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Dipsik Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Position of ONLY
Hello,
I am just wondering whether there is any difference (in emphasis?)between these two sentences - or does either of them sound better? I think I have read somewhere that 'only' is best placed between the subject and verb (and to me it sounds better when it's this way) but I am not sure.
Many thanks for any explanation
Lenka
We only have an infinitesimal chance of getting the job.
We have only an infinitesimal chance of getting the job.
I am just wondering whether there is any difference (in emphasis?)between these two sentences - or does either of them sound better? I think I have read somewhere that 'only' is best placed between the subject and verb (and to me it sounds better when it's this way) but I am not sure.
Many thanks for any explanation
Lenka
We only have an infinitesimal chance of getting the job.
We have only an infinitesimal chance of getting the job.
Top answer
Hi Dipsik Either one is OK. If you place "only" directly in front of "an infinitesimal chance", then you would be focusing the idea of "only" directly on "an infinitesimal chance".
- Hi Dipsik Either one is OK.
- If you place "only" directly in front of "an infinitesimal chance", then you would be focusing the idea of "only" directly on "an infinitesimal chance".
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3 Answers
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Hi Dipsik
Either one is OK. If you place "only" directly in front of "an infinitesimal chance", then you would be focusing the idea of "only" directly on "an infinitesimal chance".
Either one is OK. If you place "only" directly in front of "an infinitesimal chance", then you would be focusing the idea of "only" directly on "an infinitesimal chance".
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YankeeHi Dipsik
Either one is OK. If you place "only" directly in front of "an infinitesimal chance", then you would be focusing the idea of "only" directly on "an infinitesimal chance".
And that's exactly what I always try to do: put the 'only' as near as possible to what is being modified by it, just as with any adjective.
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