Indian English use of “only”
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I am from Bangalore and people here tend use the word only to emphasise something in a sentence. For example:
We are getting that only printed.
What is the proper way to put it?
grammaticality word-usage adverbs indian-english adverb-position
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
|
show 5 more comments
I am from Bangalore and people here tend use the word only to emphasise something in a sentence. For example:
We are getting that only printed.
What is the proper way to put it?
grammaticality word-usage adverbs indian-english adverb-position
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
2
Yes.That is a general tendency.It is used to emphasize the task.For e.g., If you ask a person about completion of a task abc, he will reply "Yes, I am doing that only." :) Its a bit funny but has become a habit mostly. The only way to avoid use of 'only' is to specify the work being done.In your case, it might be, 'We are getting the sheet xyz printed'.
– Miss Komal
Mar 15 '13 at 10:34
1
I assume you mean 'limit' when you say 'emphasis[e]'. For emphasis, bolding and/or italicisation would be used in print (We are getting that printed), whilst in spoken English, an emphatic tone (and perhaps an emphatic gesture) would be used. To limit, in conversation the word just is more idiomatic in the obvious position: 'We are getting just that printed.' However, it would be more normal to change the position of the limiting modifier, admittedly to a less logical position in the sentence: 'We are only / just getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:46
1
I've just told you how most people in England would do it. To attempt to avoid the possible ambiguity, the that would be stressed: 'We are only getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
1
The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say "We are getting only that printed" and to emphasize "that". When it's written, where "only" is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity. All other suggestions here so far are ambiguous to careful writers and readers. Disregard what typical native speakers think is normal in this case. In writing, place "only" before the word or phrase that it modifies. When speaking, however, it's fine to say it after, viz., "We are getting that only printed" if you heavily stress "only" & keep the pause after "that" very short.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:00
5
No, 'That's the only thing we're having printed' avoids ambiguity and sounds like normal English.
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 15:51
|
show 5 more comments
I am from Bangalore and people here tend use the word only to emphasise something in a sentence. For example:
We are getting that only printed.
What is the proper way to put it?
grammaticality word-usage adverbs indian-english adverb-position
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
I am from Bangalore and people here tend use the word only to emphasise something in a sentence. For example:
We are getting that only printed.
What is the proper way to put it?
grammaticality word-usage adverbs indian-english adverb-position
grammaticality word-usage adverbs indian-english adverb-position
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
edited Apr 23 '14 at 7:33
Mari-Lou A
62.6k57226466
62.6k57226466
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
asked Mar 15 '13 at 10:19
AnirudhAnirudh
215137
215137
2
Yes.That is a general tendency.It is used to emphasize the task.For e.g., If you ask a person about completion of a task abc, he will reply "Yes, I am doing that only." :) Its a bit funny but has become a habit mostly. The only way to avoid use of 'only' is to specify the work being done.In your case, it might be, 'We are getting the sheet xyz printed'.
– Miss Komal
Mar 15 '13 at 10:34
1
I assume you mean 'limit' when you say 'emphasis[e]'. For emphasis, bolding and/or italicisation would be used in print (We are getting that printed), whilst in spoken English, an emphatic tone (and perhaps an emphatic gesture) would be used. To limit, in conversation the word just is more idiomatic in the obvious position: 'We are getting just that printed.' However, it would be more normal to change the position of the limiting modifier, admittedly to a less logical position in the sentence: 'We are only / just getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:46
1
I've just told you how most people in England would do it. To attempt to avoid the possible ambiguity, the that would be stressed: 'We are only getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
1
The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say "We are getting only that printed" and to emphasize "that". When it's written, where "only" is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity. All other suggestions here so far are ambiguous to careful writers and readers. Disregard what typical native speakers think is normal in this case. In writing, place "only" before the word or phrase that it modifies. When speaking, however, it's fine to say it after, viz., "We are getting that only printed" if you heavily stress "only" & keep the pause after "that" very short.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:00
5
No, 'That's the only thing we're having printed' avoids ambiguity and sounds like normal English.
