"I can only make" vs "I can make only"

Question

"I can only make" vs "I can make only"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings and usage. 'I can make only' emphasizes that the speaker has the ability to create something, but limits it to only that action. 'I can only make' implies that making is the only action the speaker can perform. The choice between them depends on the intended emphasis in the sentence.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to convey that making is the sole action the speaker is capable of. It implies a limitation on the speaker's abilities.

Examples:

I can only make coffee, not tea.
She can only make sculptures, not paintings.
He can only make jokes, not serious conversation.
They can only make noise, not music.
We can only make suggestions, not decisions.

Alternatives:

I can make only
I can only create
I can only produce
I can only craft
I can only construct

This phrase is used to highlight that the speaker has the ability to make something, but restricts it to only that action. It emphasizes the limitation of the action.

Examples:

I can make only one cake at a time.
She can make only simple drawings.
He can make only basic repairs.
They can make only small talk at parties.
We can make only minor adjustments to the plan.

Alternatives:

I can only make
I can make just
I can make solely
I can make exclusively
I can make solely

Answer 1

I can only make

This phrase is correct and can be used to indicate that making is the only action the speaker can perform.

Answer 2

I can make only

This phrase is correct and can be used to emphasize the limitation of the action to making only.

"I can only make" vs "I can make only"

I can only make

I can make only

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