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TeacherJapan Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Modifier?
Tomorrow, I should teach my students where to place "only."
I have two dictionaries, both of which (=English/Japanese dictionary ,to be exact) say that in written English, "only" should be placed right before the word it modifies, while in spoken English, "only" should be placed in the position where "not" is usually placed.
For example, when I want to modify "their own happiness" in written English, should I place "onlly" in front of "their happiness" as in, Those people seek only their own happiness, instead of they only seek their own happiness?
I have two dictionaries, both of which (=English/Japanese dictionary ,to be exact) say that in written English, "only" should be placed right before the word it modifies, while in spoken English, "only" should be placed in the position where "not" is usually placed.
For example, when I want to modify "their own happiness" in written English, should I place "onlly" in front of "their happiness" as in, Those people seek only their own happiness, instead of they only seek their own happiness?
Top answer
teacherJapan I have two dictionaries, both of which (=English/Japanese dictionary ,to be exact) say that in written English, "only" should be placed right before the word it modifies, while in spoken English, "only" should be placed in the position where "not" is usually placed. There is occasionally some debate about this point on this very forum. Whichever you do, there will be someone who doesn't like it.
- teacherJapan I have two dictionaries, both of which (=English/Japanese dictionary ,to be exact) say that in written English, "only" should be placed right before the word it modifies, while in spoken English, "only" should be placed in the position where "not" is usually placed.
- There is occasionally some debate about this point on this very forum.
- Whichever you do, there will be someone who doesn't like it.
- In most cases I argue for "only seek their own happiness", but in this case I agree with those who like "seek only their own happiness" better.
- I was not aware that anyone advised a different approach depending on whether the statement is spoken or written.
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2 Answers
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teacherJapanI have two dictionaries, both of which (=English/Japanese dictionary ,to be exact) say that in written English, "only" should be placed right before the word it modifies, while in spoken English, "only" should be placed in the position where "not" is usually placed.There is occasionally some debate about this point on this very forum. Whichever y
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I see:) Thank you very much for your comment. I really appreciate your honesty about this "modifier" issue:) I guess whichever place you choose, there is always the other party who disagrees and says otherwise:) But that's exactly how I'll explain in class. I can't thank you enough for your help!
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