How to Use "Only" with Example Sentences

only (adv): no more than

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Used with verbs:

"I only want one thing from her."
(want, need, wish)

"I only hope that she will understand."
(hope)

"I have only dreamed of going to this university."
(dreamed)

"They only exist in the jungle."
(exist)

"Her attitude only confirms I was right."
(confirms)

"This dessert consists only of five ingredients."
(consists)

Used with adjectives:

"The move is only temporary."
(temporary)

"It's only natural to be upset about the situation."
(natural)

only (adj): being with no one else; having just the one

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Used with nouns:

"He is their only child."
(child, son)

"She is our only daughter."
(daughter)

"That's our only chance."
(chance, option, reason, explanation, hope, possibility)

"That was the only time I saw them."
(time)

"Noise is our only complaint about the hotel."
(complaint)

"Don't lose that because it's our only copy."
(copy)

"He was the only survivor of the plane crash."
(survivor)