only */*/*/

only */*/*/
UK [ˈəʊnlɪ] / US [ˈoʊnlɪ] adjective, adverb, conjunction
Summary:

Only can be used in the following ways: - as an adverb: It's only an idea, but I thought we could try it out. ♦ She was only 18 when she had her first child. ♦ I only hope we can finish this in time. - as an adjective (always before a noun): I was an only child. ♦ You're the only person who can help me. - as a conjunction: You can come, only make sure you're on time.
1) nothing, no one, nowhere etc except used for showing that a statement does not apply to anything or anyone else except the person, thing, action, place etc that you are mentioning

She wouldn't say where she was going – she only said she'd be back as soon as she could.

The flowers grow wild only on the island of Maui.

Everyone promised they would come, but in the end only Ted and Jack showed up.

I only design the dresses, I don't actually make them.

Only in this house do I feel safe and secure.

Nowadays she performs only on very special occasions.

They were being nice to Charlie only because they didn't want to hurt his feelings.

2) when there are no others used for showing that there are no other things or people of the same kind as the one or ones that you are mentioning
the/someone's only:

David's the only one of us who has a computer.

This is the only letter my father ever wrote to me.

My only reason for coming here was to see you.

Johnson was born in Aberdeen in 1942, the only son in a family of six children.

The only people who understand the problem are the scientists.

The only thing we can do is wait and see.

3) used for showing that an amount is small used for emphasizing that an amount, number, size, age, percentage etc is small or smaller than expected

The police station was only 150 metres away.

The company was established in Lanarkshire only eight months ago.

She was only 18, but she was as smart as someone twice her age.

The mobile phone market makes up only a small part of Scottish Telecom's business.

The two men spoke with each other only briefly.

4) used for emphasizing what is necessary used for emphasizing that something must happen before something else can happen

You pay the agent only if you sell the house.

A further statement will be issued only when the investigation has been concluded.

5) not better, worse etc than something used for saying that something is not better, worse, more important, more difficult etc than you are saying it is

Don't get upset – I was only joking.

We are only trying to help.

"What was that noise?" "Don't worry – it's only the wind."

6) no earlier than no earlier than a particular time, day, week etc

I met him for the first time only last week.

only now/then:

It is only now that the technology exists to transmit high quality images.

I picked some roses and only then did I notice that my mother's favourite vase was missing.

only when:

Only when the government stops interfering will we see any improvement in our schools.

7)
a) but used for adding a comment to something that you have just said which makes it less true or correct

Fiction is like real life, only better.

Her car is like mine, only it has four doors.

b) spoken used when you are going to mention a problem or a reason why something is not possible

I would offer to baby-sit, only I'm going out myself.

the only thing is...:

I'd really like to come to the party. The only thing is, my sister is coming to town that day.

8) used for talking about a bad result used for saying that the result or effect of something is bad or not wanted and has no positive qualities

His failure to respond to the criticism only made matters worse.

I never complain – it only causes more trouble.

9) the best used for showing that something or someone is the best

You should get a motorbike. Believe me, it's the only way to travel.

In my opinion, Bond is the only man for the job.

•

...only to do something — used for saying that what happens next is disappointing or unpleasant

I tore open the box, only to discover that some of the parts were missing.

only wish/hope (that) — to wish/hope something strongly

I only hope others will learn from what has happened to me.

you (only) have to do something= you have (only) to do something — used for saying that a fact becomes obvious as soon as you do something

You only have to visit your local hospital to see that the system isn't working.

See:
one, time I

English dictionary. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Only — «Only» Сингл Nine Inch Nails из альбома With Teeth …   Википедия

  • Only U — UK CD 1 cover Single by Ashanti from the album Concrete Rose …   Wikipedia

  • only — The position of only is one of the major unresolved topics of discussion in English usage. The upshot is that logical position, i.e. association with the word to which only most closely refers, is not always consistent with naturalness, which… …   Modern English usage

  • only — [ōn′lē] adj. [ME < OE anlic < an,ONE + lic, LY1] 1. alone of its or their kind; by itself or by themselves; sole 2. having no siblings [an only child] 3. alone in its or their superiority; best; finest adv …   English World dictionary

  • Only — On ly, adv. [See {Only}, a.] 1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely. [1913 Webster] And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden. [1913 Webster] 2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Only — may refer to: Only (magazine), a Canadian news and entertainment magazine Only (album), an album by Tommy Emmanuel Only (Anthrax song) Only (Nine Inch Nails song) The Only , a song by Static X Jerry Only (born 1959), American punk rock bassist… …   Wikipedia

  • Only — On ly, a. [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. [=a]nlic, i.e., onelike. See {One}, {and Like}, a.] 1. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation. [1913 Webster] 2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • only — adj & adv Only, alone are often used interchangeably (though alone is not found in the attributive position), but seldom without a slight change in meaning or emphasis. Only is especially appropriate when restriction to what is specified or… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • only — ► ADVERB 1) and no one or nothing more besides. 2) no longer ago than. 3) not until. 4) with the negative or unfortunate result that. ► ADJECTIVE 1) alone of its or their kind; single or solitary. 2) alone deserving consideration …   English terms dictionary

  • only — O.E. ænlic, anlic only, unique, solitary, lit. one like, from an one (see ONE (Cf. one)) + lic ly (see LY (Cf. ly) (1)). Distinction of only and alone (now usually in reference to emotional states) is unusual; in many languages the same …   Etymology dictionary

  • Only 4 DJ — Only For DJs Only For DJ’s est un magazine culturel crée en Décembre 1995 dédié aux musiques électroniques et aux événements liés aux acteurs de l’industrie de la musique électronique et de la nuit. Les lecteurs se situent dans la tranche d âge… …   Wikipédia en Français

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”