About the adverbs

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

I’ve read on an English book: “We only had a week, and time flies when you’re having fun”. Then, “He has only a pair of pyjamas”.

Well, my question is: can I put the adverb “only” where I “prefer” (after the subject and after the verb as well)?

Thanks a lot for your help. Bye.

PS: I know with the verb “to be” the adverb follows the verb.

2

We only had a week… - the focus is on us.
We had only a week… - the focus is on the time.

He only has one pair… - the focus is on him.
He has only one pair… - the focus is on the pyjamas.

So generally you can use both, but you would not choose according to preference. You would choose the correct one for the context.

3

Thanks for your explanation, Ms Beeesneees. Have a nice day.

4

The position of the adverb ‘only’ depends on the word you want to qualify. You put ‘only’ as near as possible to the word or phrase.you want to qualify.

Look at this: He works on Tuesday and not on any other day = He works only on Tuesday.

He does nothing for six days a week but he has a job on Tuesday = He only works on Tuesday.

Alan

5

Thank you Alan, I guess the difference in meaning is quite slight.

Have a nice day.