only this time vs Only the time

Both "only this time" and "only the time" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Only this time" is used to emphasize that something is happening or being done differently on a specific occasion, while "only the time" is not a common phrase in English. Therefore, the correct choice between the two depends on the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 4189 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something is happening or being done differently on a specific occasion.

"only this time"

Use "only this time" to emphasize that a particular situation or action is unique or different from previous occurrences.

Examples:

I'll let you off the hook, but only this time.
You can borrow my car, but only this time.
I'm making an exception, but only this time.
I'll cover your shift, but only this time.
You can have a second piece of cake, but only this time.

Show examples from the web [+]

Right - only this time, we're the conquerors.
And now Lawrie's doing it all over again, only this time he's got help.
Scientists believe that humanity is precipitating a return to those conditions, only this time...
Then Goebbels or Himmler takes over, only this time, they won't just flatten D.C. with the H-bomb.
We'll have to start over, only this time working together.
We decided we would re-run the race, only this time, we'd use a car that was a little more suitable for city centre work.
Occupy, WTO, anti-war groups, only this time, you people are really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Same as before, only this time it's both of them.
Or it's into the woods once more, only this time... left nailed to a tree.
The next year I had exactly the same dream, only this time I went past two stations.
So he stuck at it, only this time on a much bigger scale.
And now my son is doing the same, only this time he's riding a lion instead of a horse.
And Neil fell again into darkness, only this time, his thoughts turned to an escape of which we dare not speak.
I was in the room with a scary woman, only this time Mick was there.
Now, we give the working class their jobs back, only this time, behind bars, for two cents on the dollar.
I know this is probably another game you're playing, only this time it's with me.
The same thing happens, only this time, they're on a plane!
Well, only this time we have enough lifeboats
Imagine yourself up there with that boy like you were the other day, only this time it's just him and you.
So we all moved back in with Maw Maw, only this time she needed us as much as we needed her.

Alternatives:

just this time
this time only
only on this occasion
only for this instance
solely this time

This phrase is not a common or correct construction in English. It does not convey a clear meaning and is not used in standard English.

"Only the time"

Show examples from the web [+]

They have only the time between the gamma ray bursts to complete their work.
They have only the time between the gamma ray bursts to complete their work.
Come on, good girl... reflects only the time span within which this summit has been declared.
With this option you indicate that you want to use idle detection. This means that only the time you are active (when you use the keyboard or the mouse) will be counted when evaluating the position of the next break.
Come on, good girl... reflects only the time span within which this summit has been declared.
I am grateful to the rapporteur and his colleagues, regretting only the time that it took to respond but I guess that is inevitable when there are detailed amendments on a technical issue.
Time is passing too fast, not only the time I have to speak, but the time left to reform the CFP.
THE TRAIN IS THE SAME, ONLY THE TIME IS ALTERED.

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only this time vs Only the time

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