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 15:51
|
show 5 more comments
2
Yes.That is a general tendency.It is used to emphasize the task.For e.g., If you ask a person about completion of a task abc, he will reply "Yes, I am doing that only." :) Its a bit funny but has become a habit mostly. The only way to avoid use of 'only' is to specify the work being done.In your case, it might be, 'We are getting the sheet xyz printed'.
– Miss Komal
Mar 15 '13 at 10:34
1
I assume you mean 'limit' when you say 'emphasis[e]'. For emphasis, bolding and/or italicisation would be used in print (We are getting that printed), whilst in spoken English, an emphatic tone (and perhaps an emphatic gesture) would be used. To limit, in conversation the word just is more idiomatic in the obvious position: 'We are getting just that printed.' However, it would be more normal to change the position of the limiting modifier, admittedly to a less logical position in the sentence: 'We are only / just getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:46
1
I've just told you how most people in England would do it. To attempt to avoid the possible ambiguity, the that would be stressed: 'We are only getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
1
The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say "We are getting only that printed" and to emphasize "that". When it's written, where "only" is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity. All other suggestions here so far are ambiguous to careful writers and readers. Disregard what typical native speakers think is normal in this case. In writing, place "only" before the word or phrase that it modifies. When speaking, however, it's fine to say it after, viz., "We are getting that only printed" if you heavily stress "only" & keep the pause after "that" very short.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:00
5
No, 'That's the only thing we're having printed' avoids ambiguity and sounds like normal English.
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 15:51
2
2
Yes.That is a general tendency.It is used to emphasize the task.For e.g., If you ask a person about completion of a task abc, he will reply "Yes, I am doing that only." :) Its a bit funny but has become a habit mostly. The only way to avoid use of 'only' is to specify the work being done.In your case, it might be, 'We are getting the sheet xyz printed'.
– Miss Komal
Mar 15 '13 at 10:34
Yes.That is a general tendency.It is used to emphasize the task.For e.g., If you ask a person about completion of a task abc, he will reply "Yes, I am doing that only." :) Its a bit funny but has become a habit mostly. The only way to avoid use of 'only' is to specify the work being done.In your case, it might be, 'We are getting the sheet xyz printed'.
– Miss Komal
Mar 15 '13 at 10:34
1
1
I assume you mean 'limit' when you say 'emphasis[e]'. For emphasis, bolding and/or italicisation would be used in print (We are getting that printed), whilst in spoken English, an emphatic tone (and perhaps an emphatic gesture) would be used. To limit, in conversation the word just is more idiomatic in the obvious position: 'We are getting just that printed.' However, it would be more normal to change the position of the limiting modifier, admittedly to a less logical position in the sentence: 'We are only / just getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:46
I assume you mean 'limit' when you say 'emphasis[e]'. For emphasis, bolding and/or italicisation would be used in print (We are getting that printed), whilst in spoken English, an emphatic tone (and perhaps an emphatic gesture) would be used. To limit, in conversation the word just is more idiomatic in the obvious position: 'We are getting just that printed.' However, it would be more normal to change the position of the limiting modifier, admittedly to a less logical position in the sentence: 'We are only / just getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:46
1
1
I've just told you how most people in England would do it. To attempt to avoid the possible ambiguity, the that would be stressed: 'We are only getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
I've just told you how most people in England would do it. To attempt to avoid the possible ambiguity, the that would be stressed: 'We are only getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
1
1
The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say "We are getting only that printed" and to emphasize "that". When it's written, where "only" is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity. All other suggestions here so far are ambiguous to careful writers and readers. Disregard what typical native speakers think is normal in this case. In writing, place "only" before the word or phrase that it modifies. When speaking, however, it's fine to say it after, viz., "We are getting that only printed" if you heavily stress "only" & keep the pause after "that" very short.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:00
The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say "We are getting only that printed" and to emphasize "that". When it's written, where "only" is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity. All other suggestions here so far are ambiguous to careful writers and readers. Disregard what typical native speakers think is normal in this case. In writing, place "only" before the word or phrase that it modifies. When speaking, however, it's fine to say it after, viz., "We are getting that only printed" if you heavily stress "only" & keep the pause after "that" very short.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:00
5
5
No, 'That's the only thing we're having printed' avoids ambiguity and sounds like normal English.
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 15:51
No, 'That's the only thing we're having printed' avoids ambiguity and sounds like normal English.
