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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Where to put "only"

Which one of the expressions is the correct one?

" I will be only able to help if "

" I will be able to help only if "

" I will be able to help if only "

Thank you!
  

Top answer

My personal preference is to put it as close to what it is modifying: only if..... Many others don't see this as important, because the meaning of the sentence is clear.

— Philip

  • My personal preference is to put it as close to what it is modifying: only if.....
  • Many others don't see this as important, because the meaning of the sentence is clear.
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4 Answers
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My personal preference is to put it as close to what it is modifying: only if.....

Many others don't see this as important, because the meaning of the sentence is clear.
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These all have different meanings to me.

I will be only able to help if I'm not needed at work that day.

I will be able to help only if you lend me your car -as mine is broken.

I will be able to help if only for a little while.
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AnonymousWhich one of the expressions is the correct one?
" I will be only able to help if "

" I will be able to help only if " << This one.

" I will be able to help if only "

You will also hear: I will only be able to help if ...

CJ
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Hi,

Also

eg Only I can open the safe. No-one else knows the combination.



Clive
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