only

The one person or thing available or possible, with no others.

• This is the only key.
• She was the only woman on the team.
• Is that our only choice?

Similar words: sole, single

Common phrases: the only way, the only person, only option, only doctor

Having no brothers or sisters, or being the one son or daughter in a family.

• I am an only child.
• Their only son lives abroad.
• She is their only daughter, but she has two brothers.

Common phrases: only child, only son, only daughter

Used to limit something to a particular amount, person, thing, or action.

• I have only two euros.
• This room is only for staff.
• We only sell fresh bread.

Similar words: just, merely

Common phrases: only three, only a few, only for someone, only look

Used to show that something happened very recently or later than you expected.

• She arrived only yesterday.
• We have only just finished lunch.
• I learned about the change only last week.

Similar words: just

Common phrases: only yesterday, only just, only recently

You use this to explain a problem that prevents something or makes it less likely.

• I'd come, only I'm busy.
• She wanted to help, only she didn't have time.
• We could walk there, only it's raining heavily.

Similar words: but, except that

Common phrases: only i forgot, only we can't

You use this to add a condition to what you have just agreed to.

• You can stay, only keep quiet.
• Take my car, only bring it back tonight.
• You may invite friends, only please tell me beforehand.

Similar words: provided that, but

Common phrases: only please remember, only be careful