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 15:51
|
show 5 more comments
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
I am an America living in India and have observed the Indian English use of "only" for purposes of emphasis.
I've collected a few examples of this usage. The ones below require context because they could also mean "only" in the sense of exclusion, as an American or an Englishman would use the term. However they were all used to emphasize.
"It's a new movie only"
"It's on that branch only"
"They are Panjabi only"
"There was a tree only over there"
"That's his term only"
The following examples also use "only" for emphasis, and contextually they can't be taken any other way.
"It's an iPhone only."
"I have no lighter only."
"I'm going to eat now only."
"Immediately on arrival only he paid me."
"That is still a part of Bombay only."
"I'll get it washed tomorrow only."
"I can not understand it only"
answers phone "I'm in my room only"
"I need AA batteries"...."we will get that in town only."
If I am to understand your question correctly, you want to know how this emphasis would be given in the same situation by a Western native speaker of English. (For many Indians, "proper" here is equivalent to "English as used in the West.") It need not be though, Indian English is a great native language, it has its own sense of style.
I don't have a clean easy way of adding the same emphasis, this is a unique use of English. But I think that if the sentence was a response to
"Are you printing up my documents now?
and the Indian English speaker responds with "We are getting that only printed" (implying that it is indeed being done, not implying that the customer's print job is the only one being printed at this time) then I as an American English speaker might say "Yes, we are actually printing that right now." Perhaps "We are indeed getting that printed." Truthfully, this emphasis doesn't seem to work as well in Western English.
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
2
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
add a comment |
Your phrase is perfectly normal, assuming you want to emphasize that it is the one sheet you are printing, not the whole document (or whatever). The Authorised Version of the book of Job has a survivor say "And I only am escaped to tell thee" which is well known enough for Roger Zelazny to use as a title for a short story. Modern versions have "I am the only one who escaped" here, so you could say That is the only one we are getting printed, adding clarity at the expense of concision and euphony. The common usage "We are only getting that printed" would not be what you want: it might mean "we are only having it printed, not engraved", or "only now are we getting it printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
add a comment |
Instead of "We are getting that only printed" use "We are only getting that printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
3
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
4
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
1
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
|
show 4 more comments
Either:
We are only getting that printed.
Which is ambiguous (does "only" refer to "that" or to "printed"?) or:
We are getting only that printed.
Which, AFAIU, is not ambiguous.
(Emphasis is added to show where the word "only" is used, not where emphasis falls in the sentence.)
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
add a comment |
Changing the word order gives you the results you want. To use your own example, say "That's what we are getting printed". For more emphasis, you can also say "That's exactly what we are printing (doing)".
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
add a comment |
In almost all the cases you can use 'just'.
We are just getting that printed
Adds emphasis.
But avoid putting 'just' near 'that' unless you intend to imply specificity rather than mere emphasis.
We are getting just that printed
Specifies more closely what is printed.
You can even get away with that swap in constructions like:
That is just a part of Bombay.
They are just Punjabi.
I can just not understand it / I just cannot understand it
I am just in my room.
The 'just' usually goes between the main verb and a modal or helping verb when there is one.
Self-effacing people in the US often develop the same reflexive use of 'just' that Indians have of 'only'. But we like our adverbs to lie closer to their verbs.
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
add a comment |
My friend,
The usage of 'only' depends on the intention of the speaker.
If the speaker wants to say that only he and nobody else are printing the paper, then he should be saying, 'only I am getting the paper printed.'
But, if the speaker wants to tell that he is doing just one job, getting the paper printed, and nothing else, then he should be saying,'I am only getting the paper printed.'
Now, if the speaker tries to convey that, of all the papers that he has if he is getting just one paper printed and nothing else, then he should probably be telling, 'I am getting only the paper printed.'
Hope this clarifies your question.
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
add a comment |
I'm an Indian and I'm quite annoyed by the usage of 'only' by my fellow Indians.
The answer to your question is; We are getting that itself printed.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
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Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
add a comment |
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8 Answers
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8 Answers
8
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I am an America living in India and have observed the Indian English use of "only" for purposes of emphasis.
I've collected a few examples of this usage. The ones below require context because they could also mean "only" in the sense of exclusion, as an American or an Englishman would use the term. However they were all used to emphasize.
