November 15, 2014 – Word of the Day

only

The word "only" creates some kind of a limit.

  • There’s only one banana left.
  • We can only stay for a couple of hours.
  • He only has three dollars in his pocket.
  • You can drive only 25 miles per hour in this area.

This word is applied when a situation is good:

  • This car is only $4500.
  • We’re only a few minutes late.
  • The flight only lasted an hour.
  • It’s only 10:00. We have time to go somewhere.

But sometimes the situation is not so good:

  • We’re the only ones here at this party.
  • I don’t want to wake up. It’s only five in the morning.
  • You’re too young to drive if you’re only 14 years old.
  • She was only 35 when she died.

There are many, many different situations in which "only" might be used:

  • He’s the one and only. (There’s no other. He’s original or he’s the one person to fill the position.)
  • If only we could save enough money. (It’s difficult to save money.)
  • If only that were true. (The situation isn’t true, but it’s nice to think about.)
  • If only! (This is used when wishing for something.)
  • He’s an only child. (He has no brothers or sisters.)
  • This is for you and you only. ( I don’t want you to share this with other people.)
  • You’re only going to make matters worse. (This is kind of an expression. It means that a person’s intentions or actions will create more problems.)

The Platters — Only You

 

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