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I can only vs I have only

Both "I can only" and "I have only" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I can only" is used to express limitations or restrictions, while "I have only" is used to indicate possession or scarcity.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 842 views

I can only

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express limitations or restrictions.

Use "I can only" to indicate that you are capable of doing only a specific action or that you have limited options available.

Examples:

  • I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you.
  • I can only hope for the best in this situation.
  • I can only do what I think is right.
  • I can only offer my support from afar.
  • I can only work on this project during the weekends.
  • I can only surmise molecular trans-placement.
  • I can only apologize sir, but it's...
  • I can only confirm what Mr White said.
  • Mr Musumeci, I can only repeat the context I have just outlined.
  • - I can only deal with one thing at a time.
  • I can only apologize for my colleague's bizarre behavior.
  • I can only Book an account number.
  • I can only ask that you be patient again.
  • I can only guess at your motives, My Lady.
  • I can only be me when I'm racing here.
  • I can only do my best to protect the people like jimmy.
  • I can only work long term against the sniffs.
  • I can only guess how those guys must have felt.
  • I can only give to you by taking from someone else.
  • Now I can only conclude that she is conducting an affair.
  • I can only conclude you doubt my sincerity.
  • I can only surmise that it's some sort of Wraith experiment.
  • I can only tell you I was motivated by many factors.
  • I can only wish to help is genuine.
  • I can only report what Sgt. Jericho told me later.

Alternatives:

  • I can just
  • I can simply

I have only

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate possession or scarcity.

Use "I have only" to express that you possess a limited quantity of something or that you are lacking in quantity.

Examples:

  • I have only two dollars left in my wallet.
  • I have only one cookie left to share.
  • I have only a few minutes to spare.
  • I have only a small amount of experience in this field.
  • I have only a couple of friends in this city.
  • Aug 5, 2017 ... In I only have a few friends, only modifies the subject I and asserts that the speaker has nothing but a few friends. In I have only a few ...
  • Nov 16, 2013 ... Hello, I'd like to know where I should put the adverb ONLY. For example: - I only have two children. - I have only two children.
  • Jul 15, 2022 ... I had 16.75 gb of space gained in about 8 years by inviting people to join dropbox, and now I got the message that I have only 2 gb. what happened?
  • Nov 14, 2018 ... “I have only one” wouldn't work for you; it wouldn't convey that meaning. But suppose your point is that you have one only; you don't have two.
  • Sep 8, 2024 ... Email says I have only 1GB left, but my account shows much more available. I don't know why I'm getting these emails that tell me "Your ...
  • Dec 9, 2023 ... Should I play BG1/2 if i have only played BG3? Original BG1. I loved BG3, I played it hundreds of hours and I really want more, but I have ...
  • Apr 25, 2018 ... ... I have only found more points to bond over' ... Most importantly, my love for people has only grown stronger, for in all of our differences I have ...
  • 2 days ago ... I Have Only Heard Of Doldrums In Reference To The Sea, Is There An Equivalent For Land? Earth Sciences. Are there places in land where there ...
  • Aug 16, 2024 ... I have only one bad thing to say about this guy and that is I wish I knew him longer than what I do. This guy is the f-Kn GOAT!
  • Feb 2, 2024 ... How can I have only Linux on my PC? migrating to Linux. How do I uninstall Windows 10 and just be left with Linux on my laptop? Furthermore ...

Alternatives:

  • I only have
  • I possess only

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