"It's a new movie only"
"It's on that branch only"
"They are Panjabi only"
"There was a tree only over there"
"That's his term only"
The following examples also use "only" for emphasis, and contextually they can't be taken any other way.
"It's an iPhone only."
"I have no lighter only."
"I'm going to eat now only."
"Immediately on arrival only he paid me."
"That is still a part of Bombay only."
"I'll get it washed tomorrow only."
"I can not understand it only"
answers phone "I'm in my room only"
"I need AA batteries"...."we will get that in town only."
If I am to understand your question correctly, you want to know how this emphasis would be given in the same situation by a Western native speaker of English. (For many Indians, "proper" here is equivalent to "English as used in the West.") It need not be though, Indian English is a great native language, it has its own sense of style.
I don't have a clean easy way of adding the same emphasis, this is a unique use of English. But I think that if the sentence was a response to
"Are you printing up my documents now?
and the Indian English speaker responds with "We are getting that only printed" (implying that it is indeed being done, not implying that the customer's print job is the only one being printed at this time) then I as an American English speaker might say "Yes, we are actually printing that right now." Perhaps "We are indeed getting that printed." Truthfully, this emphasis doesn't seem to work as well in Western English.
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
2
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
add a comment |
I am an America living in India and have observed the Indian English use of "only" for purposes of emphasis.
I've collected a few examples of this usage. The ones below require context because they could also mean "only" in the sense of exclusion, as an American or an Englishman would use the term. However they were all used to emphasize.
"It's a new movie only"
"It's on that branch only"
"They are Panjabi only"
"There was a tree only over there"
"That's his term only"
The following examples also use "only" for emphasis, and contextually they can't be taken any other way.
"It's an iPhone only."
"I have no lighter only."
"I'm going to eat now only."
"Immediately on arrival only he paid me."
"That is still a part of Bombay only."
"I'll get it washed tomorrow only."
"I can not understand it only"
answers phone "I'm in my room only"
"I need AA batteries"...."we will get that in town only."
If I am to understand your question correctly, you want to know how this emphasis would be given in the same situation by a Western native speaker of English. (For many Indians, "proper" here is equivalent to "English as used in the West.") It need not be though, Indian English is a great native language, it has its own sense of style.
I don't have a clean easy way of adding the same emphasis, this is a unique use of English. But I think that if the sentence was a response to
"Are you printing up my documents now?
and the Indian English speaker responds with "We are getting that only printed" (implying that it is indeed being done, not implying that the customer's print job is the only one being printed at this time) then I as an American English speaker might say "Yes, we are actually printing that right now." Perhaps "We are indeed getting that printed." Truthfully, this emphasis doesn't seem to work as well in Western English.
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
2
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
add a comment |
I am an America living in India and have observed the Indian English use of "only" for purposes of emphasis.
I've collected a few examples of this usage. The ones below require context because they could also mean "only" in the sense of exclusion, as an American or an Englishman would use the term. However they were all used to emphasize.
"It's a new movie only"
"It's on that branch only"
"They are Panjabi only"
"There was a tree only over there"
"That's his term only"
The following examples also use "only" for emphasis, and contextually they can't be taken any other way.
"It's an iPhone only."
"I have no lighter only."
"I'm going to eat now only."
"Immediately on arrival only he paid me."
"That is still a part of Bombay only."
"I'll get it washed tomorrow only."
"I can not understand it only"
answers phone "I'm in my room only"
"I need AA batteries"...."we will get that in town only."
If I am to understand your question correctly, you want to know how this emphasis would be given in the same situation by a Western native speaker of English. (For many Indians, "proper" here is equivalent to "English as used in the West.") It need not be though, Indian English is a great native language, it has its own sense of style.
I don't have a clean easy way of adding the same emphasis, this is a unique use of English. But I think that if the sentence was a response to
"Are you printing up my documents now?
and the Indian English speaker responds with "We are getting that only printed" (implying that it is indeed being done, not implying that the customer's print job is the only one being printed at this time) then I as an American English speaker might say "Yes, we are actually printing that right now." Perhaps "We are indeed getting that printed." Truthfully, this emphasis doesn't seem to work as well in Western English.
