"I can only" vs "I only can"

Question

"I can only" vs "I only can"

Both "I only can" and "I can only" are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. "I only can" implies that the speaker can do something exclusively, while "I can only" suggests a limitation or restriction in what the speaker can do.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to express a restriction or limitation in the speaker's ability to do something. It implies that the speaker's capability is constrained or restricted in some way.

Examples:

I can only stay for an hour.
She can only eat gluten-free food.
They can only afford to buy one ticket.

Alternatives:

I only can
I am only able to
I have the ability to do only
My capability is limited to

This phrase is used to emphasize that the speaker has the ability to do something exclusively or solely. It implies a sense of uniqueness or exclusivity in the speaker's capability.

Examples:

I only can speak English fluently.
She only can solve that complex math problem.
They only can access the restricted area.

Alternatives:

I can only
I can do it exclusively
I am the only one who can
I alone can

Answer 1

I can only

This phrase is correct and is commonly used to indicate a limitation or restriction in what the speaker can do.

Answer 2

I only can

This phrase is correct and can be used to express that the speaker can do something exclusively.

"I can only" vs "I only can"

I can only

I only can

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