NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 23
Chapter 1 Common Grammar Mistakes
13
only
It's such an innocent little word, but "only" has the power to change
the meaning of a sentence depending on where you place it.
In general, it's a good rule to place "only" next to the word or words
it modifies.
A Houston radio anchor puts it well:
"Separating `only' from the word it limits can drastically alter
the sentence's meaning.
o
ONLY the reporter checked his facts.
o
The ONLY reporter checked his facts.
o
The reporter ONLY checked his facts.
o
The reporter checked ONLY his facts.
o
The reporter checked his ONLY facts.
"Thanks for your efforts. Lately, your column has been my
`only' source of inspiration for better news writing."
Michael Kunkle
KTRH-AM
Mrs. B knows that to include Michael's vote of confidence was a bit
self-serving.
She's ONLY human.