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
I am an America living in India and have observed the Indian English use of "only" for purposes of emphasis.
I've collected a few examples of this usage. The ones below require context because they could also mean "only" in the sense of exclusion, as an American or an Englishman would use the term. However they were all used to emphasize.
"It's a new movie only"
"It's on that branch only"
"They are Panjabi only"
"There was a tree only over there"
"That's his term only"
The following examples also use "only" for emphasis, and contextually they can't be taken any other way.
"It's an iPhone only."
"I have no lighter only."
"I'm going to eat now only."
"Immediately on arrival only he paid me."
"That is still a part of Bombay only."
"I'll get it washed tomorrow only."
"I can not understand it only"
answers phone "I'm in my room only"
"I need AA batteries"...."we will get that in town only."
If I am to understand your question correctly, you want to know how this emphasis would be given in the same situation by a Western native speaker of English. (For many Indians, "proper" here is equivalent to "English as used in the West.") It need not be though, Indian English is a great native language, it has its own sense of style.
I don't have a clean easy way of adding the same emphasis, this is a unique use of English. But I think that if the sentence was a response to
"Are you printing up my documents now?
and the Indian English speaker responds with "We are getting that only printed" (implying that it is indeed being done, not implying that the customer's print job is the only one being printed at this time) then I as an American English speaker might say "Yes, we are actually printing that right now." Perhaps "We are indeed getting that printed." Truthfully, this emphasis doesn't seem to work as well in Western English.
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
answered Feb 28 '14 at 18:39
JamesJames
14612
14612
2
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
add a comment |
2
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
2
2
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
I find it interesting that while in Ireland we have a similar use of only for emphasis that likewise sounds strange to British or American ears (or other Irish ears, as the use varies by region and class), we don't use it postpositively. "You're only a genius" or "He's only gone and fixed it already" both use only as emphasis by implying that the fact or opinion stated is so startling that it is literally the only thing that could be said. I imagine the Indian use is of similar origin, but it's interesting we do the same thing with the same word, but different syntax.
– Jon Hanna
Feb 28 '14 at 18:47
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
@JonHanna: Interesting indeed. If I heard either of your examples in England I would take them to be the Estuary English version of litotes, as in "He's only gone and won the lottery/ been picked up by the filth", which really need a (!) at the end.
– TimLymington
Apr 23 '14 at 16:27
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
Some might simply answer the question "yes."
– phoog
Jul 5 '16 at 22:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
@JonHanna That's very interesting, indeed. See also this question, maybe you could contribute something: english.stackexchange.com/q/333310/160195
– Revetahw
Jul 26 '17 at 11:31
add a comment |
Your phrase is perfectly normal, assuming you want to emphasize that it is the one sheet you are printing, not the whole document (or whatever). The Authorised Version of the book of Job has a survivor say "And I only am escaped to tell thee" which is well known enough for Roger Zelazny to use as a title for a short story. Modern versions have "I am the only one who escaped" here, so you could say That is the only one we are getting printed, adding clarity at the expense of concision and euphony. The common usage "We are only getting that printed" would not be what you want: it might mean "we are only having it printed, not engraved", or "only now are we getting it printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
add a comment |
Your phrase is perfectly normal, assuming you want to emphasize that it is the one sheet you are printing, not the whole document (or whatever). The Authorised Version of the book of Job has a survivor say "And I only am escaped to tell thee" which is well known enough for Roger Zelazny to use as a title for a short story. Modern versions have "I am the only one who escaped" here, so you could say That is the only one we are getting printed, adding clarity at the expense of concision and euphony. The common usage "We are only getting that printed" would not be what you want: it might mean "we are only having it printed, not engraved", or "only now are we getting it printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
add a comment |
Your phrase is perfectly normal, assuming you want to emphasize that it is the one sheet you are printing, not the whole document (or whatever). The Authorised Version of the book of Job has a survivor say "And I only am escaped to tell thee" which is well known enough for Roger Zelazny to use as a title for a short story. Modern versions have "I am the only one who escaped" here, so you could say That is the only one we are getting printed, adding clarity at the expense of concision and euphony. The common usage "We are only getting that printed" would not be what you want: it might mean "we are only having it printed, not engraved", or "only now are we getting it printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
Your phrase is perfectly normal, assuming you want to emphasize that it is the one sheet you are printing, not the whole document (or whatever). The Authorised Version of the book of Job has a survivor say "And I only am escaped to tell thee" which is well known enough for Roger Zelazny to use as a title for a short story. Modern versions have "I am the only one who escaped" here, so you could say That is the only one we are getting printed, adding clarity at the expense of concision and euphony. The common usage "We are only getting that printed" would not be what you want: it might mean "we are only having it printed, not engraved", or "only now are we getting it printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
answered Mar 15 '13 at 11:28
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.6k875143
32.6k875143
add a comment |
add a comment |
Instead of "We are getting that only printed" use "We are only getting that printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
3
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
4
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
1
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
|
show 4 more comments
Instead of "We are getting that only printed" use "We are only getting that printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
3
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
4
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
1
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
|
show 4 more comments
Instead of "We are getting that only printed" use "We are only getting that printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
Instead of "We are getting that only printed" use "We are only getting that printed".
