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She was 18 only vs she was only 18

Both phrases are correct, but 'she was only 18' is more commonly used and sounds more natural in English. The adverb 'only' usually comes before the number or quantity it is modifying.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1084 views

She was 18 only

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It is more common to place 'only' before the number it is modifying.

This phrase can be used to emphasize the age of the person, but it may sound a bit awkward or less natural compared to the alternative.

Examples:

  • She was 18 only when she started college.
  • She was only 18 when I was born, and she went through a lot just to give birth.
  • It was wrong to say that the standard maximum period for detention is 18 months: the normal maximum is six months, to be extended to 18 only in special circumstances.
  • In Switzerland, the average train delay during the first four months was 18 minutes and only then did things gradually change for the better.
  • You see, Nuria was only 18 when she told us she was leaving.
  • 18 should only be administered when absolutely necessary (in life-threatening situations).
  • Chase Patterson, 18, only son.
  • Madam President, number 18 is only a reordering.
  • In line with the Geneva Convention, asylum seekers should be placed in detention (18) only under exceptional circumstances.
  • Agriculture, which employs 18 percent of our poverty-stricken citizens, takes only 18 billion.
  • Adrian is only 18, you know.
  • You were only 18 when you joined the marines.
  • Worldwide Cup has an office in Canton only 18 miles from campus.
  • Yet, there are only 18 pills missing from this bottle.
  • The Christmas tree farm is only 18 years old.
  • Tastes like a milkshake but only 18 calories.
  • Honey, you're only 18.
  • You're only 18, honey.
  • There are only 18 marshals in the D.C. office.
  • Only 18, and already welcoming all the makings Of anyone's 19th nervous breakdown.
  • Now, the election's only 18 months away.

Alternatives:

  • She was only 18 when she started college.

she was only 18

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. 'Only' is typically placed before the number or quantity it is modifying.

This phrase is the more common and natural way to express someone's age as a specific detail or limitation.

Examples:

  • She was only 18 when she graduated from high school.
  • She was only 18 when I was born, and she went through a lot just to give birth.
  • She was only 17 or 18 and just like a freshly blooming flower!
  • Mr. Shayne's policy was only 18 months old.
  • He was only 18 at the time.
  • I became a chamberlain when I was only 18 too.
  • And that was only 18 years ago, and now look.
  • I was only 18 and it was supposed to be a simple exchange.
  • I was only 18, when I met Kenneth and we were in high school.
  • But he did meet a watery grave, even if it was only 18 inches deep at the time.
  • Six: following the opposition's call for a boycott the recorded electoral turnout was only 18 % lower.
  • You see, Nuria was only 18 when she told us she was leaving.
  • He was a criminal and an addict, but he was only 18 years old.
  • Agriculture, which employs 18 percent of our poverty-stricken citizens, takes only 18 billion.
  • Adrian is only 18, you know.
  • You were only 18 when you joined the marines.
  • Worldwide Cup has an office in Canton only 18 miles from campus.
  • Yet, there are only 18 pills missing from this bottle.
  • The Christmas tree farm is only 18 years old.
  • Tastes like a milkshake but only 18 calories.
  • Honey, you're only 18.

Alternatives:

  • She was merely 18.
  • She was just 18.
  • She was a mere 18 years old.
  • She was only 18 years of age.

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