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Leonardoatt Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Only?
Please tell me the difference between these two sentences (both are from oxford dictionary)
1-It only took a few seconds.
2-It took only a few seconds.
1-It only took a few seconds.
2-It took only a few seconds.
Top answer
As far as I'm concerned, the only difference between the two is that I prefer the second, placing 'only' closer to what it is modifying.
- As far as I'm concerned, the only difference between the two is that I prefer the second, placing 'only' closer to what it is modifying.
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3 Answers
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As far as I'm concerned, the only difference between the two is that I prefer the second, placing 'only' closer to what it is modifying.
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A native speaker would take them both as having the same meaning.
But some purists would say that "only" is misplaced in the first example, and could be taken to modify "took," rather than "a few seconds."
In something like "I only cry in the movies," some would say it could mean, eg "I never laugh or scream in the movies."
"I cry only in the movies," on the other hand,
But some purists would say that "only" is misplaced in the first example, and could be taken to modify "took," rather than "a few seconds."
In something like "I only cry in the movies," some would say it could mean, eg "I never laugh or scream in the movies."
"I cry only in the movies," on the other hand,
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Only is a tricky word and its position can vary. In spoken English, intonation is often important to determine the intended meaning. As there can be no intonation in written English, ambiguity may result. You can read more about the position of only
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