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
answered Mar 15 '13 at 10:41
camden_kidcamden_kid
68831021
68831021
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
3
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
4
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
1
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
|
show 4 more comments
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
3
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
4
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
1
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
What I want to do is to emphasis on "We are getting that printed" without using bold!
– Anirudh
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
Can someone explain the down vote? The words I put in bold aren't for emphasis but to show where the words are placed.
– camden_kid
Mar 15 '13 at 10:58
3
3
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
Most downvoters don't bother to explain their downvotes. They think that you can read their mind or else they're just perverse and have no reason other than that they like drive-bys: makes 'em feel powerful.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:03
4
4
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
Sorry, I was called away before I could explain my downvote. I consider "We are only getting that printed" grammatically wrong. Colloquially it's common, but by strict construction it's not right. "We are only getting that printed" means "the only thing we are doing is getting that printed." Only should come immediately before whatever it modifies. If only one item being printed, say "only that." "Only that is being printed." "We are getting only that printed." Even stronger emphasis comes if you keep "that only" and turn it into "that and that only." (continued in next comment)
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:03
1
1
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
The confusion arises because of the all too common practice of tossing in helping verbs where they are not needed. It would be much clearer, and would eliminate a number of problems, if this were constructed with "print" alone, instead of "getting printed." Once you split "getting" and "printed" apart, you start to create problems. Say it this way instead: "We are printing..." and then you can finish with "only that," "that only," "that and only that," "nothing but that," "nothing else but that," "that one thing," or just about any other phrase that makes your point, without confusion.
– John M. Landsberg
Mar 16 '13 at 3:09
|
show 4 more comments
Either:
We are only getting that printed.
Which is ambiguous (does "only" refer to "that" or to "printed"?) or:
We are getting only that printed.
Which, AFAIU, is not ambiguous.
(Emphasis is added to show where the word "only" is used, not where emphasis falls in the sentence.)
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
add a comment |
Either:
We are only getting that printed.
Which is ambiguous (does "only" refer to "that" or to "printed"?) or:
We are getting only that printed.
Which, AFAIU, is not ambiguous.
(Emphasis is added to show where the word "only" is used, not where emphasis falls in the sentence.)
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
add a comment |
Either:
We are only getting that printed.
Which is ambiguous (does "only" refer to "that" or to "printed"?) or:
We are getting only that printed.
Which, AFAIU, is not ambiguous.
(Emphasis is added to show where the word "only" is used, not where emphasis falls in the sentence.)
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
Either:
We are only getting that printed.
Which is ambiguous (does "only" refer to "that" or to "printed"?) or:
We are getting only that printed.
Which, AFAIU, is not ambiguous.
(Emphasis is added to show where the word "only" is used, not where emphasis falls in the sentence.)
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
answered Mar 19 '13 at 15:00
CharlesCharles
1,91411428
1,91411428
add a comment |
add a comment |
Changing the word order gives you the results you want. To use your own example, say "That's what we are getting printed". For more emphasis, you can also say "That's exactly what we are printing (doing)".
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
add a comment |
Changing the word order gives you the results you want. To use your own example, say "That's what we are getting printed". For more emphasis, you can also say "That's exactly what we are printing (doing)".
