in the sentence so the sentence is clear and your meaning is not confusing or awkward to your reader or listener. Look at the above examples to determine where «only» belongs in your sentence.
   • Another good tip is to do a search of your document if it is on a word processor for the word “only”. Check that you are using “only” correctly in each sentence and adjust the placement of “only” in a sentence if it is unclear or incorrect.^[2]

Usage Cheat Sheet

Doc:Only Usage

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Sources and Citations

Although the SBLHS blog does not often venture into issues of English composition per se, correct word usage and clear sentence construction are both key components of good style and thus worthy of occasional comment. In that spirit, this modest post highlights the improper and proper placement of the word only.

Consider, for example, the following example (Bernstein 1965, 316):

I hit him in the eye yesterday.

The adjective and adverb only can legitimately be used in eight different positions in this simple sentence, producing eight different meanings.

Only I hit him in the eye yesterday.

I only hit him in the eye yesterday.

I hit only him in the eye yesterday.

I hit him only in the eye yesterday.

I hit him in only the eye yesterday.

I hit him in the only eye yesterday.

I hit him in the eye only yesterday.

I hit him in the eye yesterday only.

Obviously, the placement of only in a sentence is significant, and clear writers will be careful to place only where it actually modifies the target word. In most cases (the final sentence above represents an exception), “only emphasizes the word or phrase that immediately follows it” (CMS 5.186). The following examples (revised sentences from a forthcoming issue of JBL) illustrate common misplacements of only and explain how the alternate placements alter a sentence’s meaning.

The technical term for the sacrificial slaughter of animals only occurs here in Judges.

The technical term for the sacrificial slaughter of animals occurs only here in Judges.

The first version states that the term in question is a Hebrew Bible hapax legomenon that appears in Judges; the second version indicates that a common term in the Hebrew Bible appears one time in Judges.

Lexical ambiguity only exists when the context does not demarcate a word’s intended sense.

Lexical ambiguity exists only when the context does not demarcate a word’s intended sense.

The first version hints that ambiguity and nothing else exists when context does not demarcate a word’s intended sense; the second version states that lexical ambiguity exists when a stated condition exists: the context does not demarcate a word’s intended sense.

Some sites only evidence partial destruction focused on the city gate.

Some sites evidence only partial destruction focused on the city gate.

The first version implies that these sites evidence only one thing: partial destruction; the second version highlights the degree of destruction evidenced in some sites: it is partial. This change in meaning is admittedly subtle, but the second version focuses the reader’s attention on the key element of the statement (the partial nature of the destruction) and thus can be judged the clearer formulation.

Jephthah’s six years are tangentially related only to the periods of the minor judges.

Jephthah’s six years are only tangentially related to the periods of the minor judges.

The first sentence states that Jephthah’s six years are related to the periods of the minor judges and to nothing else; the second, by contrast, characterizes the nature of the relation: Jephthah’s six years are not closely related to the periods of the minor judges.

Captivity is only associated with the term exile when it involves physical displacement.

Captivity is associated with the term exile only when it involves physical displacement.

The first sentence suggests an exclusive relationship between captivity and exile; that is, in the stated circumstances, captivity is associated with exile and nothing else. The second sentence is more narrowly and precisely phrased: captivity is associated with exile when one condition is met: physical displacement is involved.

As reflected in these made-up examples, a common misplacement is positioning only in front of the verb when it is intended to modify what comes after the verb, as in “only occurs” versus “occurs only,” “only exists” versus “exists only,” and “only evidence” versus “evidence only.” Whenever you wish to use the word only, then, pause for a second and ask yourself what it is modifying. Once you know the answer to that question, the proper placement should be obvious.

Work Cited

Bernstein, Theodore M. 1965. The Careful Writer: A Modern Guide to English Usage. New York: Atheneum.

The English words “just” and “only” may seem like they are both interchangeable. But the thing is, that’s not always the case. You see, the word “only” can mean “just”, but the word “just” does not always mean “only”. I’m sure you want to learn more of this. That’s why I’ve decided to share with you the uses and meaning of both of these English words. This interesting topic is guaranteed to raise your level of fluency in English, so I’m very excited for you! Just read further to learn more about these 2 words and how to use them properly.

There are many uses and meanings for the word “just”. Its most common meaning is “simply”. The word “just” can be used as an alternative to the word “simply”. Here are some examples:

“It’s simply too easy!” to “It’s just too easy!” 

“She simply wanted to be alone” to “She just wanted to be alone”

“You can simply turn the switch on to get the machine working” to “You can just turn the switch on to get the machine working”

The word “just” can also mean “exactly”. But take note that the word “only” can’t mean the same thing! Take a look at the examples below.

“That’s exactly what I needed!” to “That’s just what I needed!” 

“You know exactly what to do in this situation” to “You know just what to do in this situation”

“This is exactly how she imagined her wedding would be” to “This is just how she imagined her wedding would be” 

This word can also be used as a softener or to sound friendlier and more polite. This is probably why you can hear the English word “just” being used a lot, because aside from meaning a number of things, it’s also used as a softener to one’s sentences.

“Just make yourself at home, okay?”

“Could I just ask you something really quick?”

“I just want to talk to you for 15 minutes.” 

