A1adjective1K

Only

UK /["/ˈəʊnli/"]/US /["/ˈəʊnli/"]/

Definition

used to say that no other or others of the same group exist or are there

In simple words: just one or a single type of something

Examples

  • She is the only person I trust.
  • He is the only child in the family.
  • This is the only book I want to read.
  • Only you can make this decision.
  • I will only eat vegetables for dinner.
  • You were only supposed to ask one question.
  • There are only two options available.

Usage notes

Use 'only' to restrict meaning. It’s often used to clarify that nothing else is included. Avoid using it excessively, as it can sound limiting or exclusive.

Grammar pattern

only + noun/verb/adjective/adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'only' as a gate — it lets in just one thing.

Collocations

  • only one
  • only child
  • only option
  • only when
  • only time

Synonyms

  • solely
  • exclusively
  • merely
  • just
  • simply

Antonyms

  • multiple
  • various
  • some

Common mistakes

  • Using 'only' in the wrong position, changing the meaning.
  • Confusing 'the only' with 'only'.
  • Overusing 'only', leading to awkward sentences.