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
add a comment |
Changing the word order gives you the results you want. To use your own example, say "That's what we are getting printed". For more emphasis, you can also say "That's exactly what we are printing (doing)".
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
Changing the word order gives you the results you want. To use your own example, say "That's what we are getting printed". For more emphasis, you can also say "That's exactly what we are printing (doing)".
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
answered Mar 19 '13 at 13:12
moonstarmoonstar
2,107811
2,107811
add a comment |
add a comment |
In almost all the cases you can use 'just'.
We are just getting that printed
Adds emphasis.
But avoid putting 'just' near 'that' unless you intend to imply specificity rather than mere emphasis.
We are getting just that printed
Specifies more closely what is printed.
You can even get away with that swap in constructions like:
That is just a part of Bombay.
They are just Punjabi.
I can just not understand it / I just cannot understand it
I am just in my room.
The 'just' usually goes between the main verb and a modal or helping verb when there is one.
Self-effacing people in the US often develop the same reflexive use of 'just' that Indians have of 'only'. But we like our adverbs to lie closer to their verbs.
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
add a comment |
In almost all the cases you can use 'just'.
We are just getting that printed
Adds emphasis.
But avoid putting 'just' near 'that' unless you intend to imply specificity rather than mere emphasis.
We are getting just that printed
Specifies more closely what is printed.
You can even get away with that swap in constructions like:
That is just a part of Bombay.
They are just Punjabi.
I can just not understand it / I just cannot understand it
I am just in my room.
The 'just' usually goes between the main verb and a modal or helping verb when there is one.
Self-effacing people in the US often develop the same reflexive use of 'just' that Indians have of 'only'. But we like our adverbs to lie closer to their verbs.
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
add a comment |
In almost all the cases you can use 'just'.
We are just getting that printed
Adds emphasis.
But avoid putting 'just' near 'that' unless you intend to imply specificity rather than mere emphasis.
We are getting just that printed
Specifies more closely what is printed.
You can even get away with that swap in constructions like:
That is just a part of Bombay.
They are just Punjabi.
I can just not understand it / I just cannot understand it
I am just in my room.
The 'just' usually goes between the main verb and a modal or helping verb when there is one.
Self-effacing people in the US often develop the same reflexive use of 'just' that Indians have of 'only'. But we like our adverbs to lie closer to their verbs.
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
In almost all the cases you can use 'just'.
We are just getting that printed
Adds emphasis.
But avoid putting 'just' near 'that' unless you intend to imply specificity rather than mere emphasis.
We are getting just that printed
Specifies more closely what is printed.
You can even get away with that swap in constructions like:
That is just a part of Bombay.
They are just Punjabi.
I can just not understand it / I just cannot understand it
I am just in my room.
The 'just' usually goes between the main verb and a modal or helping verb when there is one.
Self-effacing people in the US often develop the same reflexive use of 'just' that Indians have of 'only'. But we like our adverbs to lie closer to their verbs.
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
edited Nov 17 '16 at 21:18
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
answered Nov 17 '16 at 20:58
jobermarkjobermark
54226
54226
add a comment |
add a comment |
My friend,
The usage of 'only' depends on the intention of the speaker.
If the speaker wants to say that only he and nobody else are printing the paper, then he should be saying, 'only I am getting the paper printed.'
But, if the speaker wants to tell that he is doing just one job, getting the paper printed, and nothing else, then he should be saying,'I am only getting the paper printed.'
Now, if the speaker tries to convey that, of all the papers that he has if he is getting just one paper printed and nothing else, then he should probably be telling, 'I am getting only the paper printed.'
Hope this clarifies your question.
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
add a comment |
My friend,
The usage of 'only' depends on the intention of the speaker.
If the speaker wants to say that only he and nobody else are printing the paper, then he should be saying, 'only I am getting the paper printed.'
But, if the speaker wants to tell that he is doing just one job, getting the paper printed, and nothing else, then he should be saying,'I am only getting the paper printed.'
Now, if the speaker tries to convey that, of all the papers that he has if he is getting just one paper printed and nothing else, then he should probably be telling, 'I am getting only the paper printed.'
Hope this clarifies your question.
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
add a comment |
My friend,
The usage of 'only' depends on the intention of the speaker.
If the speaker wants to say that only he and nobody else are printing the paper, then he should be saying, 'only I am getting the paper printed.'
But, if the speaker wants to tell that he is doing just one job, getting the paper printed, and nothing else, then he should be saying,'I am only getting the paper printed.'
Now, if the speaker tries to convey that, of all the papers that he has if he is getting just one paper printed and nothing else, then he should probably be telling, 'I am getting only the paper printed.'
Hope this clarifies your question.
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
My friend,
The usage of 'only' depends on the intention of the speaker.
If the speaker wants to say that only he and nobody else are printing the paper, then he should be saying, 'only I am getting the paper printed.'
But, if the speaker wants to tell that he is doing just one job, getting the paper printed, and nothing else, then he should be saying,'I am only getting the paper printed.'
Now, if the speaker tries to convey that, of all the papers that he has if he is getting just one paper printed and nothing else, then he should probably be telling, 'I am getting only the paper printed.'
Hope this clarifies your question.
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
answered Feb 4 '17 at 18:33
Anirudh IyerAnirudh Iyer
1
1
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
add a comment |
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
That does not explain the Indian use of only well.
– NVZ
Feb 5 '17 at 6:49
add a comment |
I'm an Indian and I'm quite annoyed by the usage of 'only' by my fellow Indians.
The answer to your question is; We are getting that itself printed.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
add a comment |
I'm an Indian and I'm quite annoyed by the usage of 'only' by my fellow Indians.
The answer to your question is; We are getting that itself printed.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
add a comment |
I'm an Indian and I'm quite annoyed by the usage of 'only' by my fellow Indians.
The answer to your question is; We are getting that itself printed.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'm an Indian and I'm quite annoyed by the usage of 'only' by my fellow Indians.
The answer to your question is; We are getting that itself printed.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
answered Apr 8 at 1:36
PrabhucharanPrabhucharan
11
11
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Prabhucharan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
add a comment |
That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
That doesn't sound idiomatic to me either, when you say you're getting something printed, doesn't that imply that itself? It sounds very strange to me. Here (Western Europe), we would emphasise that by emphasising it in speech or by type-facing it using italics.
– JJJ
Apr 8 at 1:42
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
Hi Prabhucharan, welcome to EL&U. Note that on our site we're not interested in personal opinion (i.e. your 1st sentence), and we expect an answer (i.e. your 2nd sentence) to explain why it's correct and supporting your argument by referring to published authority on the matter (e.g. an Indian English dictionary or similar) or published example(s), hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add these elements. For further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
– Chappo
Apr 8 at 3:04
add a comment |
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2
Yes.That is a general tendency.It is used to emphasize the task.For e.g., If you ask a person about completion of a task abc, he will reply "Yes, I am doing that only." :) Its a bit funny but has become a habit mostly. The only way to avoid use of 'only' is to specify the work being done.In your case, it might be, 'We are getting the sheet xyz printed'.
– Miss Komal
Mar 15 '13 at 10:34
1
I assume you mean 'limit' when you say 'emphasis[e]'. For emphasis, bolding and/or italicisation would be used in print (We are getting that printed), whilst in spoken English, an emphatic tone (and perhaps an emphatic gesture) would be used. To limit, in conversation the word just is more idiomatic in the obvious position: 'We are getting just that printed.' However, it would be more normal to change the position of the limiting modifier, admittedly to a less logical position in the sentence: 'We are only / just getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:46
1
I've just told you how most people in England would do it. To attempt to avoid the possible ambiguity, the that would be stressed: 'We are only getting that printed.'
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 10:49
1
The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say "We are getting only that printed" and to emphasize "that". When it's written, where "only" is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity. All other suggestions here so far are ambiguous to careful writers and readers. Disregard what typical native speakers think is normal in this case. In writing, place "only" before the word or phrase that it modifies. When speaking, however, it's fine to say it after, viz., "We are getting that only printed" if you heavily stress "only" & keep the pause after "that" very short.
– user21497
Mar 15 '13 at 11:00
5
No, 'That's the only thing we're having printed' avoids ambiguity and sounds like normal English.
– Edwin Ashworth
Mar 15 '13 at 15:51