only betydelse and definition

Betydelse av only på svenska

• 0 used to show that there is a single one or very few of something, or that there are no others:

  • I was the only person on the train.

  • Is this really the only way to do it?

  • The only thing that matters is that the baby is healthy.

  • It was the only thing I could do under the circumstances.

  • Rita was the only person to complain.

• 1 used to show that something is limited to not more than, or is not anything other than, the people, things, amount, or activity stated:

  • At present these televisions are only available in Japan.

  • Only Sue and Mark bothered to turn up for the meeting.

  • This club is for members only.

  • Only an idiot would do that.

  • These shoes only cost $50.

  • Don't worry - it's only a scratch.

  • I was only joking.

  • I was only trying to help.

  • I only arrived half an hour ago.

  • She spoke to me only a few minutes ago on the phone.

  • It's only four o'clock and it's already getting dark.

  • "Who's there?" "It's only me (= it is not someone you should worry about). I've locked myself out."

  • It's only natural that you should worry about your children.

• 2 used to refer to something that happens almost immediately after something else:

  • People were leaving and I'd only just arrived.

  • We'd only just set off when the car broke down.

  • There was only just enough food to go round.

  • We got there in time for our flight, but only just (= but we almost did not).

• 3 used to say that two related things are true or happened, especially when this is surprising or shocking:

  • Not only did he turn up late, he also forgot his books.

  • If this project fails, it will affect not only our department, but also the whole organization.

  • If you want any help, you have only to ask.

  • You only have to look at her face to see that she's not well.

• 4 used when saying that something unpleasant will happen as a result of an action or a failure to act:

  • If you don't do something about it now it will only get worse.

• 5 used to show that you feel sorry about something that cannot happen when explaining why it cannot happen:

  • I'd love to go to Australia. I only wish I could afford to.

  • I only hope you know what you're doing.

  • I only wish that they would keep in touch more regularly.

• 6 used to show that you think someone has done something silly:

  • She's only locked herself out of her flat again!

• 7 used to show what is the single or main reason why something mentioned in the first part of the sentence cannot be performed or is not completely true:

  • I'd invite Frances to the party, only (= but I will not because) I don't want her husband to come.

  • I'd call him myself, only (= but I cannot because) I'm at work all day.

  • I'd be happy to do it for you, only (= but) don't expect it to be done before next week.

  • This fabric is similar to wool, only (= except that it is) cheaper.