Some More Uses for the Word “Just”

“Just” can also mean recently. An example would be “She has just arrived home”, which means the same as “She has recently arrived home.” 

Interestingly, the word “only” can also mean recently. Such as when you say “It was only discovered last year” which is synonymous to “It was just discovered last year” or “It was recently discovered last year”.

“Just” can also be used to say “barely” or “by a little”. Here’s a great example:

“The Youtube channel for GoNaturalEnglish just has under 2 million subscribers! Wow!” 

Now this one is an interesting example: “You just missed her, she just walked out the door!” This sentence is using “just” in two ways. The first one means “barely”, and the second one means “recently”.

This English word can also be used to express emphasis. Such as when you say: “You’re just so great!” or “This TV character is just so evil!”. But notice that you can’t use only in this context.

“Only” is an English Word that can also mean a number of things

One of the alternative meanings of the word “only”, on the other hand, is “solely”. This can also mean “exclusively”. Such as when you say “There are only a few more tickets left!”. In this case too, you can substitute the word “just” for “only”, as they have the same meaning when used in this context: “There’s just a few more tickets left!”

It can also mean “unfortunately”, like when you say “What you’re planning to do will only make things worse!”.

Another use for “only” is when you describe or talk about something that is single or alone. When you say “I’ve only participated in one marathon in my entire life” it means there’s only a single marathon you’ve joined in. Alternatively, you can opt to say “I’ve just participated in one marathon in my entire life”. Both sentences have the same meaning.

It can also be a form of conjunction similar to “but”, “however” or “nevertheless”. Let me show you what I mean:

“You just started learning this language, only you sound like a native speaker because of your confidence!” 

Let’s Compare Both Words!

Now that we know the uses and meanings for both English words, let’s go through some examples where we use them in the same sentence and check if they mean the same thing.

• “Let’s just study for 15 minutes” – “just” is used as a softener so that the speaker does not sound too demanding in asking for some time to study.
• “Let’s only study for 15 minutes” – “only” is used to emphasize that the study time is limited to 15 minutes.

• “You can just put your bag down here” – “just” is also used as a softener in this sentence, with the speaker encouraging someone to unload or put down his bag.
• “You can only put your bag down here” – “only” is used to emphasize the single allowable spot where a person can put down his bag.

• “I’m just so tired of your attitude” – “just” puts emphasis on the speaker’s feeling of being tired.
• “I’m only so tired of your attitude” – this means the speaker is only tired of someone’s attitude, not with his other characteristics or features.

Some Collocations and Idiomatic Phrases Using the English Word “Only”

Here are some commonly used collocations and idiomatic phrases using the English word “only”. You may have heard them being used from native English speakers. It will be great to know these as I’m pretty sure you’ll hear them often, and sooner or later you will be able to adapt to these phrases too.

“I only have one pair of hands.” 

This is saying I can only do so much by myself.

“A face that only a mother could love.” 

What this means is not a very good looking face.

“It’s only a question of time.” 

This means something is inevitable and is bound to happen any day or any minute now.

“Beauty is only skin-deep.” 

This means that it’s important to be beautiful both on the outside and on the inside.

“For your eyes only.” 

This pertains to private photos, messages, letters, or any information that is not meant to be seen by others.

“God only knows.” 

In moments when we are dumfounded and don’t know what to say or to do, we tend to say this line.

“You only live once.”

Also known as YOLO. This means you should not be afraid to go after the things you want in life. You only get one life and you should make the most of it.

“He’s not the only fish in the sea.” 

This means that a girl can have other options or choices for a partner.

Some Collocations and Idiomatic Phrases Using the English Word “Just”

Now here are examples of collocations and idiomatic phrases using the English word “just”. Again, you’re bound to hear and encounter these lines if you still haven’t. And it will be a step up in your English skills when you learn these as you get to talk and interact the way native English speakers do.

“Just in the nick of time.” 

This means you almost got late or you were cutting it too close to a deadline.

“Just because.” 

When you are asked why you like something or why you are doing something and you cannot think of a reason, often a good answer is this line.

“I’m just saying.” 

This is a really common phrase used by native English speakers. It’s used to emphasize someone’s opinion. Like when you say “You should study harder or you’ll lose your scholarship. I’m just saying.” 

“Just around the corner” or “Just ahead” 

This means we’re getting close to our point of destination.

“She’s not just a pretty face.” 

What this means is someone is good-looking AND talented or intelligent or artistic. It’s saying there’s more to a person than her good looks.

“Just off the boat.” 

Now, this line is a bit derogatory and you should not use it at all. It means just arriving from a different country. You’ll want to stay away from lines like this, but I added it here because it’s important that you know what it means and you know why it’s not good to use it.

“Just my cup of tea.” 

This is a commonly used phrase that means what a person is interested in or what a person is good at or what a person enjoys.

There’s More to Discover

There are so many other examples in the video posted, I urge you to watch it and discover the other collocations and idiomatic phrases using the English words “just” and “only”. If you can think of other sayings and lines using these two commonly used words, feel free to share in the comments section.

Here’s another fun English lesson which also features some idiomatic phrases you can learn, practice and use!

Remember, this is JUST the beginning and you’re ONLY going to get better and better after this. Keep on learning! See you in our next lesson.

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