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Silak12 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Only or except?

Hi! everyone.I have a problem using "Only" in these sentences.
1-I wanted to watch my son play, only I didn't know where he was playing.(Can I say it like this-I wanted to watch my son play except I didn't know where he was playing) Can I say this?
2-Call me only if your cold gets worst. Is this sentence same like-Never call me except if your cold gets worst.
3-I'd phone him myself, only I've not got to go out.(Is "not" correct here)
Thanks!
  

Top answer

In #1, "except" and "only" are sometimes used casually this way, but they're either very low register or incorrect. " It has many uses. #2.

— Avangi

  • In #1, "except" and "only" are sometimes used casually this way, but they're either very low register or incorrect.
  • " It has many uses.
  • #2.
  • Yes, the meanings are the same, but I think "except if" is bad style in this particular case.
  • "Unless" would be better.
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3 Answers
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In #1, "except" and "only" are sometimes used casually this way, but they're either very low register or incorrect.
Use "but." It has many uses.
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Hi! Avangi Thanks for replying me.I got the 3rd one.
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#3 is actually grammatical, but it needs context.

I have no phone, so I would have to walk down to the gas station and use the pay phone.
If I were planning to go out anyway, I wouldn't mind making the call; but I don't have to go out.

"I've not got to go out" = "I don't have to go out."

It's grammatical, but "I've got to" is low register and "I've not"
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