Apr 13, 2017 · It is only redundant because you misinterpret it. You say it's the same as "only if". But it is not. "Only if", as you say, means "no guarantee he will yell if you fall". The first if …

Sep 7, 2010 · Not only did my friend Joe help me out, but he also drove me to the university. Not only does my pet dog bite me, but he also barks at me. ;-) Not only are there students in the …

The misplaced modifier is a notorious feature that often crops up in English. 'Limiting modifiers', also dubbed 'multi-purpose modifiers' (accurate if not a very helpful classifier), such as only, …

Jun 9, 2020 · In ordinary conversation, only one has the same meaning as one and only one. The shorter phrase is used almost every situation. In mathematical logic, it's often desirable to …

isn't inherently negative. The backhanded feel likely comes from the dissonance in the word "only." —"you were only trying to help" rarely means that the other party did more good than …

But afterwards, they, perceiving how the mischievous mutterings and enterprises of their conspiracy did suddenly fail, either being prevented by time, or repressed by power; or that …

Oct 24, 2021 · The 'only' in these sentences is adding emphasis to different objects – the placement of 'only' before or after the linking verb "is" makes the difference. In the first …

When only after, only if, only in this way etc. are placed at the beginning of the sentence for rhetorical effect, the subject and auxiliary are inverted: Only after lunch can you play. (You can …

Otherwise, 'only' should really come before the thing qualified. I only saw him last night (I did not speak to him) I saw only him last night (No-one else) I saw him only last night (that recently) …

Aug 28, 2013 · (A) Mosquito larvae can only be seen through a microscope. (B) Mosquito larvae can be only seen through a microscope. (C) Mosquito larvae can be seen only through a …