only · adv
I only hope (that)/I only wish (that)
B2 used to emphasize what you are hoping or wishing for
Dictionary examples:
I only hope you know what you're doing. (14.8)
I only wish that they would keep in touch more. (36.1)
not only
B2 used to say that more than one thing is true
Dictionary examples:
Not only did he turn up late, he also forgot his books. (23.8)
If this project fails it will affect not only our department, but the whole organization. (34.4)
only (NOT MORE)
A1 not more than a particular size or amount
Dictionary examples:
The teacher only speaks in emojis. (0.0)
The baby only says 'cookie' now. (0.0)
My phone only works underwater. (0.0)
She's only 13. (4.7)
These shoes only cost £20. (14.3)
It's only four o'clock and it's already getting dark. (16.2)
He passed only one of his exams. (17.0)
only (NO ONE/NOTHING ELSE)
A2 not anyone or anything else
Dictionary examples:
Only left-handed people can use this door. Right-handed? Use the window! (0.0)
Only people who can spell 'banana' without looking it up can eat here. (0.0)
Only people who can stand on one leg for a minute get free ice cream. (0.0)
Only food bought here may be eaten here. (9.3)
This club is for members only. (12.3)
Only Sue and Mark came to the meeting. (19.6)
only (NOWHERE ELSE)
B1 not in any other place
Dictionary examples:
Square watermelons are only grown in the Geometric Gardens. (0.0)
Invisible ink pens are only sold at the Secret Spy Shop. (0.0)
The world's silliest hat competition is only held in Funkytown. (0.0)
These televisions are only available in Japan. (9.2)
These birds are only found in New Zealand. (45.3)
only (RECENTLY)
B1 used to mean that something happened very recently
Dictionary examples:
I only woke up a minute ago. Why am I on a plane? (0.0)
I only learned English last week. Now I'm writing Shakespeare-level poetry! (0.0)
I only bought this phone yesterday. It's already outdated! (0.0)
The movie had only just begun. (8.9)
They only put the roof on last week. (26.4)
We'd only just started out when the car broke down. (28.0)
I only arrived half an hour ago. (32.7)
only so much/many
C2 used to say that there are limits to something
Dictionary examples:
There's only so much help you can give someone. (17.7)
if only
B1 used when you want to say how doing something simple would make it possible to avoid something unpleasant
Dictionary examples:
If only I had learned to cook, I wouldn't be eating cereal for dinner again. (0.0)
If only I had studied, I wouldn't be wearing this dunce cap now. (0.0)
If only I hadn't eaten that extra pizza, I could zip up my pants. (0.0)
If only they'd listen to him, I'm sure they could work it out. (21.9)
only (NOT IMPORTANT)
B1 used to say that something is not important, or that you did not mean to upset someone
Dictionary examples:
Don't worry, I only sent that embarrassing photo to our entire school. (0.0)
I only put salt in your coffee because I thought you needed more energy. (0.0)
It's only a small fire. I was trying to cook instant noodles. (0.0)
I was only trying to help. (10.8)
I was only joking. (15.8)
Don't worry - it's only a scratch. (31.9)