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Hela Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Shades of meaning

Dear teachers,

Would you please tell me what is the difference in meaning between the following sentences?

1) He has ONLY been here for a week.
2) He has been here ONLY for a week.
3) He has been here for ONLY a week.
4) He has been here for a week ONLY.

Many thanks,
Hela
  

Top answer

Hi, I would say that in general, you emphasize the word more in your meaning as you move it towards the front of a sentence. Of course, you can also emphasize it by tone of voice, etc. Others may have another opinion.

— Clive

  • Hi, I would say that in general, you emphasize the word more in your meaning as you move it towards the front of a sentence.
  • Of course, you can also emphasize it by tone of voice, etc.
  • Others may have another opinion.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,
I would say that in general, you emphasize the word more in your meaning as you move it towards the front of a sentence. Of course, you can also emphasize it by tone of voice, etc.

Others may have another opinion.
Clive
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No difference in meaning.
The most usual position is as you have placed it in the first example.
To my ear, the other three seem unidiomatic to greater or smaller degrees.
I find 3) OK, 2) and 4) unusual without being ungrammatical.

CJ
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1) cut him some slack

2) he's never been here before

3) he will probably be here longer

4) similar to #2, not "proper" English
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