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Correct placement of the word “only”

Updated on January 21, 2021

In our writing, we must be conscious of where we place the word only in a sentence. There are many possible ways of writing a sentence containing the word only, and each sentence has an entirely different meaning. It is important to remember to place the word only directly before whatever you want it to modify. The following table provides guidance about the correct placement of "only" to ensure that your sentences always have the correct meaning.

How the location of the word only modifies a sentence

PlacementMeaning
Only I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday.Usually the cat helps too, but she was busy with a mouse.
I only helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday.The dog wanted me to carry them all by myself, but I refused.
I helped only my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday.I was too busy to help my neighbor's dog when he carried them.
I helped my only dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday.I considered getting another dog but my cat disapproved.
I helped my dog only carry my husband's slippers yesterday.I didn't help the dog eat them; I usually let the cat do that.
I helped my dog carry only my husband's slippers yesterday.My dog and I didn't have time to help my neighbor's husband.
I helped my dog carry my only husband's slippers yesterday.I considered getting another husband, but one is enough.
I helped my dog carry my husband's only slippers yesterday.My husband had two pairs of slippers, but the cat ate one pair.
I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers only yesterday.And now the dog wants help again; I wish he'd ask the cat.
I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday only.

And believe me, once was enough – the slippers tasted terrible.

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