only have sugar vs have only sugar

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Only have sugar' implies that the only thing you possess is sugar, while 'have only sugar' suggests that among several items, sugar is the only one you have. The choice between them depends on the intended emphasis.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 825 views

only have sugar

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase implies that the only possession you have is sugar. It emphasizes the exclusivity of sugar as the sole item in your possession.

Examples:

I only have sugar in my pantry.
She can't bake the cake because she only has sugar.

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There are a few countries that only have sugar to export, and we have managed to hold on to these wretched subsidies that we grant to our sugar barons thanks to our Member States.
Listen, Kimmy, 'cause I only have the blood sugar to say this once.
The only sugar I want is you.
only sugar confectionery, except candied fruit
Accordingly, it should be laid down that only sugar held in an approved place of storage when the offer is made may be taken over.
Marshal, I like only sugar, chequered!
Sugar cane has become a valuable commodity, capable of producing not only sugar but also energy, using bagasse or indeed natural manure.
This means that the economic viability of the only sugar beet processing plant in mainland Portugal, in Coruche, could be jeopardised if it does not reach an output close to 100000 tonnes.
3. Only sugar under quota which at the time of the offer is located in an approved store may be taken over.
It is well known that Sinaga is the only sugar-producing company in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
There are real fears that if the ruling is implemented, the government may allocate less money to growers and contractors, while a greater proportion is likely to go to the country's only sugar processor, Greencore.
Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001 guarantees prices and disposal only for sugar produced under quota.
Indeed, it is difficult to imagine consumers immediately being aware that the addition of sugar is now prohibited, and that the only sugar content comes from the fruit itself.
I should be the only brown sugar up in here.
I'm in charge of all pharmacology. So I'll make sure you only get sugar pills.
I'm in charge of all pharmacology, so I'll make sure you'll only get sugar pills.
Except only the Sugar Plum Fairy can make the potion.
Only sugar which has not previously been bought in to intervention and which is owned by the party making the offer may be offered for intervention.
Team Alpha, water and sugar only.
Only had enough sugar for one each.

Alternatives:

only possess sugar
have sugar only
possess only sugar
have sugar exclusively
sugar is all I have

have only sugar

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase indicates that among several items, sugar is the only one you have. It highlights the singularity of sugar among other possible possessions.