only .. as

Question

It is only used as the model.It is used only as the model.Do they mean same and is #1 better?Thanks.

Philip · Accepted Answer

The intended meaning is the same, but the second one is better. Only modifies as, not used.

Liveinjapan · Answer

Thanks, Philip.
Got it.

PhilipOnly modifies as, not used.

That reminds me of what you've said to me before.

He only sent her three letters

He sent her only three letters.

If I got it correctly,

in those cases, only modifies three letters; in the first, only doesn't modify the verb sent, right? (If so, the theory is different to this case)

To idnetify what only modifies is a bit difficult to me, and is there no rules to do that? Do I have to get used to it one step at a time?

CalifJim · Answer

LiveinjapanDo they mean same and is #1 better?

I think it's a matter of personal preference. only is notorious for "floating to the left".
They only have two. = They have only two.
We only wanted salad. = We wanted only salad.
The boss is only in his office in the morning. = The boss is in his office only in the morning.
My personal preference is to let it float! That is, I like the first in each pair better. It's a comfortable pattern for me, even though the only actually modifies something farther to the right.
CJ
P.S. Not that it's proof of anything, but I got about 8 million more hits for "only have" than for "have only" on Google.

Liveinjapan · Answer

CalifJim only is notorious for "floating to the left".

Great expression!

Thanks, CJ

Liveinjapan · Answer

PhilipOnly modifies as, not used.

Sorry, I misunderstood what you say. Now I know this is applied to both cases.

only .. as

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions