only
adverb
ˈəʊnli 
ˈoʊnli 
1 nobody or nothing exceptThere are only a limited number of tickets available.The bar is for members only.You only have to look at her to see she doesn't eat enough.Only five people turned up.2 in no other situation, place, etcI agreed, but only because I was frightened.Children are admitted only if accompanied by an adult.Help
In formal written English only, or only if and its clause, can be placed first in the sentence. In the second part of the sentence, be, do, have, etc. come before the subject and the main part of the verb: 3 no more important, interesting, serious, etc. thanIt was only a suggestion.Don't blame me, I'm only the messenger!He was only teasing you.4 no more than; no longer thanShe's only 21 and she runs her own business.It only took a few seconds.It took only a few seconds.5 not untilWe only got here yesterday. (formal) Only then did she realize the stress he was under.Help
When only begins a sentence be, do, have, etc. come before the subject and the main part of the verb.6 used to say that somebody can do no more than what is mentioned, although this is probably not enoughWe can only guess what happened.He could only watch helplessly as the car plunged into the ravine.I only hope that she never finds out.7 used to say that something will have a bad effectIf you do that, it will only make matters worse.Trying to reason with him only enrages him even more.8 only to do something used to mention something that happens immediately afterwards, especially something that causes surprise, disappointment, etc.She turned up the driveway, only to find her way blocked.Idioms
not only… but (also)…
both… and…
He not only read the book, but also remembered what he had read.only just
1 not long ago/beforeWe've only just arrived.2 almost notHe only just caught the train.I can afford it, but only just.only too…
very
I was only too pleased to help.Children can be difficult as we know only too well.you're only young once
(saying) young people should enjoy themselves as much as possible, because they will have to work and worry later in their lives
Usage note: additionAdding another itemBilingual children do better in IQ tests than children who speak only one language. In addition/What is more, they seem to find it easier to learn third or even fourth languages.Learning another language not only improves children's job prospects in later life, but also boosts their self-esteem.Teaching children a second language improves their job prospects in later life. Other benefits include increased self-esteem and greater tolerance of other cultures.Another/One further/One additional reason for encouraging bilingual education is that it boosts children's self-esteem.Studies suggest that bilingual children find it easier to learn additional languages. There is, moreover, increasing evidence that bilingual children perform better across a range of school subjects, not just foreign languages.His claim that children find bilingual education confusing is based on very little evidence. Moreover, the evidence he does provide is seriously flawed.Research has shown that first-language development is not impeded by exposure to a second language. Furthermore, there is no evidence to support the claim that children find bilingual education confusing.