| How to Use the Word Only Correctly Dec 2nd 2012, 20:00 The word "only" is used everywhere, but usually incorrectly. When it's used incorrectly, the listener (or reader) has to figure out what you really meant to say. Once you know the reason behind the rule, you can speak and write more accurately and less ambiguously. - It's important to understand that the word "only" describes, or modifies, the word or clause right after it. This means that "only" should be placed right before the word or phrase you're singling out to mean "alone", "solely" or "no other".
- For example, "the only cookie", or "I only looked at him." In these two examples, it's clear what "only" modifies. In the first example, it's the word "cookie". "Only" emphasizes that there is only one cookie. (If there were only more of them...) In the second example, "only" modifies the verb "looked", emphasizing that the only action that took place was "looking", not "hitting" or any other action.
- Learn by example. Here's one sentence in which "only" can be used in several places, and every place means something different!
- "She kissed him on the lips."
- If you write "Only she kissed him on the lips.", then that means that she, and no one else kissed him.
- If you write "She only kissed him on the lips.", then "kissing" was the action, and no other, such as "applying chap stick".
- If you write "She kissed only him on the lips.", then you know that he was special to her.
- If you write "She kissed him only on the lips.", then she has good aim. Her kiss didn't land under, over, or to the sides.
- If you write "She kissed him on only the lips.", then no other part of his body got a kiss, not even his forehead.
- If you write "She kissed him on the lips only.", then this is the same as the preceding example.
- Get into the habit of using "only" right in front of the word you want to single out. This matters because it can change the meaning unless the context makes it clear to the listener or reader. It's slightly less problematic in informal conversation as most people know what you really mean but getting it correct will save misunderstandings.
- Listen for the use of "only" by others. Now that you're an expert, you're doomed to listening and reading everyone else misuse "only". Try to figure out what they really meant! If it isn't clear, seek clarification, especially where a decision or result rests on the understanding.
- If you correct someone, say it with the tone of "I understand that you meant .... is that right?", rather than being officious or obnoxious.
- When you read to your child, read the sentences with "only" correctly, the way it should have been written, rather than perpetuating the misuse of the word.
Edit Related wikiHows |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment