"has only been used" vs "has been used only"

Question

"has only been used" vs "has been used only"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Has been used only' implies that something has been exclusively used, while 'has only been used' suggests that something has been used only for a specific purpose or in a limited way.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase suggests that something has been used only for a specific purpose or in a limited way.

Examples:

The new technology has only been used in a few applications.
The ingredient has only been used in small quantities.
The method has only been used for a short period.
The tool has only been used by experienced professionals.
The software has only been used for basic functions.

Alternatives:

has been used only for
has been used solely for

This phrase implies that something has been exclusively used and not for any other purpose.

Examples:

This tool has been used only for research purposes.
The car has been used only by the owner.
The machine has been used only in emergencies.
The software has been used only for testing.
The method has been used only in specific cases.

Alternatives:

has exclusively been used
has solely been used

Answer 1

has only been used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

has been used only

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"has only been used" vs "has been used only"

has only been used

has been used only

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