only

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   Used to say that something is limited to one thing or person and nothing or no one else is included.

   Grammar: Usually comes before the word or phrase it limits: Only Sarah knew the answer.

   Patterns

   • only + verb
   • only + noun
   • only + prepositional phrase

   I only drink coffee in the morning.

   She only spoke to me once at the party.

   The store is only open on weekdays.

2. 2adverb

   Used to mean 'no more than' or 'merely', emphasizing how small or unimportant something is.

   Grammar: Often comes before a number or amount: It costs only five dollars.

   Patterns

   • only + number/amount
   • only + adjective
   • only + a few

   It took only ten minutes to get there.

   He was only a child when his family moved.

   I have only a little money left.

3. 3adverb

   Used to introduce a reason or explanation that makes something less surprising or serious.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'because' or 'to': I didn't call only because I lost your number.

   Patterns

   • only because
   • only to
   • only if

   She was late only because the bus broke down.

   I agreed only to keep the peace.

   You can go only if you finish your homework.

4. 4adjectivebefore a noun

   Being the single one or the very few of a kind; sole.

   Grammar: Always used before a noun: her only child, the only way.

   Patterns

   • the only + noun
   • one's only + noun

   She is the only person who knows the truth.

   This is the only copy of the letter.

   My only regret is not saying goodbye.

5. 5conjunction

   Used to mean 'except that' or 'but', introducing a fact that limits what was just said.

   Grammar: Often used after 'I would' or 'I could': I would call, only I don't have your number.

   Patterns

   • I would ... only ...
   • I could ... only ...

   I would love to come, only I have to work.

   He would have helped, only he didn't know how.

Common combinations

only just

I only just caught the train.

only too

I am only too happy to help.

if only

If only I had studied harder!

the only thing

The only thing I want is a quiet evening.

only child

As an only child, she spent a lot of time alone.

not only ... but also

She not only sings but also plays the piano.

Synonyms and how they differ

just

Often interchangeable with 'only' in the sense of 'merely', but 'just' can also mean 'recently' or 'exactly'.

merely

More formal than 'only' and emphasizes that something is nothing more than what is stated.

solely

Stronger than 'only' and suggests that something is the single and exclusive reason or factor.

simply

Can replace 'only' when emphasizing that something is no more than a particular thing, often with a tone of surprise.

Commonly confused: only or alone?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “only”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words